How to Build Your Own Trailer Decking in 4 Easy Steps

1. How to Build Your Own Trailer Decking in 4 Easy Steps Trailer flooring is a legal requirement stated in the Code of Federal Regulations, and it must be durable, safe, and tight enough to prevent gas and fire from permeating. It also provides sufficient traction to the cargo and other materials loaded onto the vehicle. With these things in mind, you must pick the right material and follow the industry standard when building yourtrailer decking. This guide can help you build your trailer deck in four easy steps using high-quality, reliable, and long-lasting hardwood. Step 1: Choose the best hardwood Apitong is an exotic hardwood species in Southeast Asia. Its colors range from light to dark red- brown, sometimes brown to dark brown, with a purple tint. Also known as Keruing, it is a high- density wood known to be harder than oak. Its minimal moisture content makes it effective at resisting fungi and termites while being durable, sustainable, and affordable. As such, it is popular in other applications, such as boardwalks, boat frameworks, truck floors, and pallets. It is the best choice fortrailer deckingwith its shallowly interlocked or straight grain and moderately coarse texture. Step 2: Purchase the wood After taking measurements, buy the wood you plan to use from an established and reputable supplier of Brazilian hardwoods. That way, you know the material is sustainably sourced and comes in various sizes to suit your trailer. Reputable suppliers also offer truck decking blanks, which they can mold to meet your needs. Blanks are naturally rough-sawn with varying thicknesses and widths fortrailer decking. Step 3: Prepare the wood. Some hardwoods are pre-treated, but you can also purchase non-treated ones you can treat yourself using appropriate substances. It’s also a good chance to inspect every material for defects or damage. Look out for double-knotted boards, which can negatively impact the

2. structural integrity. Ensure each piece is cut to length, so they are easier to lay down to build thetrailer decking. Step 4: Lay the boards in place Ensure sufficient allowance to allow each piece to move naturally, as wood will expand and contract under different temperatures. Keep the boards properly aligned before securing them with bolts and screws and reinstalling the angle iron for capping both ends. Use appropriate screw fasteners to secure each board in place.