How do you protect an unpainted plywood floor?

Question

I have a warehouse that has a mezzanine with an unpainted plywood floor; the plywood floor is starting to deteriorate and is splintering. Replacing or adding new plywood is not an option.

What can I apply over the plywood to protect it and help stop from further deterioration?

Answer 1

You have a couple of options. Of course you can cover the plywood floor with:
ceramic tile
more plywood
sticky floor tiles
linoleum

But if those aren't an option, try sanding down the existing floor to remove all uneven splinters, etc. Once that's done, use an oil-based primer and prime the plywood. You can then paint the plywood with any floor paint. This is the least expensive option, by the way.

These are about the only options....

Answer 2

As it seem cost is a big issue I would suggest a very low cost option. Go to a home improvement store and get their returned paints(hopefully color doesn't matter). Many times the cost is less the half of the new stuff. Stick with one type(oil or water based). When you have enough for at least 2 if not 3 coats then mix all the colors together and paint away. It may not look the prettiest but its an inexpensive solution

Answer 3

You don't mention what the traffic over the area is like. Assuming that it is not semi's, you could remove as much of the splinters as possible. Fill an level the area with a good floor leveling compound and apply vinyl over it. This is still a temporary fix depending upon the traffic over it.

Answer 4

I would look at a pigmented deck sealer or possibly, if you the budget - a thin rubber flooring. It comes in 2 foot square tiles and wears very well

Answer 5

I would go with rubber knobby floor tiles. Like someone else said, they come in 2'x2' squares and are really simple to put down.

Answer 6

there are alot of wood sealers to choose from, depending on the type of finish you want,colors ect.plywood would really suck it in. I would recommend going to your local hardware store and taking a look a what they have in the lines af deck sealers, and what you are willing to spend on it.