Rough Cut Oak Boards

[rah6965]

I'm in the process of re-wiring and re-decking my equipment trailer. I have a neighbor with a sawmill and I plan on getting some rough cut white oak boards to use. They will be rough cut 2X8 boards. My neighbor says it is best to bolt the boards down ASAP while they are green. He says they will warp and twist if I wait for them to dry. I have some stainless bolts that I plan to use with 2 bolts per board, spaced every other cross member. I've also been told to let the boards dry so they're won't be too wide a space between them on my trailer. Does anyone have experience with using (green) white oak boards and bolting as I plan to do. I also heard that you can coat the boards with used motor oil and diesel fuel mixture and they would last forever.

 

[schmism]

to dry them so they wont bend and twist takes proper stickering and stacking and time.

i would take the advise and bolt them down green as tight as you can get them.

how wide is to wide of a gap? i wouldnt think youd wind up with anything more than a 0.5" gap

as for painting them with UMO yes, its done and yes it does keep them from rotting.

 

[DIRTROAD]

Yes, secure them as quick as possible. If you can't do it immediately, make sure to store the boards out of the direct sun. The same is true after bolting them down. I have seen oak boards warp enough to break bolts off when placed in the direct sun. especially this time of year. They are tuff to drill holes in also.

 

[MarkV]

I would also bolt them as soon as possible. White Oak is great, dense grain and long lasting.

MarkV

 

[Diamondpilot]

Good advise here. When using oil and diesel mixture use oil out of diesel equipment. I guess its the carbon in the oil or something but if it comes out of a diesel engine it last longer and looks better.

Chris

 

[Builder]

First, I would suggest installing them with the annual growth rings facing down. Like "frowns", not "smiles". I would rather they cure in a "hump" than a "cup".

If the boards are wet & green, butt them to each other and by the time they dry & shrink, they will have spacing.

Both of these steps will help the boards shed water and last longer.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

good point and advise here.....

and putting the smiles down put the toughest side out....the outer rings are more weather resistant than the inner rings....

First, I would suggest installing them with the annual growth rings facing down. Like "frowns", not "smiles". I would rather they cure in a "hump" than a "cup".

If the boards are wet & green, butt them to each other and by the time they dry & shrink, they will have spacing.

Boh of these steps will help the boards shed water and last longer.

 

[Egon]

You might want to make the bolt holes a little larger as the board will shrink and may split if the holes are fixed.

 

[Builder]

I addition to facing growth rings down, I always apply this product to new, green or wet wood that is left outside in the sun, as in your application:

http://www.owatrol.uk.com/docs/Seasonite.pdf

I'd rather put seasoned, shrunk lumber down than green/wet, but if you take some precaustionary steps, you'll prolly be OK.

 

[rah6965]

Thanks everyone for all the good information. Builder, I've never seen the product you listed. Is is available at the major box stores, or do I need to order it? It looks like it would be good to use on the green lumber.

Thanks Robert