A trail deck is an incredibly versatile mobile platform that can benefit business owners. For business operations, the deck allows them to efficiently stack cargo for shipping en masse.
Regardless of what you intend to do with a trailer deck, you’d want to be particular when it comes to the decking, which makes up most of its usable surface. Given its specific purpose and the weather conditions that it has to withstand, choosing the right decking can be the difference between something that can last for years or something that would drain your funds because of frequent repairs.
The Best Materials For Trailer Decks
There are many different kinds of materials that you can use when building a deck, each of them with its own set of advantages:
Wood Flooring
Wood trailer flooring is probably the easiest option if you want to have a deck ASAP. The main advantages of wood flooring include its ability to last a long time through proper maintenance, low, upfront cost, and its appearance, which adds a lot of character to your trailer.
Most trailer owners prefer wooden floors because they offer them a lot of versatility. Wooden floors come in various styles, including tongue-and-groove boards, solid planks, and even tongue-and-groove panels.
Here is an example of a laminated wooden flooring system you can use for your trailer:
Vinyl Decking
Vinyl is by far the least expensive option available. It’s also relatively durable and completely immune to moisture damage, making it a good choice for people living in areas with a lot of rain. It’s a great choice for trailers expected to haul light to moderate cargo, and it’s also a great platform for transporting goods and other products because it’s easy to wipe stains off its non-porous surface.
Composite Decking
Composite decking systems can be either 100% polymer material or a combination of plastics and wood flakes. This floor decking is excellent because it combines the durability and looks of wood and the lightweight and low maintenance requirements of plastic. Composite does not rot or rust when exposed to rain.
Composite decking gives more options for you to customize your design compared to wood because they can be molded with any kind of texture and even plank size. Unlike wood, which has to be painted over, composite decking’s color is added during the manufacturing process, so you don’t have to worry about paint chipping off over time.
Steel Decking
Steel is the strongest type of decking available. This strength comes from the tensile strength of carbon and the flexibility of iron, allowing it to support heavy loads that would otherwise cause cracking and bowing in other materials.
Aluminum Flooring
Aluminum is not often used in trailer decking, but it’s already becoming popular. It’s lightweight and strong, making it perfect for uses where weight isn’t an issue. It’s also very easy to install and rather inexpensive compared to other types of decking.
Fiberglass Flooring
Fiberglass is a very new type of decking that’s gaining popularity quickly. It’s similar to aluminum in that it’s lightweight and strong. It’s also very durable and flexible. However, it’s not the cheapest option around, and it’s prone to yellowing and getting scratched up after some time.
How To Build A Trailer Deck
Building a deck on your trailer is relatively simple. All you need is a few essential tools and supplies. Here are a few things that you’ll need to complete the job:
- Tools: You’ll need a hammer, nails, screws, and power saws.
- Materials: You’ll need plywood sheets, deck boards, and fasteners.
- Instructions: Make sure you read the instructions before starting construction.
- Safety Equipment: You’ll need safety equipment such as work gloves and goggles.
Building a deck on your trailer will take anywhere from two days to a week, depending on how big or small your project is. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you build a deck on your trailer using any material of your choice:
Step 1: Measure Your Space
Before you start building, make sure that you measure your space carefully so that you know precisely what size of deck you’re planning to build. When measuring, be sure to account for the thickness of the walls of your trailer. Accurate measurements are essential when building a deck.
Step 2: Cut The Materials
After measuring your space, cut the plywood pieces into the correct sizes. Use a circular saw to cut the plywood into the right shapes. Don’t forget about the edges! Try not to let them go over the edge of the trailer. Also, try to keep the ends square to ensure a snug fit.
Step 3: Attach The Plywood Pieces Together
After cutting the plywood pieces, use screws and bolts to attach each piece. You have to pay attention to the individual planks: they should be flush with the side of the trailer before securing them in place.
Step 4: Install The Fasteners
Now that you’ve attached the plywood pieces, it’s time to install the fasteners. The fasteners are used to connect the deck boards to the plywood pieces. There are many different kinds of fasteners, including metal staples, wood screws, and deck screws. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
Step 5: Lay Out The Deck Boards
Once you’ve installed all the fasteners, it’s time to lay out the deck boards. Start by laying down the first board. Then, continue adding more boards until you reach the desired length. Remember that the end of the panels should extend slightly past the edge of the trailer.
Step 6: Coat The Plywood
When you’re done laying out the deck boards, coat the plywood surface with exterior grade deck stain. Stain helps protect the plywood from the elements. It also adds an attractive look to your deck.
How To Care For Your New Deck?
You may wonder if there are things that you can do to maintain and clean your deck. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your deck looking great:
- Maintain the surface of your deck.
- Clean off rust stains.
- Apply a protective coating.
- Seal cracks and gaps.
- Paint your deck.
- Check for termites.
Final Thoughts
Building a trail deck is a fun project that gives you an invaluable mode of transferring cargo trailers for business. However, you must take some precautions to ensure that your trail decking lasts long if you want to make the most out of it. Follow the steps above to create a beautiful and solid trail deck that will last for years.
