Renault Trafic 3 L1H1 Floor – 9 mm Birch Plywood

Why 9 mm birch plywood?

Birch is denser and stronger than poplar — ideal for a surface subjected to regular use: furniture weight, back-and-forth movement, loading. Its sensitivity to moisture is lower than poplar, an advantage in a van exposed to thermal variations. The 9 mm thickness provides the necessary rigidity without excessively encroaching on the usable interior height.

The rabbet joint

The two parts of the floor are machined with a rabbet joint (quarter-wood joint) at their junction. The panels assemble without visible gaps, without apparent seams, and without dust accumulation. A much cleaner result than a simple butt joint between two panels.

Threshold linings

These included raised pieces conceal the thickness of the floor when viewed from the outside at the door thresholds — for a clean finish with no visible step.

20 mm extruded polystyrene option

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is a thermal insulator: impervious to moisture, difficult to compress under load (density 30-35 kg/m³). Slipped under the birch floor, it insulates against cold rising from the metal underbody. Total thickness with this option: 30 mm (20 mm XPS + 9 mm birch). To be included in the calculation of available interior height.

Floor covering

Oiled or raw birch must be protected by a covering for intensive use. Common options: flexible PVC (waterproof, resistant, neoprene-glued), linoleum (matte, many textures), clip-on parquet planks (warm appearance, removable). Plan your covering before attaching the side panels — the walls rest on the edges of the floor.

Compatibility

This floor is compatible with the Fiat Talento, Opel Vivaro B/C, and Nissan NV300 (same platform as the Renault Trafic 3, identical underbody dimensions).

Technical questions

Should the floor be glued? No — it holds by its own weight. The side linings prevent it from sliding sideways. Gluing the floor makes it difficult to remove.

Is the floor cut around the wheel arches? The arches are indicated, but the final cut is made on site with a jigsaw — each installation may vary depending on existing fixtures.

Can the floor be screwed into the underbody? Technically yes, but it is not recommended — screws create entry points for moisture into the metal.