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Trailer decking.

blazinzuk

blazinzuk

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Anyone see an issue using 2x4s like this. Obviously I will add a crossmember where they end for the others.

IMG_20180829_153820746.jpg

Got these 2x4s for free. My old boards were way bad.
 
No issue, just requires more fasteners. 2x4s will be less prone to cupping and cracking opposed to something larger
 
i would pre drill holes before screwing down my self with todays lumber quality or they could split before your down . and i would leave a hair bit of gap . not snug to each other .
 
530BLAZER said:
No issue, just requires more fasteners. 2x4s will be less prone to cupping and cracking opposed to something larger
Click to expand...

Yah but fastners are pretty cheap!

sweetk30 said:
i would pre drill holes before screwing down my self with todays lumber quality or they could split before your down . and i would leave a hair bit of gap . not snug to each other .
Click to expand...

Yep that's the plan. Especially since there will be a joint in the middle of everything
 
blazinzuk said:
Yah but fastners are pretty cheap!



Yep that's the plan. Especially since there will be a joint in the middle of everything
Click to expand...
What kind of wood?
How long would they last.
I would spend some money to make sure that the time I spend building the deck will be worth it.
 
imiceman44 said:
What kind of wood?
How long would they last.
I would spend some money to make sure that the time I spend building the deck will be worth it.
Click to expand...

Just pine. If I was actually buying stuff I'd probably buy the same stuff. I'll put some type of stain or water protection on too.

I do want it to look decent for a while.

My last deck lasted a long time with zero wood treatment. But it looked terrible. It's only been last year when I started having board issues.
 
sweetk30 said:
heard of guys doing a used motor oil stain job for trailer decking . :dunno:
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That actually is really good but also not good looking.
I know a guy did that to treat the wood for his house build.
As for trailer decks I would use some thing harder than pine or at least something that is no as vulnerable to pests like redwood
 
imiceman44 said:
That actually is really good but also not good looking.
I know a guy did that to treat the wood for his house build.
As for trailer decks I would use some thing harder than pine or at least something that is no as vulnerable to pests like redwood
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Wood type pests aren't too much of an issue.

I though about motor oil but if you put too much on it gets greasy
 
Use a penetrating oil finish such as Super Deck or Penofin. None of that home depot garbage that sits on top then flakes off. With an oil finish when you want another coat, just pressure wash it real quick and throw some material on, no need to sand off the old stuff.
 
Should do fine, BUT, unless you are into lots of repetitive work, Do Not predrill the holes in the wood.
These are a little more expensive than regular sell drilling screws, but more than worth the money for the time saved.
I have used them, and they work very well. Not sure what brand I used, my local fastener store just handed me a bag full. These seem to be a good brand.

http://www.screwsolutions.com/ReamerTek-Wood-To-Steel_c_15.html

You have to be sure to buy the right length for what you are screwing together, but these make it a one shot deal.

The drill bit on the end drills the hole into the wood. The small wings behind the bit act as a spade type wood bit and drill the wood hole larger than the screw threads.
When the drill bit hits the steel, it drills a correct size hole in it. The wings snap off when they hit the steel, then the self threading part threads its self into the steel, drawing the wood up tight.
The wood is drilled with a clearance hole, the steel is drilled, tapped, and the wood is drawn up tight with one operation. Plus, if there is too much of the screw sticking out the bottom of the steel, its hard enough to snap off with a quick rap with a hammer.

They are available in lots of places, shop around to get a good price.
 
530BLAZER said:
Use a penetrating oil finish such as Super Deck or Penofin. None of that home depot garbage that sits on top then flakes off. With an oil finish when you want another coat, just pressure wash it real quick and throw some material on, no need to sand off the old stuff.
Click to expand...

 
Fordum said:
Should do fine, BUT, unless you are into lots of repetitive work, Do Not predrill the holes in the wood.
These are a little more expensive than regular sell drilling screws, but more than worth the money for the time saved.
I have used them, and they work very well. Not sure what brand I used, my local fastener store just handed me a bag full. These seem to be a good brand.

http://www.screwsolutions.com/ReamerTek-Wood-To-Steel_c_15.html

You have to be sure to buy the right length for what you are screwing together, but these make it a one shot deal.

The drill bit on the end drills the hole into the wood. The small wings behind the bit act as a spade type wood bit and drill the wood hole larger than the screw threads.
When the drill bit hits the steel, it drills a correct size hole in it. The wings snap off when they hit the steel, then the self threading part threads its self into the steel, drawing the wood up tight.
The wood is drilled with a clearance hole, the steel is drilled, tapped, and the wood is drawn up tight with one operation. Plus, if there is too much of the screw sticking out the bottom of the steel, its hard enough to snap off with a quick rap with a hammer.

They are available in lots of places, shop around to get a good price.
Click to expand...

Nope never again. Used those once. Not cheap and absolute junk. All the heads popped off within a year. The normal run of the mill self tappers lasted 2
 
Drain oil will preserve the wood well,but it will be slick as ice when it gets wet at least until it soaks in deeply..

Up here many guys buy rough sawn hemlock to use on trailer decks,its strong,resists decay and insects,and isn't as expensive as oak or other types of wood commonly used..Southern Yellow Pine and Cypress is supposed to be good for this purpose too..
Pine or spruce 2x4's may be pretty weak,unless you put a lot of additional cross members to reduce the span between supports..
Fir would be stronger..
 
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