At Plywood Etc, we stock Buffalo Board in a range of thicknesses to suit different applications. Our trailer flooring plywood features a dark brown phenolic film face with a textured mesh pattern, providing a practical anti slip surface while protecting the plywood beneath.

Available in 9mm, 12mm and 18mm thicknesses, Buffalo Board can be used for trailer flooring, loading ramps, access platforms, vehicle floors, workshop applications and general-purpose flooring where a hard-wearing plywood surface is required.

Trailer Flooring Buffalo Board

Buffalo Board is a type of phenolic faced plywood designed for applications where the surface needs to provide greater grip than standard smooth plywood. The textured face is particularly useful on floors, ramps and platforms where footwear, equipment or loads may move across the surface.

The phenolic coating also provides a more practical surface for applications where the plywood may be exposed to moisture, dirt and regular wear. As with any plywood used externally, the board should be installed correctly and the exposed edges should be appropriately sealed where required.

Available Thicknesses

• 9mm Buffalo Board – suitable for lighter-duty trailer flooring, vehicle lining, platforms and general applications.
• 12mm Buffalo Board – a versatile option for trailer floors, walkways, service decks and working platforms.
• 18mm Buffalo Board – a thicker option for applications requiring increased board thickness and rigidity.

All three thicknesses are available in standard full sheet dimensions of approximately 2440mm x 1220mm, with smaller options available depending on the product.

What Is Buffalo Board?

Buffalo Board is commonly used to describe phenolic faced plywood with a textured or mesh patterned surface. The face of the board is coated with a phenolic film which creates a hard-wearing finish and a textured surface designed to provide additional grip.

The reverse side is generally smooth, making the board easier to install against a suitable supporting structure. The plywood core provides the structural base, while the phenolic face provides the finished working surface.

Buffalo Board is often selected instead of standard plywood where a textured surface is beneficial, particularly for trailer flooring, loading ramps, walkways and vehicle floors.

Common Uses for Trailer Flooring Plywood

Trailer flooring Buffalo Board has a wide range of uses across transport, construction, agriculture, commercial and DIY applications.

• Trailer floors
• Plant and machinery trailers
• Vehicle floors
• Loading ramps
• Access platforms
• Walkways
• Workshop flooring
• Service decks
• Storage and equipment platforms
• General-purpose anti slip flooring

Choosing the Right Buffalo Board Thickness

The correct thickness depends on the construction of the floor, the supporting framework, the distance between supports and the loads the finished floor will carry. Thickness should therefore be selected based on the requirements of the particular trailer or structure rather than simply choosing the thickest available board.

9mm can be suitable where weight is an important consideration and the board has adequate support underneath. It is useful for lighter-duty flooring and panel applications.

12mm provides a useful balance between weight and board thickness and is suitable for a wide range of trailer, platform and flooring applications.

18mm provides a thicker and more rigid panel and is suitable where the application calls for a heavier-duty plywood floor construction, subject to the supporting structure and loading requirements.

If you are unsure which thickness is suitable for your application, check the manufacturer's requirements for the trailer or structure and consider the span between supports, expected loading and method of fixing.

Buffalo Board for Trailer Floors

Trailer floors are exposed to regular loading, unloading, movement and changes in weather conditions. A suitable flooring material needs to provide a stable base while also standing up to everyday use.

Buffalo Board is particularly useful because the textured phenolic surface provides additional grip compared with a conventional smooth plywood face. This makes it suitable for areas where people, equipment or loads need to move across the floor.

When installing trailer flooring, make sure the existing frame or supporting structure is sound and that the plywood is adequately supported and securely fixed. Pay particular attention to exposed edges and fixing points where water could potentially enter the plywood core.

Buffalo Board for Van and Vehicle Flooring

Phenolic faced plywood can also be used in vehicle flooring and other commercial vehicle applications. The textured surface can provide useful additional grip while the plywood core creates a solid base for equipment, storage systems and other vehicle fittings.

For vehicle lining and boarding applications, thinner plywood products may be more appropriate where reducing overall weight is important.

For more information, see our guide: The Complete Guide to Using Plywood for Boarding Vans and Trailers .

Buffalo Board or Standard Plywood?

Standard plywood can be a suitable choice for many flooring applications, but Buffalo Board offers a textured phenolic surface where additional grip and a hard-wearing face are useful.

If the surface will be regularly walked on, loaded with equipment or exposed to dirt and moisture, a phenolic faced plywood such as Buffalo Board can be a practical alternative to an untreated plywood surface.

If you require a plywood product for a different application, you can also browse our range of Marine Plywood and other Sheet Materials .

Shop Trailer Flooring Buffalo Board

Our Buffalo Board range provides options for different trailer flooring and anti slip plywood requirements, with 9mm, 12mm and 18mm thicknesses available.

• 9mm Trailer Flooring Buffalo Board
• 12mm Trailer Flooring Buffalo Board
• 18mm Trailer Flooring Buffalo Board

Need Help Choosing a Sheet Material?

If you are not sure which plywood or sheet material is suitable for your project, our team can help you compare the available options. We supply a wide range of plywood, OSB, MDF and other sheet materials for trade, construction, vehicle and DIY applications.

Browse our full range of sheet materials or contact Plywood Etc if you need help finding a particular specification or size.