Shipping Container Re-Floor - Best Plywood to use?

[evantwheeler]

Putting a new floor in one of my 20' storage containers. Old floor is 1-1/8" or so in thickness. I am not asking about what is the best flooring to put onto of the factory wood, I am replacing the original wood which smells like a terrible mix of bleach, lavender, and dead racoon.

The interior surface finish of the plywood seems much nicer than any plywood I have handled in my life. Does anyone know what I should put down for longevity? Thinking 3/4" marine grade plywood, as I do not need this thing forklift rated and there are cross members every 14". It will hold whatever I put in it. Would like to buy the right stuff, as I hate putting effort into projects only to use inferior products. I reached out to a couple contacts I know that actually sell containers, and they did not have any leads or recommendations.

Also, is there anything I should do to treat the surface after installation?

 

[rivermobster]

What's your budget is the first question?

REAL marine grade plywood, NOT the shit you buy at Home Depot, ain't cheap.

I went through this when I replaced the plywood on my pontoon. It's expensive to do it right!

But the good stuff? I hated having to cover it up!!!

 

[rivermobster]

 

[BUDMAN]

It’s 1-1/8 apitong. You can get away with a good quality plywood if that’s what you’re wanting to use. As far as treating apitong we roll on a good coat of linseed oil. You mentioned an interior ply. Sea containers don’t usually have interior liners. You might have a trailer with the subframe removed If so the flooring more than likely would be a laminated oak and possibly thicker. The picture I’ve attached is my cost for the flooring. If you’re r interested in getting some hit me up and we can get it put on will call for you to pick up at my cost. Depending where you’re at.
Paul
909-816-8961

 

[oldman]

It’s 1-1/8 apitong. You can get away with a good quality plywood if that’s what you’re wanting to use. As far as treating apitong we roll on a good coat of linseed oil.

I've redone a couple stake bed trucks and that's we used, we sourced it from a lumber yard in Fontana I think and it was outrageously priced but paid off in the end.. Never knew you could do sheets of that stuff.

 

[DirtyWhiteDog]

Pressure treated and a few coats of paint on all 6 sides. T&G if you can find it, or block and nail all edges at 6"oc. Even regular plywood that has good paint coverage will last for a long time if kept dry and not in contact with earth

 

[BUDMAN]

I've redone a couple stake bed trucks and that's we used, we sourced it from a lumber yard in Fontana I think and it was outrageously priced but paid off in the end.. Never knew you could do sheets of that stuff.

Isn’t available in sheets to my knowledge. You’re correct about using the correct product over the long run. Sounds like OP is just using it for storage so he can more than likely get away with a good quality plywood

 

[evantwheeler]

What's your budget is the first question?

I'm not so cheap that I would put down OSB, but I'm not rich enough to put down $200/sheet plywood. I could literally replace the container for that price considering I need 6 sheets to cover the floor.

 

[Orange Juice]

Putting a new floor in one of my 20' storage containers. Old floor is 1-1/8" or so in thickness. I am not asking about what is the best flooring to put onto of the factory wood, I am replacing the original wood which smells like a terrible mix of bleach, lavender, and dead racoon.

The interior surface finish of the plywood seems much nicer than any plywood I have handled in my life. Does anyone know what I should put down for longevity? Thinking 3/4" marine grade plywood, as I do not need this thing forklift rated and there are cross members every 14". It will hold whatever I put in it. Would like to buy the right stuff, as I hate putting effort into projects only to use inferior products. I reached out to a couple contacts I know that actually sell containers, and they did not have any leads or recommendations.

Also, is there anything I should do to treat the surface after installation?

Poor 3 inch of concrete, and tile over it.

 

[oldman]

Isn’t available in sheets to my knowledge. You’re correct about using the correct product over the long run. Sounds like OP is just using it for storage so he can more than likely get away with a good quality plywood

I was going to suggest a normal high grade plywood, and avoid the marine option, and coat it well.

 

[oldman]

Decking around mobile homes are usually 1 1/8 T&G plywood, the better quality sheeting you use the less flex. Also you can glue down some roll out linoleum flooring over the top for a nice finish

 

[evantwheeler]

It’s 1-1/8 apitong. You can get away with a good quality plywood if that’s what you’re wanting to use. As far as treating apitong we roll on a good coat of linseed oil. You mentioned an interior ply. Sea containers don’t usually have interior liners. You might have a trailer with the subframe removed If so the flooring more than likely would be a laminated oak and possibly thicker. The picture I’ve attached is my cost for the flooring. If you’re r interested in getting some hit me up and we can get it put on will call for you to pick up at my cost. Depending where you’re at.
Paul
909-816-8961
View attachment 1448097

Thanks for the offer. After tearing the old floor out, there is no indication that it is not original and I believe it is definitely a shipping container as it has steel framed fork pockets across the width of the container. What I removed was definitely some sort of plywood, very heavy. There was evidence that it was installed in a laminated manner, maybe 3/4" over top of 1/2".

 

[oldman]

whatever you do, Send pics.

 

[evantwheeler]

This seems to be the way. $20 more per sheet than the 23/32. Maybe paint it with one of those deck/exterior rated paints?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/1-1-8-CAT-PS1-09-Tongue-and-Groove-Douglas-Fir-Application-as-4-x-8/1000068949

 

[evantwheeler]

Or would 3/4" pressure treated be a better choice?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/3-4-in-Common-Douglas-Fir-Plywood-Sheathing-Application-As-4-x-8-1/5000058371

 

[rivermobster]

I'm not so cheap that I would put down OSB, but I'm not rich enough to put down $200/sheet plywood. I could literally replace the container for that price considering I need 6 sheets to cover the floor.

You've got your homework cut out for you then.

Good luck on your search!

 

[Ducksquasher]

Off topic question...where can you buy storage containers?

 

[wzuber]

Would 4'x10' sheets give you less waste?
A hardwood type ply would give you the best wear & durability. Coating or sealing it will enhance that. A water proof stain or sealer on the underside will help significantly from.ground moisture rot.

 

[throttle]

Off topic question...where can you buy storage containers?

Conex hub, outside of Bouse

 

[evantwheeler]

Off topic question...where can you buy storage containers?

I have a neighbor i buy mine from here in Menifee. He will deliver anywhere if paid enough….

I just paid $3300 for a 20’ one trip delivered to a project in Fallbrook. It would have been $2350 for an old beat up unit. I wanted beige and the newer containers have a single hinge latch on the primary door. I hate the dual latch doors.

 

[evantwheeler]

Would 4'x10' sheets give you less waste?
A hardwood type ply would give you the best wear & durability. Coating or sealing it will enhance that. A water proof stain or sealer on the underside will help significantly from.ground moisture rot.

Yes, 4x10 would be ideal. Going to shop around tomorrow to see what i can find. Ganahl Lumber has some 4x10 options on their website.

 

[Backlash]

Off topic question...where can you buy storage containers?

Check Craigslist. Been seeing them for relatively inexpensive prices lately.

 

[WYRD]

Off topic question...where can you buy storage containers?

I have some 53' high cube ones for sale

 

[BHC Vic]

[Name] CHUCK @ LUMBERMILL
[Mobile] (909) 938-4772
[Home] California

Give him a call. Hard to beat his price

 

[Deckin Around]

If it isn't holding a loaded forklift, 1" or thicker T&G is more than enough and that should be around $70 a sheet.
Dump 1 gal of Deck Coating paint on it and roll it around and you're all good for $400ish. $450ish if you want to get all fancy and paint both sides.