That's what I would use!!:tu:

 

I used 2X2 X 1/8 and it is stout. Still lightweight too. My deck is 6' X 7'. I would think the 1.5X1.5 would be more than enough and save a bit more weight. Make sure whatever you do, get it from a good supplier with US made aluminum. Otherwise you will be cussing like a sailer when you go to weld it up. I actually threw some 1/2" pressure treated plywood for a deck. Pretty much the same weight or a bit lighter than 1/8 diamond plate and alot cheaper.

 

Is .080 smooth strong enough for decking with bracing every 2ft ? Or just go 1/8

 

I wouldnt go any thinner than 1/8inch but if you wanted to save money just use flat sheet and put either that roll grip tape or roll on bed liner

 

This is the decking I'm using on the platform I'm currently building
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What do ya call this stuff? I have been thinking about going with bleacher seating but this stuff looks equivalent and possibly lighter. PM me some info if ya would please!

 

I have 1 1/2" angle bracing it. (I assume it's 1/8" thick.
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2x3 1/8 is way overkill...wishing I would have gone with 2x2 or 1.5 x 1.5

 

Me too. 1.5 X1.5 is plenty strong. Saves about 15% on weight too!

 

I used 2x2 on my boat. I think its overkill. I wish I would have went 1.5x1.5

 

im guessing you arent planning on using that deck barefoot... rip yo feet up!

 

I went with 2" x1/8" Alumin angle, & 1" x 1/8" alumin tubing for my framing of my deck, with plywood floor with rubber mat glued. My knee rail is made of 1" tubing. I built the deck in 1/2's, the center joint has a gasket made of neoprene that become water tight when both havles meet.

 

Thanks for the info guys

 

Ya I went 1.5 by 1\8 braced 18 inches on center going to deck it with 1\8 smooth aluminum I think 18 on center is over kill but better safe then sorry I guess think I'm going to build the the railing out of 1inch 1\8 wall

 

1.5 is a good choice on 18" center ... good luck with the build ... I have build 5 decks so far used 1x1 thin wall (1/16th) on 12- 16" centers with 1/16th thick diamond plate most will say this is too light but with proper corner bracing its very strong and very light ... all of the decks are still in service .... this first 4 I pop riveted together ( witch works well) ( didn't get a power riveter till the 3rd one after 750 rivets in each:kb the last one I mig welded this is much faster. again good luck with your build just keep in mind a triangle in the corners and have fun

 

I just built my deck out of 1 x 1 steel tubing with .083 wall thickness. Weight of steel is only .93 lbs per ft. Either way turned out a 6ft x 7ft platfrom with 1/2 plywood wieghing in at just a 100 lbs. Just and idea.... build for under 150 bucks. Only down side is you have to paint it. Cost comparison form my suppliers was about 500 dollars differance, granted 350 of that was paying someone to weld the aluminum since I do not have that ability.

 

.80 diamond plate is to thin, to keep it from flexing you'd have to add more bracing underneath, I originally ordered .80 took one look at it and spent the extra money on the 1/8" stuff!

 

By chance how much did that run you?

 

I paid $180 a sheet from a local distributor, probably could have saved a buck or two if I would have ordered it through my company but I was in a hurry and didn't want to wait a few days for the next delivery

 

We've used about everything known to man and my new deck will defineatly be 1.5 square, love the bulky look and the fact u don't need much for braceing. That being said if you're more worried about weight than looks I'd go with 1.5 by 1 and stand them on edge it'll be just as strong and save some weight. Another thing we've found that u should keep in mind is I'd defineatly use you're legs as part of the deck frame it makes you're rail a lot stronger. If u want pics I'm sure I can find some for ya.

 

Basically we're incorporating the legs as our railing uprights and also welded into the corners of you're deck. Hope that makes more sense.

 

I used 20 ga steel studs, my platform with the diamond plate weighs 55 lbs

 

this is what I've got so far

 

Not trying to be a dickhead, but I sure wish you guys would miter your corners. It drives me nuts when people butt weld and cap corners.

Other than that it looks really solid!

 

Coming from the guy with the strangest looking boat I've ever seen. Lmao

 

Ya the main frame is all mitered corners I got lazy on the railing and the 4 main corner r 1.5 angle with 1 in tubing into that figured it would be strong enough

 

The miters are purely for ascetics, I have to doubt it's strong enuff!

 

What is the best adhesive to use on the interlocking mats and hydroturf im going to but the mats down and the hydroturf over them

 

Definitely a cool looking rig