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Old 08-21-2019, 04:29 PM   #1
Bus Nut
 
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Deck Framing - square tubing vs angle iron

Looking to build a rectangular steel frame with cross supports to use to hold up a wooden deck on the top of my bus. Originally i was thinking 1.5" 1/8 tubing to screw the boards to since it is stronger than angle iron, but wondered if i would have rust issues with all the holes i put in it to attach the deck.

Anybody out there have experience with this?

Thanks,
dave

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Old 08-21-2019, 04:43 PM   #2
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i would reccomend 12guage uni strut because it is already galvanized has bolt holes already in it and tons of manufacturing support for brackets, bases and all kinds of things to build whatever you want.
anything black steel even heavily painted originally is going to need repainted every few years or rust stains will be a problem.
check out HILTI unistrut systems and everything they offer to go with it and if you like the idea of it then go to your local commercial electric supply, plumbing/piping supply house for the cheapest option or find your closest fastenal or grainger supply but they will be getting closer to hilti prices.
it is also called
kendorf strut
super strut
and many other names depending on your trade.
good luck
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Old 08-21-2019, 05:02 PM   #3
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Something to consider....

Some insurance companies will not issue a policy if you have a roof deck.

I had planned on building a deck until I found out that my insurance does not allow it.

Same issue with wood stoves.
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Old 08-23-2019, 01:06 PM   #4
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Thanks, these are both helpful to know, but am curious if anybody out there has knowledge on what the pros/cons would be of tubing vs angle?
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Old 08-23-2019, 01:13 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MambaJack View Post
Thanks, these are both helpful to know, but am curious if anybody out there has knowledge on what the pros/cons would be of tubing vs angle?
Tubing will be stronger and have more surfaces to mount to. Spray it with a rust preventer to avoid rust.
I would do a base square tube frame for support , then add angle on top to drop my boards into the frame.
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Old 08-23-2019, 01:31 PM   #6
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I'd use angle, you have no way to paint the interior of tubing, and drilling holes into it will expose the inside to moisture and rust. The strength difference between tubing and angle is moot in a situation like this. Whatever you use, be sure it is sufficiently attached to the bus framing.
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Old 07-16-2020, 12:55 PM   #7
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This may be a little late for this post but I plan on using light gauge galvanized square tubing for my room deck frame. It will be attached to unistrut that is bolted through the roof bows. Also, if you choose to use mild steel tubing, I have had good results from drilling a small hole in the bottom side of the tubing and pouring in about a quart of boiled linseed oil and rolling it around to completely coat the inside. I got the idea from a sail boat forum for corrosion protection at sea of inside tubing.
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