Thin Deck Construction Help

[greghosman]

Hi,

I'm building a thin Mahogany Deck for my boat. I've got the panels done and am looking for advise on Epoxy and Glass. What type of Epoxy and what weight of Glass? Can I just do strips of glass or do I need to try to cover the entire panel front and back? What about the bolt holes? Would I try to cut these out? Will I have to re-drill them? Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks
Greg

 

[sphelps]

Why not just stain and varnish ?
Or epoxy sealed first then varnish .
Your wanting to retain the wood look right ?

 

[greghosman]

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I want to make the wood stronger. Its only 1/2" thick and Im afraid if my larger human friends come aboard they may go through the deck. What do you think about Surfboard or Ultra Clear Epoxy on the bottom with strips of 4-6 OZ cloth to reinforce. Then just stain and varnish on the top?

Thanks
Greg

 

[sphelps]

Idk man 1/2” ain’t much support and you have the grain parallel with the side supports . Not sure if just glassing would be strong enough ..
How about adding some strategic kleats under it out of sight . Just a rip of ply turned vertically or some dimensional lumber ..

 

[greghosman]

Yea that’s kinda what I’m thinking. Maybe glue and screw 3 x 1/2” strips per panel and just stick to the stain and varnish. I’m scared of the glass lol

 

[greghosman]

Yea that’s kinda what I’m thinking. Maybe glue and screw 3 x 1/2” strips per panel and just stick to the stain and varnish. I’m scared of the glass lol

What do you mean. By kleats?

 

[sphelps]

Kleats / ribs , joist, supports , brackets , whatever ya want to call em .. Little strips of wood to stiffen things up ...

 

[greghosman]

I think it’s a good plan. Thanks for the advice.