I'm getting ready to replace my bunks and while measuring the old I've found that they measure 5 1/2" in width and 1 1/2" in thickness. So, all I've found at the Home Depot is 6"x2", would that  extra 1/2" in thickness for the side bunk make a difference with carpet added? The boat already fits nice and snugg up against the side bunk. Thanks as always for everyone's wisdom

Use a pressure treated 2 x 6...they actually measure  1-1/2" x 5-1/2".

I seal mine with Thompson's water proof before I put the carpet on.

Standard 6"wx2" thick are actually 5.5'wx1.5 thick. Do what RIBassGuy said for longer life.

Use Wolmanized® lumber (green colored) then there is no need for additional treating  

Don't use pressure treated lumber, the chemical in it will rot the bunk carpet very quicky. I use regular lumber and coat it with fiberglass resin before applying the carpet. This keeps the wood from rotting out too quickly.

All Wolmanized® lumber is chemically treated with CCA-C, which is composed of the following:

Hexavalent Chromium 47.5%

Copper 18.5%

Arsenic 34.0%

Neither chemical will affect carpet or carpet glue; if a problem occurred it was not due to the Wolmanized® lumber.

Make sure if using treated (Wolmanized) lumber of any kind that you use approved galvanized hardware to attach the carpet and bunks to trailer. Newer process in treating lumber, even wolmanized, with high amounts of copper over time ( in some cases a very short amount of time)will corrode any steel hardware. This even applies when building any project not just bunks, decks, houses, finishing a basement, etc. Either way using treated lumber properly or treating any white wood thourghly should give you years of headache free use.

Harshman

Harshman  

It would be a waste of time if one were not to use galvanized hardware

Catt

You might be suprised on how many times I have seen guys mess up their bunks and flooring on a boat by using non treated staples to hold everything in place.

Harshman