What is Phenolic Ply & Why Is It Used On Trailer Floors?

Learn what Phenolic Ply Is, and why it is common on European Trailer Floors

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What is Phenolic Ply & Why Is It Used on Trailer Floors?

Today, we’re talking about phenolic plywood, the most popular choice of flooring material used on European trailers. It comes in thicknesses of 9, 12, 15, or 18 mm, predominantly used on heavy machinery trailers and some tilt beds.

Phenolic ply is a high-density plywood impregnated with phenolic resin layers on both the top and bottom. The bottom side is a shiny, smooth surface—similar to shuttering ply you may have seen in concreting. On the top side, there's an embedded mesh, providing slip resistance and color.

When installed on trailers, the phenolic ply is completely sealed to protect the individual veneer layers. Around the edge, a rubber or silicon sealant is applied to prevent water from penetrating and soaking in. This sealant also allows for flexibility between different materials like metal and ply.

To protect phenolic floors over time, coatings such as lanolin or linseed oil can be applied. This protection can help the floors last 10 to 15 years.

Phenolic plywood offers excellent durability, waterproofing, and slip resistance, making it a top choice for trailer floors.

If you want more details, feel free to contact A2B Trailers online!