Choosing Boat Flooring: EVA Foam Flooring vs. Carpet

Boating is one of the most enjoyable pastimes and hobbies. No matter if you take your boat out on a weekly basis or every so often, though, your flooring will be exposed to harsh marine environments. From bright UV rays to constant moisture, you want to make sure your flooring doesn’t just look good, but is also durable enough to withstand these kinds of damaging environments.

Over time, different types of boat flooring have become popular, promising both style and longevity. In more recent years, EVA foam decking is one type of flooring that has risen in popularity. While your final flooring decision can vary based on factors like aesthetics and budget, marine carpet continues to be a timeless choice — and for many good reasons.

Differences Between EVA Foam Flooring and Marine Carpet 

EVA foam boat flooring is constructed out of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam. Meanwhile, marine carpet is typically made out of a blend of synthetic fiber. These specific carpets are constructed out of formulated blends designed especially for marine environments. They are UV resistant and backed with a non-skid, non-marking Duragon rubber mat that makes them especially suited for boats.

Even though EVA foam decking has grown in popularity, marine carpet remains the superior choice for several different reasons. 

1. Appearance and Customization Options 

The type of flooring you install in your boat can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of your boat. Snap-in marine carpet, which comes in an array of colors and textures like Berber, offers a timeless look for all sizes and types of boats. With a poly mesh binding for improved aesthetics and longevity, marine carpets will improve the look and feel of your boat. 

Compared to carpet, which can be embroidered with lettering, logos and custom designs, EVA foam flooring is usually personalized with laser-etched designs, which comes with the risk of peeling or fading. 

2. Cost 

In general, you can expect to pay less for marine carpet than EVA foam flooring. Snap-in carpet can be an easy weekend project that you can DIY, eliminating installation costs. Since the snap-in carpet pieces can be replaced if they become damaged, you won’t have to worry about pricey repairs or replacements later on down the road. 

3. Installation Process 

The installation process is also different for marine carpet and EVA flooring. While EVA flooring is directly glued to the surface of the boat, Matworks marine carpet is pre-cut and bound with a patented snap technology to make installation quick and simple — even when installed around complex areas.

Because of the way it’s installed, if EVA flooring gets damaged or needs to be replaced, it is more difficult to remove it from the boat. If snap-in carpet gets damaged, however, it’s much easier to just remove one piece of the carpet instead of having to unglue all of the flooring and then deal with the residue that’s left behind.

4. Durability and Longevity

Because marine environments are harsh, your boating materials need to be able to withstand the elements. Marine-grade carpet is especially designed and manufactured to resist the damage from constant exposure to UV rays and saltwater. 

Matworks snap-in carpet is UV resistant, waterproof, mold and mildew resistant, and fade resistant. With this level of durability, you won’t have to worry about your flooring wearing down any time soon. 

With EVA flooring, there is a higher chance that it will become soiled or damaged. It’s more prone to getting dented or torn when it’s exposed to marine conditions. The adhesive can also start to fail over time due to exposure to high heat and humidity. 

5. Maintenance and Cleaning

Along with being able to withstand harsh environments, carpet can be easily cleaned if it does get soiled, making maintenance a breeze. The base material and embroidery on marine carpet can be pressure washed if it gets stained, restoring the appearance of your boat. 

When the EVA flooring adhesive starts to ooze from the cracks, it will attract dirt and trap in grime, discoloring and staining the flooring. If this happens, you’ll have to spend more time cleaning and maintaining the interior of the boat.

6. Comfort and Safety

Especially if you spend a lot of time out on the water, comfort and safety is key. Carpet offers more of a soft, padded surface if you’ll be on your feet for extended periods of time. It’s firm, yet comfortable, making it a great option if you’re a frequent boater. It also provides good traction, which is beneficial when you’re getting in and out of the boat while dripping wet.

Since EVA foam flooring has more of a sleek texture, it can be more slick than carpet when it gets wet. This flooring can also heat up quicker than carpet, especially if it’s a dark color, when exposed to direct sunlight. 

Snap-in Boat Flooring and Cockpit Carpet Sets

If you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing and practical flooring solution for your boat, Matworks has you covered. We have thousands of OEM boat templates from popular boat brands like Baja, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Chaparral and more. If we don’t have your template on file, we can easily create one from your measurements. 

Not sure which carpet color would complement your boat’s interior the best? We provide up to 6 free samples at a time so you can see the different colors and textures in person, making it easier to narrow down your options. Just fill out our sample request form and we’ll get them shipped out to you. Give us a call at 770-663-0040 or reach out at customerservice@matworks.com if you have any questions about our snap in cockpit carpets.