Decking fasteners

[bbarbee]

New to this so please bare with me.
How do you attach the carpeted decking to the benches without the fasteners showing?
Thanks ahead of time!

 

[worminken]

I drilled my plywood and boat seat. Covered plywood with carpet and then attached to boat seat.

Ken

 

[benjineer]

May not be possible. Use flat head screws and fender washers. It will look clean, and you shouldn't be able to snag a toe on it.

 

[bbarbee]

Thanks. I'm learning as I go.
Is wood framing prefered over aluminum. What are the pros and cons?

 

[perchin]

Is wood framing prefered over aluminum. What are the pros and cons?

nope...just the opposite. :wink:

Aluminum _pros= light weight, never going to rot.
Aluminum_cons= cost, not as easy to cut, form and mill

Wood_pros= COST, easier to work with
Wood_cons= The need for a sealant, weight, will eventually rot.

Usually cost is the major factor..... I used aluminum for my build, and I will opt. for wood next time in hopes of saving the pocket book.. :wink:

 

[bbarbee]

I think I'll use aluminum for the framing and wood for the deck frame and deck. Can It be sandblasted without any damage? As far as I know there are no leaks, just don't want to cause any. And after it is stripped,what steps are there after?
Is there somewhere on the forum I haven't found to answer my questions? lol.
Here are some pictures of what I'm working with. Thanks

 

[cavman138]

New to this so please bare with me.
How do you attach the carpeted decking to the benches without the fasteners showing?
Thanks ahead of time!

I used flathead, stainless steel, self tapping screws. The screws drew right in through the carpet and into the wood and for the most part you can't even tell where they are. I couldn't be happier with it.

 

[Hanr3]

looks like a great project boat.

carefull with sandblasting, it generates a bunch of heat, enough to warp aluminum and steel. Chemical or mechanical stripper is preferred if warpage is a concern.

 

[bbarbee]

Well I have started on my boat project. I still have a few questions. I'm installing all wood framing and I'm try'n to figure out the best way to attach the base of a seat (Pictured below)to the deck. It's taller and am afraid of it pulling out.

 

[Hanr3]

Several options.

T-Nuts and bolts of plywood- the t-nut attaches to the underside of the plywood via teeth, it has threads in it to accpet a bolt. Also requires pre planning, and assembly prior to carpet installation, plus you need to find the holes once the carpet has been installed. Not hard if you have acess to the bottom, push a small drill bit through the carpet at each hole to locate it, then cut it out with a razpr knife.

For 2x4 (dimensional lumber) use lag bolts as long as you can. Put the base in place, drill a pilot hole, and rachet the bolts home. Make the bolts as long as you have material, 2x4 in the 2" dimension use a 1-1/2 to 1-3/4" lag bolt. Preferred to use the 4" direction and use a 3-1/2" lag bolt. Only way that base is moving would be due to wood rot, so seal the holes. Best method I know is to use silicone or rubber wehn you have a couple turns to go, push teh sealant under the bolt head and crank tight, letting it ouze out. IF you use rubber, runt eh bolt thorugh it and let it seal around the bolt shank.

I used rubber backed outdoor carpet, the rubber backing seals the bolt holes.

 

[bcbouy]

the force needed to pull that base out would probably flip your boat before you pulled out the screws.

 

[bbarbee]

Thanks guys! I've used the T-nuts before but it never crossed my mind to use them here. Will post more pictures soon.