Many owners Skoda Octavia A7 face the problem of insufficient depth of the trunk, especially when transporting large-sized cargo, such as baby carriages or building materials. The standard floor design has a complex geometry that is not always convenient for the rapid organization of space. The solution to this problem lies in the competent refinement of the internal architecture of the luggage compartment with the help of installation raised floor.
This element allows not only to level the surface, but also to create additional hidden niches for storing tools, first aid kits or chargers. It is important to understand that the wrong approach to installation can lead to damage to the standard skin or disruption of mechanisms. Octavia. That is why the choice of materials and installation technology must be approached with the utmost care and engineering approach.
Why do you need a false floor in the trunk of the Octavia A7?
The main purpose of the additional decking installation is to increase the useful volume of the luggage compartment without losing ergonomics. In the standard configuration, the boot floor Skoda Octavia A7 It has pronounced depressions and steps that "eat" the space. Raised floor It allows for a flat surface, which is critical for the safe transport of fragile items that can roll when braking.
In addition, the construction of plywood or composite materials works as an additional sound barrier. You will notice that the noise from the road and wheels becomes much quieter, and the sound of small objects hitting the metal disappears. This is especially true for versions. Octavia It has a plastic bottom that often resonates on the roughness of the track.
Another important advantage is the ability to create a storage system. Under the new surface, drawers or fixed sections can be placed. This allows you to remove from your eyes all unnecessary, maintaining the perfect order in the interior of the car. Properly designed raised floor It turns a chaotic space into a functional zone.
Selecting materials for making flooring
When choosing a material for manufacturing raised floor in The Skoda Octavia A7 is important to consider the balance between strength, weight and moisture resistance. The most popular option is furniture plywood of the FSF brand with a thickness of 12-18 mm. It has high rigidity and perfectly holds the shape, not bending under the weight of heavy loads. However, ordinary plywood is afraid of moisture, so it must be thoroughly soaked with protective compounds.
An alternative is the OPB (orientated particle board), but this material has a higher hygroscopicity and can swell when water enters. Best to use. plywood with a moisture-retardant coating or a laminated surface that does not require additional coloring. It is important to avoid using chipboard, as this material crumbles quickly and loses strength when the car vibrates.
For surface skinning, you can use a carpet similar to the standard one, or use artificial leather and carpet. This not only improves the appearance, but also prevents the load from slipping. Some owners prefer to leave plywood "under the tree", covering it with varnish, but this option is less practical in an aggressive environment of the trunk. Material It should be light so as not to overload the suspension.
- FSF phanera
- laminated chipboard
- OSB
- Composite panels
Tools and preparation for work
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare a set of tools that will allow you to install quickly and efficiently. You will need an electric jigsaw with saws on wood, a screwdriver, a roulette, a coal mine and a pencil for marking. Do not forget about the construction knife for cutting carpet and a set of drills to create holes for fasteners. Quality tool - pledge of smooth cuts and careful fitting of parts.
You will also need a glue sealant based on neoprene or liquid nails, which will provide a reliable connection of plywood to a metal frame or standard floor. To fix the design, screws with a secret head can be used, but they can not be screwed too deep so as not to damage the standard noise insulation. It is important to prepare the surface of the trunk: remove all debris, vacuum and degrease the contact areas.
If you plan to make drawers or drawers, you will additionally need guides for boxes, fittings and loops. To measure angles and complex threshold geometry Octavia A7 A flexible ruler or a pattern of cardboard may be useful. This will help avoid cutting errors that can be fatal due to the cost of plywood. Preparation It takes up to 30% of the time of the whole job.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Step-by-step instructions for installing a raised floor
The installation process begins with the dismantling of the standard elements. You need to remove the side plastic panels, the trunk shelf and carefully remove the staff floor if it is removable. V Skoda Octavia A7 Often it is enough to simply unfasten the mounting of the skin, without removing the floor itself, but for high-quality installation it is better to free up space. Be careful with clips so as not to break them when you take them off.
The next step is to create a layout. Place the plywood at the bottom of the trunk and circle the contours taking into account the gaps. For complex areas such as wheel arches and rapids, it is better to use a pattern made of dense cardboard. After cutting out the details, try them on in place. The gap between the edge plywood The trunk walls should be 2-3 mm to compensate for thermal expansion and vibration.
Fixing is done with glue and screws. Apply the glue on the contact surfaces and press the plywood. Spin screws into pre-drilled holes, sinking hats into the material. If you make a construction of several parts, connect them with metal corners or scales. Installation It should be tough, without backlashes and creaks when driving the car.
What to do if the plywood does not fit in size?
If you made a mistake when cutting and plywood does not fit, do not rush to throw away the material. Try using a jigsaw to fit in place, making small cuts. If the gap is too large, you can insert a wooden rail as an insert, smearing it with glue. The main thing is not to leave large cracks where water can flow or small debris rolls, as this will lead to corrosion of the bottom.
Strengthening the structure and sound insulation
To ensure the durability of the structure, stiffness ribs must be added. This is especially important if you plan to use it. raised floor for the transport of heavy loads, such as boxes of tools or spare parts. Reiki from a 20x40 mm timber or a metal profile laid perpendicular to the base will prevent plywood from deflecting. The distance between the ribs should not exceed 40-50 cm.
