This could be genius , tree deck for the Deck in a Flatbed for a pressure washer.

Ron Musgraves

Exterior Restoration Specialist
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I'm curious to hear from some wood Guys about how chemicals might affect this, i was talking with Tony about how strong the material is. Apparently theres not issue with this.

Michael K is doing this as we speak, I was wondering if anyone else has already done this?
 
The only drawback I can see is "spanning". You may have to add more cross members if converting from a "timber" style decking to a composite. But with a structurally sound foundation with stainless fasteners..... I can't help but think it would be quite bullet proof!
 
Hmm, maybe I could do something like this on a truck I am putting together. Looks like a plausible idea.
 
Leave it to Mike to come up with a cool idea. I'm pretty much an aluminum type guy due to corrosive issues. Here's a picture of my flatbed from a job we started this week and also the trailer I've been working on since last week. That one needs its own thread because its a disaster so far but its getting there. Trex decking might have been a neat idea in that trailer.
 

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Great idea!
 
I have seen some truck decks built that way too. You need the extra support like mentioned above and be sure to add some larger plates or washers above and underneath the hole where you secure your equipment to disperse the weight and prevent it from pulling through the deck.
 
I have seen some truck decks built that way too. You need the extra support like mentioned above and be sure to add some larger plates or washers above and underneath the hole where you secure your equipment to disperse the weight and prevent it from pulling through the deck.

I asked tony about that, he felt its stronger than regular wood. Where are our wood experts? Could one of them tell us?

Is trex stronger than plank the same size? Are boards normally 2 1/4 by 8 ?

I want the stats.


Ron Musgraves text me for
questions 480-522-5227 Pressure Washing Institute.com
 
Negative............ Trex is kinda noodley..... when you pick up the end of a trex plank it will sag. wood 2x material is rigid and will not sag. Trex is a great product but you do have to beef up the structural support under it. The spanning properties of trex is less than that of conventional wood decking.
 
I think the idea of decking a flatbed is a great idea.... Kudos to Micheal!

Having your equipment fasteners with "washers" is also a great idea as mentioned by Paul..... since trex is a 50/50 wood/plastic, having highly torqued fasteners for your equipment mounted to the flatbed could cause "pull through". Sandwiching washers or plates would be optimal for mounting.
 
Whats the Status ?

It holds up awesome but the cracks between is the problem allowing chems to drip onto frame below. The actual decking holds up great.
 
So a Thin Sheet of Plastic or Rubber Under it Might work?

Or a coat of line-x on top.

In the end, cheaper than steel, more than wood and a line-x coat would just add to cost. Ultimate (cost not an issue) would be aluminum or stainless steel.
 
An option to 5/4x6 composite decking is T&G tounge and groove composite. I preferred Azek decking. There's a great variety of sizes 1x4, 1x6. 5/4x6 , 5/4x4 t&g and things thin boards 1/2x10, 1/2x16 which is great for bending. I mostly built 12" oc decks with composites because direct sun exposure can loosen is up a bit 12 oc will cover that no problem. The t&g will also protect the screw heads from exposure.
If you want something more beefy t&g mahogany is a great option. Takes time predrilling and SS screws suck ass to work with but it will last a longtime. The mahogany can also hold a screw well but is heavy.
My best bet would be t&g 1x4 azek decking 12 oc framing. Its light easy to work and cleans great. That t&g makes for a solid 1pc construction with endless options. About $2.75 ln ft
Fiberon has a good composite with a poly sleeve for stain and impact resistance good price point 6 years ago. Now ?
 
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