Trailer Deck Boards

DRussell

Well-known Member
What are your thoughts on Pin Oak versus Hemlock for trailer deck boards? I know neither of them are ideal compared to White Oak, but the Hemlock and Pin Oak are free.
 
If those were my only options, I'd go with Pin Oak.

None are rot resistant, but it would seem that Pin Oak is slightly better against insect damage (according to The Wood Database). The oak is also about 50% heavier, which would suggest better load handling capacity.

Treat either of the woods with oil and that should help with both rot and insects. This is best done in dry, hot weather. Keep the wood rough-cut, or cut a traction grid prior to oil treatment.
 
(quoted from post at 07:57:45 10/07/19) I did notice that. I also noticed that pressure treated pine wood is far from free.

Do it right the first time and you'll never need to do it again.
 
New trailers come with treated pine because it's readily available and reasonably priced. Not because it's the best.
 
Whatever you use, a trick I learned, (probably on here) is to put the end grain crown up. That way water tends to shed off the sides instead of pooling and soaking in.
 
Steve ..... that's the general belief but I have found that there is no particular way to position deck lumber to prevent "dishing" of the boards. In my experience, dishing of the outer edges (and resulting water trapping) can happen crown up or crown down. But there is a way to "almost" ensure it doesn't happen, and that's to cut a bottom-side saw KERF (a saw-cut slot) before screwing the wood down in the middle and lengthwise along the length of the board's bottom side. For a deck board that is say 1 1/2" thick, the kerf could be half as deep as the board or 3/4" deep. The deck screws will tend to pin the board flat and prevent dishing for the most part. Not necessary with 2x4 decking but 2x6 or wider, the dishing problem starts to show up.
 
Home Depot gets $13.75 each with Texas sales tax for 16 footers in treated pine. Usually still wet, have to dry it in the sun for couple weeks then oil it.
 
Pin oak is a member of the red oak family and consequently has terrible rot resistance. Hemlock is not known for its rot resistance, but I suspect it would be better than any red oak.
 
As stated, neither are real rot resistant. Pin Oak is the fastest growing Oak species, Thus may not be as strong/dense as other Oaks, but should be a bit better than Hemlock for durability. Which ever you use, soak it well and often with old motor oil, and either should give you years of service. There is always some one on here more than willing to tell you how to spend your hard earned bucks. Free goes a long ways in my book, and will likely last as long as you need the trailer.
Loren
 
I have redecked many trailers over the years and before I recommended any wood I would ask how heavy are your loads? Any dozers? How many ton is the trailer? I believe all the decks I've replaced are a consequence of worn out decks, not rotted ones. And yes, once the boards begin breaking up, they will rot rather quickly.
For a commercial trailer, dozers, backhoes concrete castings, I would definitely use the oak as it has a much better wear resistance than any of the others. I would also make the deck thicker than the original, you will never be sorry. Treating the deck occasionally with Cuprinol or even used motor oil improves longevity greatly but it takes time for it to soak in and dry.
For a light utility trailer, yes hemlock will work well, but it too will need periodic treatment of the deck. Hemlock is certainly much stronger than the pressure treated wood.
Trailer decks do best if stored inside of course but that rarely happens but try not to store them under trees where they stay wet for longer periods of time or retain leaves that also slows drying of the deck. Like anything, maintenance care is key.
Hope this helps a little.
 
Mark that is really strange that you say that. I have had a saw mill for over 40 years and in this area 1/4 sawed red oak is the go to lumber for re-flooring low boys and heavy trailers. White oak is used by some but sell lots of red oak. Some one mentioned cupping but if quarter sawed that is something that just does not happen.
 
Pin oak is in the red oak family and not suitable for exterior use. I would go with Hemlock of the two choices. I don't have any issues with using pressure treated pine for a trailer. I put it on my trailer 10 years ago and it sits outdoors and has never had any sealant used on it.
 
I have good luck using 4/4 milled oak.Also I useround head or torx head screws or bolts. Neve use the deck screws as they penetrate the surface ans leave a nice hole for water.
 

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