By Seamline workshop, marine upholstery team. Updated September 28, 2026
Foam decking is closed-cell PE and EVA foam with a peel-and-stick adhesive back. SeaDek says it repels water and stays safe to walk on when wet, and Hydro-Turf says it will not absorb water like marine carpet. It hoses clean. Two-color sheets are routed to show the lower layer as lines.
What it is
What foam decking is
01Closed-cell PE and EVA foam, so it does not soak up water
02A pressure-sensitive adhesive back, stuck to a clean dry deck
03Two-color sheets routed so the lower color shows as lines
Colors
Decking lines and colors
Current colors from each maker. Ask for any sample.
SeaDek colors
SeaDek
Single colors, brushed, embossed or Tetrapod texture
Screen colors differ and shades shift between production runs, so ask us for samples before you choose.
On the boat
Where foam decking goes on the boat
1Cockpit deck Full floor pads, routed in two colors
2Helm pad A thicker pad where you stand to drive
3Swim platform Grip when wet, hoses clean
4Gunwale tops Pads on gunwales, steps and cooler tops
Side by side
Three ways to fit foam decking
1
EVA foam sheets
Cut on the boat from full sheets with adhesive already applied
2
Precut kits
Cut to a template of the boat. SeaDek, Hydro-Turf and Marine Mat offer them
3
Textured tread
Hydro-Turf lists cut groove, wide groove and molded diamond
Thickness
How thick foam decking comes
5 mmSeaDek one-color flooring
6 mmMarine Mat standard two-color pads
9 mmSeaDek three-color flooring
23 mmSeaDek two-color plush flooring
Thicknesses as SeaDek and Marine Mat list them.
Up close
New decking up close
Two layers, routed lines, adhesive back
Teak-look foam decking on a cockpit sole
Charcoal pads on a swim platform
Options
Worn deck. New decking.
Custom
Stock
33 ft center console, grey and black foam decking
Custom
Stock
28 ft center console, grey and black foam decking
Custom
Stock
23 ft bay boat, light grey foam decking
Foam decking or carpet
Hydro-Turf says closed-cell foam will not absorb water like traditional marine carpet. SeaDek says it hoses down with water, or with its cleaner for tougher stains.
Carpet and old glue come off first. The pads stick to a clean dry deck, and pieces you want to lift out get snaps instead.
What we use and why
Closed-cell foam that does not soak up water
Patterns taken on the boat, so edges follow the deck
Snaps on pieces that need to come out, adhesive on the rest
Questions
Questions boat owners ask
What can I replace boat carpet with?
Foam decking or snap-in woven vinyl. Hydro-Turf says closed-cell foam will not absorb water like traditional marine carpet, and SeaDek says it hoses clean.
Can foam decking go over old carpet?
No. Carpet and old glue come off first. The adhesive back needs a clean dry deck to hold.
How is foam decking attached?
SeaDek, Hydro-Turf and Marine Mat all ship their foam with a pressure-sensitive adhesive back. Pieces you want to lift out get snaps instead.
Next step
Get a quote
Send a photo of your deck. We tell you which foam fits and how thick it should be.
