Re-Decking my trailer

[mtnman210]

Well now that the trailer will be seeing some use it's time to replace the old rotted wood. I have all the dimensions I need but don't know what kind of wood I should be using. Is there specific trailer decking or do I just get plain old pine amd stain and seal it?

 

[throttleissues]

Most people just use regular old pine 2X's, but commercial trailers use Apitong wood for the decking. It's MUCH more durable, if you can find a supplier. It's not stained or painted for use, it's just left raw. I will warn you, though, wear eye protection and gloves when cutting and carrying, the wood is highly acidic and splinters are wavy. That means the splinters are hard to get out, but they'll fester quickly, which helps get 'em out.

 

[mtnman210]

I found a pretty good thread on this topic on pirate. I'll post the link when I get home. The concenus over there was to use dougals fir and treat just the top side.

 

[throttleissues]

Dude, you know you can't trust those fockers!

 

[dleroy43]

I just used some 2x6s of what homedepot had. I am sure the pressure treated wood would be better but its too expensive for a utility trailer that I want to sell after I move.

 

[79BRUISER]

I am using regular non-treated 2x10 pine boards. No sense in using treated, it only keeps the bugs out of the wood. Won't help with weathering.

I went to the local paint supplier and got 2 gallons of Cabot tinted stain.

Exterior paint is about the best for sealing the wood, I didnt want to paint mine a solid color.

One thing you shoud consider is the hardware your using to secure the boards. Stainless was too expensive for me. I got some zinc plated bolts for mine.

Might try calling some Lumber suppliers. Sometimes they carry trailer specific decking. Usually a hard wood like oak. But its expensive.

Bruiser