Apitong or Ironwood

We manufactured Apitong HIGH FREQUENCY edge glued diving boards in the mid 50's by the hundreds. Cut surfaced boards, 6/quarter into 2.5" strips 'n glued the surfaced sides together to laminate for grain opposed strength. They were heavier than a guilty conscience.

They held up in that use for un counted years with re varnish every two or three years. Sprinkled a fine sand, while varnish was wet, for bare foot traction, enamel paint/deck paint worked too...........for a truck bed I'd use th old farm standby...boiled linseed oil.

Unless grossly scarred by damaging loading it should last longer than you will. I've seen twenty year old tilt trailers (hauled steel track cat dozer's) up to D7's. Never replaced deck (or treated w/anything but diesel and spilled crankcase oil) in that time.

I hadn't heard that word, Apitong, in years.........

MR. GUY

I would save your money and just use it as is. I have used apitong for years and have only witnessed abrasion to erode it. I have heard that woods such as Cedar will withstand weathering until you apply oils, then it requires it or else.