Recommended wood for trailer bunks?

68glasspar

Seaman
Joined
Aug 28, 2024
Messages
65
Is there any type of wood thats better to use for bunks? Of course they will be covered in a carpet and the boat only used in fresh water! (Fiberglass boat)
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,881
I've always used treated pine and thru bolt with galvanized hardware. Stainless steel staples for carpet. The wood rots away usually before the hardware
 

ScottinAZ

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 25, 2009
Messages
861
I use non-pressure treated 2x4 or 2x6 lumber and cover with carpet. No issues with the wood yet.
 

airshot

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
5,539
Many are using the fake wood so it won't ever need replaced, might be more costly up front but not ever replace my them again ???? Food for thought !
 

4now04

Seaman
Joined
Sep 25, 2010
Messages
55
I have used treated pine with stainless or galvanized carriage bolts, nuts, washers, and lock washers, monel staples, and bunk carpet. I used 3M #77 spray adhesive to help hold the carpet to the bunks. You might use a 3/4 or 1 inch wood bit to counterbore (make a recessed area) for the bolt heads. My experience with composite lumber such as decking is that it is more flexible than traditional lumber and would not provide the support needed.
 

tphoyt

Lieutenant
Joined
Jun 10, 2010
Messages
1,477
I my neck of woods the east coast treated lumber is yellow pine and far stronger than the spruce framing lumber.
It will last for many many years.
 

bajaman123

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 6, 2009
Messages
94
Never used galvanized fasteners with treated wood. Only use stainless steel fasteners and stainless or Inconel staples. Cypress is best, along with many other "tropical" woods that are nearly impossible to find. YELLOW pine, NOT white, is next best.
 

Earl Cordova

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 21, 2021
Messages
150
What is available in your area will determine what to use.
I went looking for what was recommended on most sites,
but here in Phoenix the best thing availabe was some kind of fir.
 
Top