I didn't care for the switch from 2x decking material down to 5/4, so I have continued to use 2x since. However, you likely don't want to go wider than 4" or 6" (nominal). Actual measurements would be 3.5" and 5.5" wide. Anything wider and you're asking for more problems.
As for the joists, there is no problem in Michigan with going untreated, and same with decking. You don't have termites there, so unless you have other wood-boring pests, treated is really money thrown away. However, you DO need to protect the wood against moisture. Modern pressure treating includes some amount of moisture protection, but make no mistake - pressure treatment is "primarily" designed to ward off bugs and rot. Yes, rot begins from infiltration of moisture, but the pressure treating doesn't stop the influx of moisture; it only helps kill organisms that develop into fungus that rots your wood.
If it were me (and this is what I do up here in MN) is, use treated posts, then buy standard untreated lumber for the rest. Coat with your favorite protectant. Many folks say to use used motor oil on trailer decking and even on house decking, but in this instance, I think I'd just bite the bullet and use fresh, new motor oil. If you want a red hue to the wood, then use ATF. Not sure if all ATF is red in color, but what I'm familiar with is.
And finally, surfaced wood or rough cut? Well, that's a personal preference. Most people (including myself) prefer surfaced wood. While rough cut might provide better traction (unless under snow/ice), the wood grain will show through better with surfaced wood. It's also easier to walk on barefoot. And lastly, rough-cut, even from a bandsaw mill, will be more inviting of moisture than surfaced wood.
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - The 8N and the Fox - by Zane Sherman. Dec. 13 1998, Renfroe, Alabama. Last niht I dreamed about the day that I plowed the field of about 10 acres over on what Jimmy and Dandy called the Ledbetter field. I was driving the 1948 8N Ford tractor that Jimmy bought in 48 new This was prebably in about 1951 and maybe even befor the house was built. This would have made me to be about16 years old and I drove the tractor for nothing and would have paid to drive it if I had had any money which I didn't, but neit
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
Sell 1958 Hi-Altitude Massey Fergerson tractor, original condition. three point hitch pto engine, Runs well, photos available upon request
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
