Replacing Bunkend

[Kelly]

I need to replace one bunkend ... the wood is cracked and warped.  I can figure out the mechanics of it and I have help ~ with tools and a good back

I need to know if I should replace it with OSB or plywood?  Treat the wood or don't treat the wood?   What other options are there?

Thoughts and opinions, please.  

[skidsareforkids]

I'd use Plywood, and if you've got the money use Marine Grade plywood.  It's basically pressure treated plywood.

[wavery]

Marine grade plywood is certainly the ultimate material to use. It is much stronger than other grades of plywood because there are no knots or voids in the layers of laminates. This also makes it more impervious to water because water can sit in the voids of other plywood and start delaminating it.

However, For the cost you may be just as well off using AC plywood. It's strong and fairly cheap. I doubt that your bunk ends will see enough water for it to be an issue. One side is finished and smooth the other side is unfinished and ugly.

If it were me, I would paint the top side with an outdoor, semi-gloss enamel paint. I would leave the underside unfinished so that any moisture can escape.

OSB is cheaper yet and very strong. However, I wouldn't use it because of the weight. I believe that it is about 1/3 heavier than AC plywood (I may be wrong about the exact difference but it is heavier).

[Kelly]

Thanks!

Forgive the ignorance ... what does AC stand for?  And would you use it finished side down or up?

[wavery]

Thanks!

Forgive the ignorance ... what does AC stand for?  And would you use it finished side down or up?

Basically, plywood is "Graded". "A" being best and "D" being worst. AC is "A" grade on one side and "C" grade on the other. It is commonly used for flooring and other construction where only one side (A) is seen and the other side (C) is facing the studs when nailed down.

For the bunk end, I would have the smooth side up. The reason that I would paint it is so that any moisture could be wiped up and it won't get stained. If you have the rough side up, your mattress could snag or even get torn. It can be really rough.

[Kelly]

Exactly what I needed.  Thanks Wayne.  

[Kelly]

Wahoo!!  We did it.  It turned out really nice ... and it wasn't very difficult to do.   I was looking at it today and was just amazed at how level it was!  The old bunkend had grooves worn in it where it dragged across the supports when being pulled out/pushed in (it's a king-size bunk) ... this one barely touches the supports!  

Thanks for all the advice!

[AustinBoston]

Wahoo!!  We did it.  It turned out really nice ... and it wasn't very difficult to do.   I was looking at it today and was just amazed at how level it was!  The old bunkend had grooves worn in it where it dragged across the supports when being pulled out/pushed in (it's a king-size bunk) ... this one barely touches the supports!

Congrats, Kelly.  You may be my "quiet" neighbor, but you certanly have proven yourself very capable.

Austin

[wavery]

Congratulations Kelly........should serve you well for many years.

Out of curiosity.........what material did you end up using?

[Kelly]

Congratulations Kelly........should serve you well for many years.

Out of curiosity.........what material did you end up using?

5/8" BC plywood

I didn't paint it .... yet.  That may be a project for another day.