Jectoons  

Weird question for the fedi to answer:

Partner and I are thinking of making some 'platforms' for the patio to replace the current rotting ones. She came up with the idea that instead of 100% wood, which would make them as heavy and difficult to move for cleaning as the old ones, we could maybe use chicken wire in a sturdy frame. This will

a) make it lighter
b) easy to move & clean under
c) allow for water filtration
d) cheaper to make maybe?

My only concern is whether chicken wire can support the weight of peeps + patio furniture, plants and worm bin. My thinking is that smaller frames will allow for more even weight distribution, but I am not an engineer.

Question: would several roughly 0.5meter x 0.5 meter wood frames (maybe cedar) with chicken wire at its center, fulfill these requirements? Should I go smaller?

Oh, we would also put some of those ikea wood tiles on top for good measure.

More details: it is a patio on a roof, so there is torch underneath. It also rains a lot here.

#patio #diy #question #askthefediverse #engineer

Dec 31 at 8:27amWeb
Show threadHeather Dec 31

@jectoons Honestly I don't think chicken wire would be strong enough; it would bend out of shape or snap easily. But I'm not an expert. ^^; I wouldn't rely on it taking any weight larger than fifty pounds or so, and even then, I don't think it would be very sturdy/stable, no matter how strongly you secure it.

It would work well for walls, but I don't think it's a good choice for flooring. ^^; I'm not sure what would be better… If you still wanted something safe I'd go for a sturdy steel mesh that's designed for flooring. Maybe something like this: https://themeshcompany.com/the-difference-between-raised-and-flattened-expanded-metal-mesh/ But then you're getting into expensive materials territory. :\

The Difference Between Raised and Flattened Expanded Metal Mesh - The Mesh Company

Learn about the differences between raised and flattened expanded metal mesh in our latest blog. Discover the unique features of each type.

The Mesh Company
Show threadHeather Dec 31
@jectoons (My experience with chicken wire is from my dad making numerous rabbit hutches and chicken runs out of them as a kid in a rural environment. It never felt very sturdy to me, just a cheap way to keep not-so-strong things contained. ^^)
Show threadJectoons  Dec 31
@Rheall Thanks so much for your input! Yeah this was my concern. I wonder if there would be much price difference between steel mesh flooring and just using all wood.... I will read that article you shared, just wanted to first acknowledge and thank you for your response ^^
Show threadJohn ColagioiaDec 31

@jectoons Sounds risky and prone to jabbing people as the wire snaps. Pipe might be a better choice. Actually, I vaguely remember a project like that.

...Yes, OpenTap. https://design-milk.com/open-source-furniture-by-dosonu-design/

The studio looks defunct, but (a) pictures of the pieces show most of the work and (b) I have their thirty page (JPEGs, not a PDF or anything) guide if you want it. (No, no license, despite the name.)

Open Source Furniture by Dosuno Design

Dosuno Design has created Opentap, a collection of "open source furniture" that is -- in an ideal world -- low-cost and anyone can manufacture themselves.

Design Milk