Flooring Options on Buses

This article was reviewed and updated on December 22, 2025.

Choosing the right foundation for your bus

Once you have decided on which bus model to purchase, there is one component that is often overlooked but critical to the vehicle's longevity: the flooring.

While engines and seating capacities get the most attention, the floor endures the most physical wear and tear from passengers.

At Carpenter Bus Sales, our inventory typically includes buses for sale with various standard configurations. However, if you are ordering a custom build from manufacturers like Starcraft, Glaval, or Forest River, you can select the specific flooring material that best fits your application.

Option 1: Standard rubber flooring

The standard flooring option on the majority of our commercial buses is a heavy-duty rubber floor, typically in black or gray.

This flooring usually features a ribbed aisle. The ribbed texture is designed to provide traction and channel water or dirt away from the walking surface, which is essential for passenger safety during rainy weather.

Rubber flooring is a sturdy, cost-effective solution. It stands up very well over years of heavy foot traffic and offers a slight cushioning effect, providing extra comfort for passengers boarding and exiting the vehicle repeatedly.

Option 2: Altro™ safety flooring

A very popular upgrade for churches, schools, and senior care facilities is Altro™ safety flooring.

Unlike standard rubber, Altro™ is constructed from flexible, high-grade vinyl. It features unique, slip-resistant grains distributed throughout the wear layer. This ensures that the surface remains slip-resistant for the entire life of the product, not just when it is new.

Altro™ is also impervious to water penetration and is highly stain-resistant. This makes it an excellent choice for groups that allow eating and drinking on long trips. Spills can be wiped up easily without seeping into the subfloor.

For more specifications on safety flooring standards, you can visit the Altro™ Official Website or review general passenger safety guidelines from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which option is right for you?

When choosing between standard rubber and Altro™, consider your daily operations:

• Budget: Standard rubber is generally the most economical choice.
• Maintenance: Altro™ is widely considered easier to clean and sanitize ("a breeze to keep clean"), which is vital for medical or senior care transport.
• Aesthetics: Altro™ comes in a myriad of color options, allowing you to match the floor to your organization's branding or the bus interior, such as a wood-grain look.

If you are unsure which option suits your specific needs, we encourage you to browse our parts and service offerings or speak directly with a specialist.

Please take some time to talk to the Carpenter Bus Sales associate in your state. We would welcome the opportunity to help you configure the right bus with the right flooring. Call us today at 1-800-370-6180.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Altro™ flooring worth the extra cost?

For many organizations, yes. While it costs more upfront than standard rubber, Altro™ offers superior durability, easier cleaning, and better aesthetics (such as wood-look finishes). It can also increase the resale value of the bus.

Is the standard rubber flooring slippery when wet?

Standard rubber flooring typically includes a ribbed aisle specifically designed to improve traction. However, Altro™ flooring generally offers higher slip-resistance ratings due to the aggregate grains embedded in the vinyl.

Can I customize the color of my bus flooring?

Yes. While standard rubber usually comes in black or gray, Altro™ flooring offers a wide range of colors and patterns, including faux wood and stone visuals, allowing for a more upscale interior look.

How do I clean the bus flooring?

Both flooring types can be swept and mopped. Altro™ flooring is particularly known for being impervious to water and stain-resistant, making it easier to sanitize after spills compared to porous surfaces or carpet.

Does Carpenter Bus Sales keep buses with Altro™ flooring in stock?

Yes. Many of our new stock units from manufacturers like Starcraft and Glaval are ordered with Altro™ flooring due to its popularity. You can check our current inventory descriptions at CarpenterBus.com.

About the Carpenter Bus Sales Editorial Team

This article was prepared and reviewed by the Carpenter Bus Sales Editorial Team, drawing on decades of experience serving church, school, and organizational transportation needs nationwide. Carpenter Bus Sales has specialized in bus sales and service since 1953.

Learn more at CarpenterBus.com.