Defender load area lining?

Hi,
Looking for some advice, I am currently converting a defender 110 into an Ambulance and need to line the load area.
It is an ex National Grid Defender and already has a ply lined floor, which is VERY rotten.

Any advice on how I could ensure the same doesn't happen with the new floor? Is it rotten due to the drainage holes in the floor? Sorry for all the questions, I'm very new to Land Rovers.

I was thinking of using birch faced ply, treated with Matt varnish to ensure it is sealed, then using non slip lino/vinyl over the top. What do you think?
I guess the other option is to use a plastic based floor to prevent rotting.

Replies massively appreciated!

Use marine ply then make sure it doesn't get completely soaked all the time and it should be fine!

I would put a piece of 3/5mm neoprane down first, then sandwich it in with the ply to make a good sound deadening panel - cheap too.

Do you need wood?

Rubber stable matting makes a good liner

station house said:

do you need wood?

Rubber stable matting makes a good liner

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i've got tread plate rubber, about 5mm thick, no wood and its all sealed along the edges with tigerseal

I have marine ply as suggested above in my tub thats removable so if it does get wet I just lift the board on its side and it can dry out.

Thanks for the replies guys. I already have some non slip vinyl, so will probably just mount this directly to the metal floor, as you say it doesn't seem like there is a real need for wood underneath!

Raptor spray liner

Thanks, I looked at spray liners but don't look as easy to clean, and as it's an Ambulance it needs to be unfortunately.

I would have thought that for hygiene reasons wood would not be an option at all, given the bio-hazardous liquids that may be spilled on it. Plus repeated application of disinfectant even on sealed wood wouldn't be acceptable. I would go along with the rubber or vinyl as mentioned above.