KAYU® Truck and Trailer Decking
Question & Answers
Q. Who is KAYU® International, Inc.?
A. Kayu® International is a Direct Importer of hardwood truck and trailer decking, from shiplap and rough lumber, to custom specialty patterns. We serve the transportation industry for truck and trailer decking and deliver Apitong / Keruing throughout the U.S. and Canada. For over 22 years, Steve Wilson, president and owner of Kayu International has led the Kayu Team, importing Apitong / Keruing and the highest quality hardwoods. From exotic hardwoods used for commercial constructions and the home improvement industry, to our purpose-focused Truck Decking – Apitong / Keruing Wood.
Q. What are the advantages of buying from a Direct Importer?
A. One of the world’s largest and longest serving Direct Importers of Hardwood; Kayu ® International. Inc., provides KAYU ® Keruing for our loyal customers. Importing 100% authentic Keruing / Apitong wood directly from South East Asia.
Our KAYU Team of mill graders in SE Asia, provide all our inspections of wood; they have decades of training in the wood industry, understand the importance of the woods quality and precision manufacturing care.
Q. Why is Apitong / Keruing used for Trailer Decking?
A. Apitong / Keruing is the leading hardwood in use today for truck and trailer decking. Offering the best durability and life expectancy due to its natural interlocking grain, density and resins. With a Janka hardness rating scale as much as two times that of White Oak, these tropical hardwoods will perform in the toughest conditions.
When you choose Apitong – Keruing decking you can look forward to an extremely durable hard-wearing surface that is designed to last. This type of wood has been a proven performer for flooring in trucks for more than half a century and has become the “Go-To” choice among truck owners who want something that is durable, strong and still very affordable. Keruing has the same density as Red Oak, its interlocking grain offers exceptional wear and its strength to weight ratio provides excellent weight displacement.
Q. What is the difference between Keruing and Apitong Wood?
A. Keruing is another name used for the Apitong wood species. This wood is a native of South East Asia. We make it a point to buy Keruing / Apitong directly from Indonesia and Malaysia because it is simply the best.
Q. Does Apitong /Keruing decking require a lot of maintenance?
A. No. One of the many benefits that KAYU® Keruing – Apitong wood offers is that it is low maintenance. This species of wood can be used for any type of outdoor industrial decking without having to worry about its after-effects. If you are looking for resilience, then Kayu ® Keruing wood is the right choice for you. Since it is also very strong and durable, many of our customers also use KAYU ® Keruing Apitong for heavy construction and industrial decking, docks and warehouses.
Q. Will I need to worry about my Apitong / Keruing rotting?
A. The answer is no! KAYU® only sources the highest quality Apitong/Keruing hardwood for the trucking industry. After decades of importing hardwoods for the US and Canadian markets, we are convinced Apitong/Keruing is the suitable hardwood for trucks and trailers. Stronger and more durable than Oak and other domestic species often used for truck and trailer decks, with a natural resistance to fungus, decay and rot, our Apitong/Keruing hardwood stands the test of time with little to no maintenance.
Q. Is Shiplap decking recommended?
A. Yes, it is. When shiplap decking is installed, the boards interlock together creating a solid and sturdy surface. Perfect for flatbed trailers, you won’t need to worry about the product weight, its strength or even the price.
Q. What sizes does KAYU offer Shiplap decking in?
A. KAYU International stocks shiplap decking in 1-1/8”x7”, 1-1/8”x5”, 1-5/16”x7”, and 1- 3/8”x7” year-round. Additional sizes are also available by special order. We not only have large amounts of stock available but always have several loads in the process and can change or add sizes for quick delivery time.
Q. What are common uses for Apitong / Keruing?
A.
- Semi-trailer or Big Rig Truck Decking
- Truck Floors, Truck Body
- Railroad cars and Flatcars
- Flatbed Trailers
- Platform Trailer
- Shiplap Decks
- Stake Bodies
- Rough Truck Decks
- Drop Deck Trailer
- Low Boy Trailer Deck
- Dry Vans
- Containers
- Bodies and Reefers
- Custom Design Trailers
- Restoration Truck Decking
- Industrial S4S applications
- Rail Ties
- Telephone Pole Cross Members
- Military
Q. What is the difference between kiln-dried (KD) and air-dried (AD) products?
A. The two methods of drying are Kiln-Dried (KD) or Air-Dried (AD). One of the most crucial fundamentals to woods strength and performance over time is to consistently dry the wood to its optimum moisture content (MC).
Kiln-Dried lumber uses a process of computer and operator-controlled heat and humidity to adjust and regulate the drying of the lumber. KD has an enormous advantage, not only is the wood dried uniformly to a precise 12-14% MC; the wood is stable and shrinkage is done, losing most of its water during the drying process, resulting in far less weight. With true Kiln-dried wood, there will be no Kiln stick-marks or mold on the wood.
Our KAYU wood is carefully monitored by Kiln dryers that are highly technical and have the capabilities of modern-day computerized programming. Proven drying cycles that are extremely accurate and consistent; load to load and board to board. KD is far superior to AD with highly consistent results.
Air-Dried lumber is typically left to dry outside in inconsistent areas and conditions, weather and length of time. AD typically results in large variations of moisture percentages and quality. The problems that occur with the AD process is often with the wood not drying evenly and a 22-35% MC, which may vary from load to load and board to board. Worse yet, many loads ship on sticks in the “green/wet” state, resulting in moldy and sticker stained wood.
AD is an outdated process that is substantially less costly than KD. Although an outdated process with inconsistent variations; many mills simply can’t afford the finances for KD dryers and have no choice but to continue with the dated AD process.
At KAYU® International, we value consistency, so all our wood is 100% Kiln-Dried
Q. What is meant by the term “rough sawn” lumber?
A. Rough sawn lumber is sawn timber that is cut into a specific size but the sides are not surfaced smoothly. The surface of this lumber will be slightly rougher than one that has had the S4S machining operation performed.
Q. What are finger-jointed products?
A. The finger joint is by far the most commonly used joint to form long pieces of lumber from shorter solid boards. This is made by machining a set of identical cuts in two pieces of wood, then gluing them together. The strength of a finger joint comes from the long-grain to long-grain contact between the fingers. The number of contact points provides a solid gluing surface. KAYU International only uses high-quality water-proof, type 1glue.
Finger joint has the advantage of giving you exactly the exact lengths you need. Moreover, the joining of several smaller pieces actually further spreads out the natural wood forces, creating a stable product.
Q. What does a bullnose pattern look like?
A. A bullnose pattern will have two faces with smooth surfaces and at least one edge two sides with rounded corners.
Do You Have Additional Questions?
For more information about Kayu® International, Inc. and the services/products we offer, you can visit our official website through this link www.kayu.com or Kayutruckdecking.com. Based in the USA we can offer you with the best solutions possible at affordable prices.
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