2x6 or 2x8 for trailer floor

Q: How much space should be between trailer deck boards?

A 1/8 gap edge to edge between deck boards is generally recommended for center frame and outside frame trailers. Pretty simple, right? Exactly. Just dont skip any steps and youll be able to easily replace your deck boards and get more life out of your flatbed trailer.

Posted: 5/4/2021 7:13:01 PM EDT

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What is the best wood for a trailer floor?
How thick should wood be for trailer floor?
How much space should be between trailer deck boards?
What material is best for trailer floor?

Is there any significant difference using 2x6's vs 2x8's as decking material on an equipment trailer? I just redecked my 18' 10k trailer with treated 2x6's, as they were around $40 cheaper than the same square footage in 2x8's...but I am curious if I would have been better off with 2x8's. Only reason I am asking at this point, I have another one in 16' that will need new decking as well....so might as well get at least one right.

I know truss span likely makes a difference, but any reason to go with one over the other?

Posted: 5/4/2021 7:23:06 PM EDT

[#1]

It won't make any difference honestly the the thickness on each is 1 and 1/2 in I think what matters most is the trusses underneath your trailer and the space between them

Posted: 5/4/2021 7:26:29 PM EDT

[#2]

Effectively....no difference

Posted: 5/4/2021 7:35:25 PM EDT

[#3]

I used 2x10s.
Because less bolt holes and bolts/nuts/washers/lock washers.
That and the hardware store didn't have enough good 2x12s

And I used grade 8 bolts and nuts etc. Because its better at not rusting without going stainless and was the same pricer per pound as zinc coated and uncoated bolts.
And most importantly you dont have to worry about seized nuts and a wallered out hole like you would with carriage bolts that will just spin in place and require cutting when it comes time to replace the boards again.

Posted: 5/4/2021 7:38:58 PM EDT

[#4]

You may have less problems with cupping with smaller boards.

Posted: 5/4/2021 7:42:20 PM EDT

[#5]

Posted: 5/4/2021 7:54:06 PM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:
You may have less problems with cupping with smaller boards.

View Quote

In my experience with decks, retaining walls, etc, the wider boards seem to cup faster than the narrower ones.

Posted: 5/5/2021 6:21:40 PM EDT

[#7]

And I used grade 8 bolts and nuts etc

View Quote

They make special self tapping screws torx head screws, just a matter of drilling the necessary holes....and you really don't need that many due to the trailer design.

Posted: 5/18/2021 10:53:44 PM EDT

[#8]

Update.

2x6's may have a little too much flex. I loaded my tractor, and wasn't too impressed with the amount of "bend" between the trusses. Granted, I never really paid any attention to it before with 2x8's, so I have no way to really accurately compare. The cross braces/trusses now are roughly 24-26" on center, and the real problem would be if you managed to get one of the front tires on just one of the boards (in between the braces). Regardless, I have now run a couple extra braces where the front/rear tires sit (using 2x3" box tubing)...so I would have likely been better off sticking with 2x8's.

Posted: 5/18/2021 10:59:17 PM EDT

[#9]

The 2x6s should stiffen up once they are dried out. The moisture from the pressure treating is contributing to the flexing.

Posted: 5/18/2021 11:11:24 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
The 2x6s should stiffen up once they are dried out. The moisture from the pressure treating is contributing to the flexing.

View Quote

It will be interesting to see if it changes much...

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What is the best wood for a trailer floor?

Pressure treated Pine flooring is the most commonly used wood flooring material in trailers. The abundant supply of Pine wood in the south coupled with its sturdy nature make for a solid basic flooring choice.

How thick should wood be for trailer floor?

The popular thickness would be 3/4″ of some kind of wood. If you do have that, then we recommend going with 0.045″ or 0.063″ (1/16″). The more structure and support you have on the bottom, the thinner you can go. 0.045″ would be the thinnest we recommend.

How much space should be between trailer deck boards?

A 1/8" gap edge to edge between deck boards is generally recommended for center frame and outside frame trailers. Pretty simple, right? Exactly. Just don't skip any steps and you'll be able to easily replace your deck boards and get more life out of your flatbed trailer.

What material is best for trailer floor?

Vinyl is usually considered to be the perfect trailer flooring because it is flexible and durable, and has noise-canceling properties. The flooring holds well while you're loading and unloading heavy machinery, cargo, or sports mobiles.