Trailer flooring is an important aspect of any heavy-duty transportation system, whether it’s a semi-trailer, flatbed trailer, or livestock trailer. Choosing the right flooring material is crucial to ensuring the safety of the cargo and the driver, as well as the longevity and durability of the trailer itself.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using apitong wood for trailer flooring and help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your trailer.
What is Apitong Wood?
Apitong wood, also known as keruing, is a tropical hardwood native to Southeast Asia. It’s a dense, durable, and rot-resistant material that’s commonly used in the construction of heavy-duty vehicles, including trailers, trucks, and flatbeds.
Benefits of Apitong Wood for Trailer Flooring
- Durability and Strength
One of the biggest advantages of apitong wood is its durability and strength. It’s a dense and heavy material that can withstand heavy loads and extreme weather conditions without cracking, warping, or breaking. This makes it an ideal choice for trailer flooring that needs to support heavy cargo and withstand regular wear and tear.
- Slip Resistance
Apitong wood has a natural resistance to slip, making it an ideal choice for trailer flooring. It provides a secure and stable surface for cargo, preventing it from shifting or moving during transport. This is especially important for livestock trailers, where the animals’ safety depends on a stable and secure flooring surface.
- Rot and Insect Resistance
Apitong wood is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. It’s a low-maintenance material that requires minimal upkeep, making it a cost-effective and long-lasting choice for trailer flooring.
- Easy to Install and Repair
Apitong wood is easy to install and repair, making it a convenient choice for trailer manufacturers and owners. It can be cut and shaped to fit any trailer size or shape, and individual boards can be replaced if they become damaged or worn over time.
Options for Apitong Wood Trailer Flooring
There are two main options for apitong wood trailer flooring: solid boards and laminated boards. Solid boards are made from a single piece of wood, while laminated boards are made from multiple layers of wood that are glued together.
Solid boards are a more traditional choice for trailer flooring and provide a sturdy and reliable surface for heavy loads. They’re also more affordable than laminated boards and can be replaced individually if needed.
Laminated boards, on the other hand, are more expensive but provide additional strength and durability. They’re made from multiple layers of apitong wood that are bonded together using a waterproof adhesive, creating a stronger and more stable flooring surface.
Below, we’ll discuss specific options that exist for you to consider. These are some of the popular ones to choose from.
Trailer Flooring Options Compared
Apitong wood is a popular and good choice for your trailer decking but it’s not the only one. Here are some other options compared to apitong.
| Feature | Apitong Wood | White Oak | Purpleheart | Douglas Fir | Laminated Truck Flooring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability and Strength | High | High | High | Medium | High |
| Slip Resistance | High | Medium | Low | Low | High |
| Rot and Insect Resistance | High | Medium | Low | Low | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium | Medium | High | Low |
| Cost | Medium | Medium | High | Low | High |
| Availability | High | High | Low | High | High |
| Installation and Repair | Easy | Easy | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Note: The ratings for each feature are based on a scale of low, medium, and high.
Conclusion
Choosing the right flooring material for your trailer is crucial to ensuring its safety, longevity, and durability. Apitong wood provides a durable, slip-resistant, and low-maintenance option for trailer flooring, making it a popular choice among trailer manufacturers and owners.
Whether you choose solid or laminated boards, apitong wood is a reliable and long-lasting choice that will provide years of use and protection for your cargo.