Local wood for bunks?

Hey, all

I’m seeing recommendations for cypress and Douglas fit for bunks. I’m in the Racine area and not seeing any online at the local yards(menards,depot and Lowe’s) I’m mostly just finding the common “white wood”. Would that be good enough? Any help or direction would be appreciated. 

Edit: This trailer will be used for a 14’ non painted Aluminum boat and don’t want issues with corrosion from treated wood. 

Thanks, 

James 

I would be surprised if your local lumber dealer had 2x4 and 2x6 in doug fir.  Doug Fir is most often comes 2x10 and 2x12 and is largely valued for  floor joists due to its stability.  Tends to be reddish in color.

Another alternative IMO is oak or ash as they tend to be stable and reasonably rot resistant. 

James, 

Thanks for all that info. I’m really ignorant when it comes to woods. I went to Home Depot and menards asking for Douglas fir 2x4’s/ 2x6’s and both told me they didn’t stock it. I ended up getting some from Dunn Lumber in lake Geneva after work yesterday. At least now I know and will be better prepared for the next time. 

Thanks, 

James 

Doug Fir is probably the way to go. All lumber yards are able to order it and get it in days. Many have it in stock if you ask. Most have white wood or SPF which is Spruce, Pine, and Fir (douglas fir). Fir is usually a better grade wood and code allows you to build with a different, smaller size board, because it is a stronger wood. Earlier comments about treated wood being caustic to boats may have changed because of the new chemicals they use in the process. With carpeted bunks it probably doesn't matter.

I ended up just getting some Douglas fir for the project. I want to thank everyone who commented to help me out. I appreciate all the suggestions.

  James 

I went over to Kendor today. I wish I had gone and checked that place out a long time ago as they have a lot of odds and ends I could have used on different projects. No luck on bunks besides smaller treated wood in a package setup. 

I seen the plastic “lumber” at menards. They could have it in a couple weeks. I’m going to research the strength of that stuff tonight. My longest span between supports will be about 3’ 4” and I plan to lay the boards flat (horizontal). It’s for a 14’ aluminum boat so with motor and some gear, maybe 600Lbs +/-

Thanks again, guys 

James 

You could use cedar or plastic "lumber" boards.

I’m betting there are other synthetic options available at Cabellas, Kendor, or local Marinas - where you could save the shipping...

I’d poke around on-line and see what you can find...

Thanks, Brent. I checked out the site and looks like it be a one time solution going with the ultimate bunks. Dang shipping costs almost as much as the boards... it’d be nice not to have to change wood and carpet every few years though. 

Thanks, 

James 

Found it

Looks like the recommendation was Ultimate Bunk Boards

There was a thread on this, but I couldn’t seem to find it...

I do recall that most folks who posted recommended synthetic bunks over wood.