Plywood storage or a container storage with plywood flooring is heavy-duty, reliable, and durable for long-term use. This type of floor helps your storage, which is responsible for storing large amounts of goods, stay sturdy enough without too much damage.
In short, the lifespan and sturdiness of your container are greatly enhanced by the flooring you line it with. You need to know what the container flooring is made of.
Plywood flooring is used in containers (or shipping containers) because of its high strength and durability. It is suitable for withstanding heavy loads during shipping, loading, and unloading processes.
To know the benefits of using plywood storage and how to maintain it, find out in this article!
Advantages of Plywood Flooring in Containers for Storage
Standard in Most Containers
Most shipping containers already come with marine-grade plywood floors (usually 28-30 mm thick). They are designed to be durable, water-resistant, and pest-resistant, with longer durability and fewer defects than standard plywood.
Cost-Effective
Plywood is cheaper than steel or epoxy-coated floors. Most shipping containers already come with marine-grade plywood flooring, so you don’t have to install it separately. That alone makes it cheaper upfront than custom alternatives like steel or vinyl.
It is also easy to repair or replace as you can just cut and patch the damaged sections with standard tools. Full replacements are cheaper and easier than redoing metal or resin floors.
Gentle on Stored Items
Plywood is slightly flexible and less abrasive, reducing the risk of scratching delicate items and damaging packaging. Its natural cushioning effect helps absorb minor shocks and vibrations.
Plywood surfaces have a higher grip than metal or polished concrete. With that feature, items are less likely to slide during loading, unloading, or minor movement, making stacking more stable.
Ease of Modification
Container plywood flooring is generally easy to modify, which makes it a popular and practical choice for container conversions and storage customization.
It has a texture that makes it easy to drill into for anchoring shelves or tie-downs. After the drilling, you can overlay it with vinyl, epoxy, or rubber mats for added durability.
Load Capacity
Plywood can support heavy loads but may sag over time under concentrated weight. Use load-spreading mats or platforms for cumbersome items like machinery or pallet stacks.
Resistant to Humidity
Plywood, especially made with high-quality materials, like marine plywood, can withstand moisture and other environmental factors that can damage other materials.
However, it can also absorb moisture over time and become soft or moldy. Therefore, you need to install a vapor barrier or moisture-resistant coating to ensure good ventilation and avoid storing wet items directly on the floor.
Wide Use
Plywood flooring is not only used in shipping containers, but also in various types of vehicles, such as trailers, and various construction and furniture applications.
Tips for Upgrading or Maintaining a Plywood Floor
Seal It
Sealing container plywood flooring with polyurethane, epoxy, or marine sealant can significantly reduce or prevent moisture damage. However, the effectiveness depends on the product you choose and how well it’s applied.
For best protection, especially in humid or outdoor environments, epoxy or marine-grade sealant is recommended over basic polyurethane.
Replace Damaged Sections
Replacing the damaged section of a container’s plywood flooring is the most practical and cost-effective solution if the damage is localized. Plywood floors provide load-bearing support.
If a section is soft, rotted, delaminated, or infested by termites or mold, then replacing it prevents the damage from spreading or collapsing under load.
You only need to remove and replace the damaged area, not the entire floor. This saves on material, labor, and downtime, especially if you’re using the container for storage, office, or workshop.
Elevate Items
Using pallets or shelving is a smart and effective way to keep items off the plywood floor and promote air circulation. Lifting items off the floor allows air to flow underneath boxes, equipment, or materials.
This can reduce the chance of condensation forming under items, which can lead to mold or moisture damage, especially on plywood floors.
Add an Overlay
Adding a vinyl sheet, rubber mats, or a steel plate overlay on top of container plywood flooring can improve its durability, moisture resistance, and lifespan.
Especially if the container will be used for heavy-duty, commercial, or long-term storage purposes. They will protect your plywood storage against minor spills, stains, and scuffs.
Chemical Treatment
Original container plywood may be treated with pesticides (like phenol or formaldehyde) to prevent pests during shipping. Therefore, they are not ideal if you’re storing food, textiles, or sensitive items.
Pests and Insects
If not properly sealed or maintained, rodents or insects may burrow or nest in/under plywood. Regular inspections and sealing can help prevent this, especially in humid, warm, or outdoor environments where infestations are more likely.
Regular checks let you spot early signs of termites, ants, beetles or borers, rodents, or mold. Early action means less damage and cheaper repairs.
When Not to Use Plywood
Using plywood flooring in a container placed in very humid or wet environments without climate control is generally not recommended.
Plywood is porous and can absorb moisture from humid air or water seepage. In high humidity, it will swell, warp, and delaminate (layers peel apart), reducing its structural strength.
This can make the floor soft, uneven, and unsafe for heavy loads or foot traffic, then create the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and fungus. These not only weaken the plywood but also pose health risks, especially if you store textiles, paper, or food products.
Moreover, plywood flooring is not safe or hygienic for food contact or proximity over long periods, unless you upgrade to food-safe flooring. Most original container plywood floors are treated with pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides to meet international shipping standards (ISPM-15).
Conclusion
Using a plywood floor in a shipping container for storage is a common and practical choice, but there are some important considerations to ensure it’s suitable and long-lasting.
If you are interested in buying a container of plywood storage, buy one at Tradecorp!
Tradecorp is a reliable shipping container sales, purchase, rental, and modification service company. Tradecorp provides modification and custom shipping container services to residences by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your shipping container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!