Hello, if you're going to build a platform 30cm wide, that you can place on top of a pair of trestles, ideally spaced 2.5-3m apart, what is the smallest timber dimension (preferably pressure-treated) so that it is easy to carry/handle, and should support a weight of 115kg max.
I guess underneath you need to put some type of cross bracing to stiffen it up a bit, but also to hold the boards together.
I will use them for when I'm trimming hedges, and need to get up a bit 😁
I guess underneath you need to put some type of cross bracing to stiffen it up a bit, but also to hold the boards together.
I will use them for when I'm trimming hedges, and need to get up a bit 😁
When I did something similar to climb up a staircase for wallpapering, I built a ladder from 95x45. Then I placed a chipboard on top.
You can use smaller dimensions compared to, for example, deck construction in relation to the span because it doesn't matter if it flexes a little.
Other alternatives are a third trestle to halve the span or a hedge trimmer with a shaft if it's not too high.
You can use smaller dimensions compared to, for example, deck construction in relation to the span because it doesn't matter if it flexes a little.
Other alternatives are a third trestle to halve the span or a hedge trimmer with a shaft if it's not too high.
We had three planks that were glued and screwed together to get the width. 30 cm is a bit too narrow. Today, I would probably use 45x70 or 45x95 on the outside to make it less bendable, partly because I weigh twice as much as I did when I started using the plank during my childhood. Make it longer so you have more leverage on the "far side" of the support. My father built a step ladder that worked at different heights and also as a step ladder without the plank. The plank became an extra bench at larger parties.
A third trestle is not a bad option as it makes it easier to move them with 🤔 This should be considered, so you can go down to lighter walkways 😁P proffsrik said:When I did something similar to reach up a staircase for wallpapering, I built a ladder-like structure from 95x45. Then I put a chipboard on top.
You can use smaller dimensions than, for example, in deck construction relative to the span because it doesn't matter if it flexes a little.
Another option is a third trestle to halve the span or a hedge trimmer on a pole if it's not too high.
I was thinking of making 2 pieces so I get a total of 60 in width, to reduce the weight on them. Hence 30cm 😁Z z_bumbi said:We had three studs that were glued and screwed together to get the width. 30 cm is a bit too narrow.
Today I would probably use 45x70 or 45x95 on the outside to make it all less bendable, partly because I weigh twice as much as when I started using the plank during my upbringing.
Make it longer so you have more leverage on the "far side" of the support.
My dad built a step ladder that worked at different heights and also as a step ladder without the plank. The plank became an extra bench at larger parties.
With 3 trestles, the base must be relatively flat. Otherwise, you'll get a seesaw effect. The wood may flex a little, so if they are on a smooth lawn, it should be okay. But not if it's more challenging.
Instead of a third trestle, you can try just a support leg. It only needs to take vertical force and doesn't need to stand on its own.
I would build a U-channel out of sheet material and two 95-120x45. Consider where you want to store it later, as particleboard and OSB handle moisture really poorly. Plywood or glued laminated wood handle it better but should be kept under cover.
Alternatively, you could buy a second-hand steel ladder and cut a board that can be placed between the vertical supports. Then you get an extra ladder without it taking more space.
Instead of a third trestle, you can try just a support leg. It only needs to take vertical force and doesn't need to stand on its own.
I would build a U-channel out of sheet material and two 95-120x45. Consider where you want to store it later, as particleboard and OSB handle moisture really poorly. Plywood or glued laminated wood handle it better but should be kept under cover.
Alternatively, you could buy a second-hand steel ladder and cut a board that can be placed between the vertical supports. Then you get an extra ladder without it taking more space.
There you have the solution! I have a 3m aluminum ladder, I just need to lay boards in it and use it as a frame.G g.kraft said:With 3 sawhorses, the base must be relatively flat. Otherwise, you'll get a seesaw. The wood can flex a bit, so if it's on a smooth lawn, it's probably okay. But not if it's more challenging.
Instead of a third sawhorse, you can try with just a support leg. It only needs to take vertical force, so it doesn't need to stand on its own.
I would build a u-channel from sheet material and two 95-120x45. Consider where you want to store it later, particleboard and OSB are really bad with moisture. Plywood or laminated wood handles it better but should be kept under a roof.
Or you buy a used steel ladder and cut a board that can be placed between the vertical supports. Then you get an extra ladder without taking more space.
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