![]() These tapes are often used for high-end residential window flashing and floor joists. We recommend using a plastic flashing tape between the aluminum frame and pressure-treated flooring. Pressure-treated wood is extremely corrosive! It requires approved fasteners and should NOT be put in direct contact with bare aluminum. And remember to use galvanized fasteners when installing pressure-treated plywood. It is best to use pressure-treated SYP plywood. You can increase to 1” for greater strength or ⅝” for lightweight uses, like an homemade camper trailer. The typical thickness for a plywood floor is ¾”. Expect to pay a 50-100% markup premium per square foot for anything bigger than a 4×8. But as a DIY builder, you’ll probably be using 4×8, 4×9, or 5×10 sheets. OEMs have access to “jumbo-sized” sheets of plywood or OSB that can cover an entire trailer frame. Plywood is a common flooring option for RVs, cargo trailers, and lightweight, light-duty utility campers. However, unlike other anti-skid finishes, such as rough rubber, diamond plate can be easily swept and cleaned. This thinner version of diamond plate is often called “tread plate.”ĭiamond plate sheet is often preferred by builders for its anti-slip properties. However, the usual practice for small trailers is to lay thin stamped diamond plate sheet (usually 0.032″ to 0.065″ thick) atop an already finished floor, such as 2x lumber. However, you can purchase diamond plate retail in thicknesses up to 1″ thick (which is a whopping 42 pounds per square foot)! It’s quite expensive! It’s rare to see solid diamond plate on a small trailer it’s typically reserved for industrial transportation equipment. This material is available in unfinished steel, aluminum, or stainless steel. Some builders opt to install solid diamond plate on the floor. It’s great for hauling much or paint cans. The obvious benefit of sheet or plate is that it’s continuous. Because metal sheet is so heavy, this option is more common on aluminum trailers than steel ones. Rather than expanded metal, you might choose to use solid metal sheet or plate. You can hook small ratchet straps and bungee straps almost anywhere! Sheet & Diamond Plate One of the big benefits to mesh decking is the ease of hooking. The material is best used for light-duty trailer decking or on ramps and sides. However, it can be mechanically fastened to a trailer frame using self-drilling screws with oversized fender washers.īecause expanded metal isn’t stiff, by its nature, the crossmembers will need to be closer together (20-24 inches) to prevent sagging or tearing. Most builders will choose to weld metal mesh directly to the frame. But laying the sheet so the long axis of the diamonds is oriented parallel with the main rails may stiffen the floor. #9 gauge is the recommended minimum size.Ĭommercial builders normally lay the mesh diamonds sideways on the trailer frame for the best yield. strand width and strand thickness), the alloy, the temper, and the open size all affect its strength properties. Not all mesh patterns are the same! The thickness (gauge) of the metal (i.e. But not so great for heavy-duty uses, which can cause the mesh to sag or tear.Įxpanded metal is usually made from unfinished steel, although it is also available in galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. ![]() If you’re looking for a lightweight, all-purpose trailer decking for moving equipment and not mulch, this is a great material. steel mesh) is commonly used on small utility trailers and ATV trailers.
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