B just gonna look cleaner with X-pandin Metal on top plust straight line make eaiser to weld... JMO though

 

You going to run a brace through each square? bc I believe that is going to make it really heavy. How thick is the expanded metal? Are you sure you will need it?

 

Yea I would run it through each square if nothing else but for aesthetics with the sq tubing it would only add like 11 lbs and bout 12 using the angle. I'm just worried that with a 13 inch by 15 inch rectangle opening I will get a lot of bow when standing in the center. Not sure as thickness of expanded metal either 3/4" #9 which is
0.120 thick which would add 24lbs. Bad part is the deck will still be lighter than my old water logged deck lol

 

I'm not sure but that frame looks like it is steel, and if you are using steel expanded metal, why not jus go along and tack the expanded metal right to the framework, it will secure it and it will only allow minimal sag, that isjust a thought, but from what I've learned so far is you want to keep the front as light as possible, and even though it would only add 11 or 12 pounds, it is still adding, (what I see as unnessasary) weight

 

thanks trajordy, We would tack the expanded metal to the frame as you said. Just more or less worried as to how much sag it would have.

 

I would go with "A". Take a look at 1/2" square tubing. Very light and should be plenty strong.

 

You idea sounds good, maybe get some of the expanded metal before you ad the extra support and see how much or if it sags, Just a though, hate to see others go through extra wrk if it isn't necassary

 

The only problem I've found with our expanded metal deck is dropping arrows through...the barbs catch when trying to pull it back through. Here is a couple pictures of mine...

 

Do you like the expanded metal decking. Seems like it would be rough on the knees

 

I used it on my first deck as well. I really don't see you having much sagging over a 13x15 opening. And if you do I used 1/2 inch square tubing and it worked just fine to support the sagging areas on mine especially only being a 15 inch run. I'd put it in style B.

 

We will definetly find out for sure by the end of the weekend. Picked it up today, and got it cut to fit this evening. Now just got to get it glued up!

 

I bet every time u drop an arrow on the deck point first you immediately wish you didn't have expanded metal decking.