Unexpected new project: What round for Trailer Deck?

[FTG-05]

Did this with my tractor yesterday.

Fortunately, it was while I was a) taking it off and b) done in by the front tire (vs. the rear).

Given the pics, it's time to replace the deck. Obvious answer is obvious: PT wood from the local HD. Are there less obvious answers?

Pics:

What does this wood look like to you:

 

[Firemanbuck]

Well, a less obvious answer would be to fell a tree, cut the 2x6s yourself, fabricate a kiln, dry them, pressure treat them and then install them. :laughing:

The quick and easy route is to go to HD, get the lumber and install it. Your choice.

 

[D2Cat]

Call your local saw mill and see what they sell. Probably 1" thick oak. If it's' green clamp it with a bar clamp and use carriage bolts to secure it. When the wood cures it will leave a gap of about 1/2" between the boards, but the boards last longer because they don't hold water and other trash.

 

[EddieWalker]

There are different grades of Pressure Treating, and there are better wood types out there, but the cost makes them all prohibitive. I've use Yellow Wood brand pressure treated wood and didn't think it was any different then any of the other brands out there. I have two lumber yards to buy from and four supply houses, including Home Depot and Lowes in my area. I do not see an advantage to any of them over any of the others.

Try to pick out the driest boards that you can find. Lighter means dryer. And then install them right away. The longer this sit, the more likely they are to twist on you.

Ideally, to get the boards to last as long as possible, it needs to be stored under a roof. I don't have that options right now, so I keep it at as steep of an angle that I can so the water and leaves don't pile up on it.

 

[RNeumann]

The chain lumber stores/home stores are famous for selling the cheapest grade PT wood. I’d skip them and find the lumber yard that sells to contractors and home builders.


Heed Eddie’s advice

The other option is steel.......but why!?!? Good wood will last years.

 

[oosik]

I see ads on the local TV - the local lumber yards are going to start stocking Yellow Wood. I would use it.

 

[TractorGuy]

Might want to price having it redone in tread plate.

In Contact with Treated Wood | American Galvanizer's Association

 

[Gary Fowler]

That wood did not look rotten or aged to me. Likely just poor quality lumber or maybe too thin to hold the weight you put on it. If you are looking to refloor it, go with thicker lumber and grade A quality.

 

[Mendonsy]

Another thing you could do is to add two rows of 2x12's lengthwise on top of the decking where the tractor wheels travel to increase the load capacity. It looks like the span between the steel supports is a bit too much for the thickness of the deck and the weight you are hauling.

 

[3Ts]

In reference to the information in the link:

In Contact with Treated Wood | American Galvanizer's Association

There are more options than this implies. The statement about ACQ is true, so watch the fastener boxes that state they are ACQ compatible. There are some ceramic coatings on fasteners now that work very well, and maybe even better than HDG. HDG and Stainless are not the only ACQ compatible options.