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Composite deck boards on utility trailer

Posted on 2/20/20 at 2:50 pm
Posted by Theotherpikecounty
pike county
Member since Aug 2014
636 posts
Posted on 2/20/20 at 2:50 pm
I have an old 6x10 utility trailer i use around the farm behind a sxs. The floor is rotted out. Has anyone ever put composite deck boards on one and how did it work out. Trailer stays out in weather all the time. I carry feed, corn, seed, limbs, building materials and occasionally the sxs or a 4 wheeler on it. I floored another trailer with treated pine a few years ago and its getting soft already. I can cut some white oak to put on it but rather not if i dont have to.
Posted by PSU2LSU
Oxford MS
Member since Apr 2011
3220 posts
Posted on 2/20/20 at 2:55 pm to
The spans might be too long for the structural strength of composite. I know the deck boards require then to be built on 1 foot centers vs 16 inch for regular wood.
Posted by Theotherpikecounty
pike county
Member since Aug 2014
636 posts
Posted on 2/20/20 at 2:57 pm to
That was one of my concerns. The trailer supports are 24 inches
Posted by SpeckledTiger
Denham Springs
Member since Jul 2010
1482 posts
Posted on 2/20/20 at 3:05 pm to
likely wouldn't cost much to have someone weld on extra supports to get your 12" spacing.
This post was edited on 2/20/20 at 3:07 pm
Posted by mack the knife
EBR
Member since Oct 2012
4285 posts
Posted on 2/20/20 at 4:00 pm to
composite boards are EXPENSIVE
Posted by DMAN1968
Member since Apr 2019
13120 posts
Posted on 2/20/20 at 4:04 pm to
quote:

The trailer supports are 24 inches

Definitely not going to cover that distance. You will feel and see them deflect just walking on it. I went 12 inch centers on my front porch and stairs, I wouldn't go any more.
Posted by fishfighter
RIP
Member since Apr 2008
40026 posts
Posted on 2/20/20 at 6:27 pm to
Use the white oak is your best bet. Saw them 5/4 or 6/4.
Posted by keakar
Member since Jan 2017
30152 posts
Posted on 2/20/20 at 6:31 pm to
weld a heavy duty steel mesh on it or install this stuff LINK
Posted by plazadweller
South Georgia
Member since Jul 2011
12388 posts
Posted on 2/20/20 at 6:49 pm to
A carpenter that does high end work for me couldn’t just justify doing his own deck with it
Posted by X123F45
Member since Apr 2015
29749 posts
Posted on 2/20/20 at 7:15 pm to
Composite is heavy and weak.

Redo with pine, and mop it with old motor oil a few times.

Do it twice a year and the wood will last as long as the trailer.

My 5x8 will be 25 years old this year. Original wood.
Posted by fishfighter
RIP
Member since Apr 2008
40026 posts
Posted on 2/21/20 at 5:15 am to
A good treatment, 1 gallon of roof tar and about 1 gallon of diesel mixed in a 5 gallon bucket. Paint that on. It will dry out over time. The diesel will open up the pours of the wood and the mixture will soak in.

Diesel and oil is the next best thing.

Oh, it's best to do this before installing new wood on the decking. Come back and touch up were any bolts are installed.
This post was edited on 2/21/20 at 5:17 am
Posted by Tbooux
Member since Oct 2011
1687 posts
Posted on 2/21/20 at 7:21 am to
why not just replace with pressure treated wood?
Posted by X123F45
Member since Apr 2015
29749 posts
Posted on 2/21/20 at 9:32 am to
quote:

why not just replace with pressure treated wood?



Will not last as long.

Even a good oil based stain applied yearly will outlast pressure treated lumber not treated.

No idea as to why
Posted by farad
Member since Dec 2013
12450 posts
Posted on 2/21/20 at 4:51 pm to
quote:

Diesel and oil is the next best thing

paint with used oil from oil changes mixed with a lil diesel...works great...
some of those boards will outlast me...
Posted by White Bear
AMONGST a TND
Member since Jul 2014
17547 posts
Posted on 2/21/20 at 7:06 pm to
I disagree on longevity but whatever. Earl will make your trailer slick as oowl shite so congrasts on the broke arm can I sign your cast?
Posted by Theotherpikecounty
pike county
Member since Aug 2014
636 posts
Posted on 2/21/20 at 8:26 pm to
quote:

why not just replace with pressure treated wood?


Because treated wood is crap on trailers for some reason. All the old timers have recommended White oak with some type of oil based product to coat it with. I have plenty trees and access to a mill. Was just looking for other options so i didnt have to cut a tree.

Treated pine is pretty slick when it gets that slime on it
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