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Old 01-26-2021, 09:47 AM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Rooftop decking

I was hoping to get some input on decking material choice. I just finish my 11x7' frame from inch and a half steel square tubing for my shorty. I was planning on using 2x6 cedar but after pricing it out im now contemplating going to a composite board.

Weight: cedar = 25lbs / composite = 22lbs
Cost: cedar = $38 per board / composite = $28 per board
Longevity: i believe composite will last longer and require leas maintenance
Looks: initially cedar would probably look better but after a year or two the composite would pull ahead because of durability

Id have to weld in extra cross beams to half the span to use the composite boards but i have a bunch of extra metal.

Anything im missing? Has anyone else used composite boards and have any input?

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Old 01-26-2021, 10:25 AM   #2
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You mean the rooftop storage rack...or the rooftop solar panel racking...not the rooftop deck, right? This will help with your insurance, because no insurer we've found will cover a vehicle with a rooftop deck. So, we knew what you meant!

As to your actual question, though, I'm surprised (but believe you) that composite weighs less than the wood. I've done decks (at ground level) and stairs with composite...the Trex brand...and it was quite heavy. I guess things have come a long ways since then. You're right about the intermediate supports, as it will sag more easily than wood. Over the long haul, the composite definitely holds up better in appearance.
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Old 01-26-2021, 10:19 PM   #3
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I'm using composite for the back porch , zero maintenance and looks nice. For the top deck going with tigerwood , it can span 30" just fine, isn't that much heavier and looks amazing. My roof deck will be removable ....
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Old 01-26-2021, 10:50 PM   #4
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might check what this guy used.... I know it's composite, but I don't think it was "deck boards", I think it was more the material you finish columns & rails with.... he called it a "deck capping material"
https://youtu.be/Jogl6p85bfU
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Old 01-27-2021, 12:33 AM   #5
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Don’t let your insurance company know. You will be cancelled and probably won’t be able to get insurance for a bus again.
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Old 01-27-2021, 04:48 PM   #6
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I used treated deck pine wood. Looks good to me, time will tell if it was the right choice.

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Old 01-27-2021, 06:39 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ABBus View Post
I used treated deck pine wood. Looks good to me, time will tell if it was the right choice.

off-topic, but you got more info on the AC units?
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Old 01-27-2021, 08:12 PM   #8
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AC units are "Domestic Brisk 2 high efficiency".
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Old 03-21-2021, 09:13 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lilbitfurthur View Post
I'm using composite for the back porch , zero maintenance and looks nice. For the top deck going with tigerwood , it can span 30" just fine, isn't that much heavier and looks amazing. My roof deck will be removable ....
I'd love some more info about how you're making your roof deck removable if you don't mind sharing! We love ours but can't justify the loss of fuel efficiency it causes. I'd love to be able to remove it for driving and replace it when we're parked somewhere, but haven't been able to find a solution that isn't super labor/storage space intensive!
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Old 03-21-2021, 09:50 PM   #10
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I think the weights are off because you're comparing a Cedar 2 x 6 against a composite 1 x 6. Have you priced the cedar in 1 x 6? Cedar can be done on 16" centers, composite likes 12", so extra framing for the composite. Have you checked your insurance regs on roof decks?
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