refinshing a trailer deck

[woodlot]

Guys, I've got a 18 foot car hauler that I bought new a few years ago. Unfortunately I didn't have a storage area big enough for it and it has sat outside since new. The sun, rain, and snow have taken a toll on the pressure treated deck. The grain has raised and the wood is sun-bleached. My pole barn is now finished and I want to refinish the deck back to "new" now that I can store it indoors. What's the best way to accomplish this? Thanks a bunch!

 

[Highbeam]

Just this weekend I took my 8 month old trailer like yours, which always has a tractor on it, and pressure washed the deck to remove the mud and try to blow out the gaps. The wood was pressure treated but doesn't have the little perforations. Then I let it dry in the sun and got on my hands and knees and brushed on a thick coat of this product in a blue and silver can called penophin or something similar. An oil based stain and sealer. It made a huge difference in the appearance of the decking. I then put the tractor back on and put it away. It took a good while to dry and still stinks.

If a smooth deck was needed, then I would have grabbed my trusty random orbit sander and knocked off the high spots. I don't see the benefit of a smooth deck though.

 

[RonR]

My trailer with pt deck sits outside. A few times a year, I wash it off to get the junk out of the cracks, then spread on a layer of water seal with a roller and broom handle. I lather it on thick and give it 2-3 coats.

Guys, remember, it is a trailer, not a work of art. I'm just out to make sure the wood lasts as long as possible...............

ron

 

[beenthere]

Good comments already. First off, I'd give it a wash down with a strong bleach/water mix. Spray it on, let it set 20 min and then wash it off. If there are splinters and still raised grain, you may rent a floor sander and go over it with some 80 grit paper. That will knock it down flat. Then the deck sealer (penetrating type with or without a stain) would be my only other 'finish'. The rougher the better to give good traction. As long as the boards are not rotting, then they should give you good service.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I should start off with my disclaimer for the EPA....


But I won't.


Here's what I do with wood trailer decks, hay racks, and just about anything wood that's got to lay out in the elements.

Mix used motor oil with some diesel fuel. (75/25 mix works good) Mop it on or roll with a paint roller. Wait a few days and repeat. Then one coat every 6 months or so gives the wood new life, turns water fairly good, and gives the wood a nice even color. Farmers have been treating hay wagons with old motor oil for as long as I can remember. It will soak in and NOT be a mess. It's not as slick when wet as wood covered with the likes of Thompsons Water Seal, or any other simular product. The diesel helps it dilute the oil so it penetrates the wood better.

 

[scott_vt]

Mornin Farmwithjunk,
I miss " Becoming more like my parents every day". /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

scotty

ps Oil sounds like a good way to go, just to keep this legal /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[CTyler]

And when it comes time to recycle the boards they burn really well. Throw em in the wood burner and mix it in with some of the wetter wood or large logs. Now you've used/recycled that oil three times /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif