Comparing PVC/Fibreglass vs Honeycomb vs Timber Floors

Fibreglass Infused with PVC Core

When you’re investing in a caravan, especially for serious off-road touring, the foundation matters. The floor is more than something you walk on; it’s the structural base that supports your cabinetry, appliances, bunks, and every journey you’ll take.

In today’s market, three flooring types dominate caravan construction:

• PVC/Fibreglass Composite Floor (30mm Solid Core)

• Honeycomb Composite Floor (Polypropylene or Lightweight Core)

• Traditional Timber/Plywood Floor

  
  

So, which one truly stands the test of time, weight, water, and rough Australian terrain? Let’s dive in...

🏆 1. Strength & Structural Integrity

Flooring Type	Strength & Flex	Suitability
PVC/Fibreglass Composite	Solid, rigid, no flex. Ideal for heavy load & off-road stress	Heavy-duty & Premium
Honeycomb	Lightweight but can flex or sag under pressure	Lightweight tourers
Timber	Strong initially, but weakens with moisture & age	Older construction

PVC composite flooring delivers a rock-solid base, no spongy feel, no flex. It supports heavy cabinetry and bunk structures without compromise, which is critical in off-road builds.

🚿 2. Water Resistance & Rot Protection

Flooring Type	Water Resistance	Risk of Rot
PVC/Fibreglass	100% waterproof, rot-proof, mould-proof	Zero
Honeycomb	Water resistant but vulnerable at edges & penetrations	Low–Moderate
Timber/Plywood	Highly vulnerable – swells, rots, delaminates	High

A single water leak can destroy a timber floor. Honeycomb resists water but relies heavily on edge sealing. PVC/Fibreglass? Completely immune. It cannot absorb moisture, no swelling, no soft spots, no mould.

🌡 3. Insulation & Comfort Underfoot

Factor	PVC Composite	Honeycomb	Timber
Thermal Insulation	Excellent	Moderate	Low
Sound Dampening	Quiet & solid	Hollow & echoes	Natural but weak over time
Feel Underfoot	Solid & residential	Hollow or drum-like	Solid but softens when wet

PVC flooring provides insulation from road noise and weather, reducing cabin temperature fluctuations. Honeycomb floors often sound hollow, while timber loses integrity over time.

🛠 4. Durability & Lifespan

Feature	PVC Composite	Honeycomb	Timber
Resistance to Age	Lifetime durability	Can crack or delaminate	Breaks down with moisture
Screw & Fixing Strength	High – dense solid core	Lower – relies on skin strength	Variable
Repairability	Easy to bond or patch	Hard to repair	Weakens permanently

PVC floors are designed to last the life of the caravan. Honeycomb is built to save weight, not to outlast decades. Timber? Strong at first, but inevitably fails with moisture ingress.

Final Verdict: Why PVC Composite Flooring Is Worth It

✅ Stronger than honeycomb and timber

✅ 100% Waterproof & Rot-Proof

✅ Superior Insulation (thermal & acoustic)

✅ Ideal for heavy off-road builds

✅ Lifetime durability

While honeycomb is popular for cutting weight, and timber is used in budget builds—PVC/Fibreglass composite flooring is chosen by Offroad Grit RV as we are focused on strength, longevity, and customer peace of mind.