Noise insulation of the trunk is a mandatory step before laying the clean coating. Use vibration insulation materials on a bitumen basis, such as: StP Aero or Stop Noise. Plug them on the metal surfaces of the bottom, especially in the area of wheel arches. This will reduce the vibration of the metal and make the sound from the road much quieter. Noise insulation It will also improve the thermal insulation properties of the cabin.
After installation of plywood, a layer of sound-absorbing material, such as splen or felt, can be laid. This will create a soft layer that will prevent sound from being transmitted from the plywood to the metal body. Don’t forget to glue all joints and crevices to prevent the whistling of air at high speeds. Quality isolation is the key to a comfortable long-distance trip.
Before laying the final coating, be sure to check the operation of all the buttons and mechanisms located in the trunk. Make sure that the false floor does not block access to the boot lid button or to the connectors for connecting the trailer.
Material characteristics table
For clarity, compare the main characteristics of materials that can be used for manufacturing raised floor in Skoda Octavia A7. This table will help you choose the best option based on your needs and budget. Remember that saving on material can lead to a rapid failure of the structure.
| Material | Thickness (mm) | Moisture resistance | Strength | Weight (kg/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSF phanera | 12-18 | High | Very high | 6.5-9.0 |
| SWAP-3 | 10-12 | Average | High | 5.5-7.0 |
| MDF (moisture-resistant) | 10-16 | High | Average | 7.0-8.5 |
| Aluminum (cellular) | 6-8 | Absolute | High | 3.0-4.5 |
Note that aluminum panels are the lightest and most durable option, but their cost is significantly higher than wooden counterparts. Aluminum It also does not require additional treatment against moisture and rot, making it ideal for harsh environments. However, it is more difficult to work with, since cutting requires special tools.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use self-tapping screws longer than 25 mm when attaching the raised floor to the bottom, as you may damage the wiring or elements of the heating system if they are located in the trunk. Always check the drilling depth!
Design features for different versions of Octavia A7
It is important to note that the luggage compartment may vary depending on the body version. For liftback Octavia A7 Liftback the floor geometry has its own characteristics related to the angle of the rear door. While the station wagon Octavia Combi has a straighter vertical tail, which simplifies installation. Construction The raised floor must take these nuances into account so as not to interfere with the complete closing of the trunk lid.
In the version with a CNG (methane) engine or a hybrid version, additional tanks or elements of the power plant may be located under the floor. In this case, the raised floor must have special cutouts or be removable for access to technical components. Before starting work, be sure to study the technical documentation of your car. Security and system access should be a priority.
It is also worth noting the presence of a parking sensor system and rear view cameras. When installing, do not cover the sensors or interfere with their operation. If you install drawers, make sure they do not block the camera's view. Properly Designed raised floor must be invisible to the vehicle's standard security systems.
The raised floor in the Octavia A7 should be removable or collapsible to provide access to the spare wheel and tools located under the floor without the need to completely disassemble the boot.
Final recommendations and care
After completing the installation of the raised floor, it is necessary to carry out a final inspection. Open and close the trunk several times, making sure nothing hits or squeaks. Test the operation of the lock and locking mechanisms. Reinstall all previously removed plastic panels by snapping the clips into place. Installation it is considered successful if the design looks like a factory part.
Caring for the new floor is easy. Regularly clean the surface from dust and dirt using a vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the finish or adhesive. If you are transporting bulk materials or liquids, use special mats or containers to protect the surface. Cleanliness extends the service life of the structure.
Remember that a raised floor is not only about aesthetics, but also about functionality. Properly made flooring will make life much easier for the owner. Skoda Octavia A7, turning the trunk into a convenient and organized storage area. Don't be afraid to experiment with design and functionality, but always take precautions. High-quality installation of a raised floor increases the liquidity of the car during resale, as it demonstrates the owner’s concern for its condition.
⚠️ Attention: When transporting chemicals, solvents or corrosive liquids, be sure to use sealed containers. Leaking fluid can cause corrosion of the metal underneath the plywood that you won't see until serious problems develop.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overload the trunk beyond the permissible limit. The raised floor distributes the load, but it is not designed for extreme weights beyond your vehicle's suspension specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to remove the raised floor if you need to get to the spare tire?
Depends on the design. It is recommended to make the floor from several removable sections or use hinges with locks. This way you can easily remove only the part you need without dismantling the entire floor. This will save time and nerves.
Is it possible to use a raised floor in winter at low temperatures?
Yes, plywood and modern adhesives can withstand frost very well. The main thing is to use materials that are resistant to temperature changes and to prevent moisture from getting inside the structure, which can freeze and expand.
Do I need to paint plywood before installing carpet?
Painting is not necessary, but it is advisable to coat the plywood with varnish or primer to protect it from moisture and dust. This will also prevent the release of formaldehyde and improve the appearance of the ends if the finish becomes damaged over time.
How to avoid raised floor squeaking when driving?
Use vibration isolation between the plywood and the metal, and use rubber pads or felt where it contacts the body. The fasteners should be tightened tightly, but without distortion. Self-tapping screws can be placed on drop-shaped glue for fixation.
Does a raised floor affect a car's fuel consumption?
No, the weight of the additional structure (usually 5-10 kg) is so insignificant that it does not have a noticeable effect on fuel consumption. However, an incorrect installation that compromises aerodynamics or overloads the suspension could theoretically increase consumption slightly.