Perforated boards ideas? (ventilated mattress base)

[Haraald]

I need a perforated base for my Froli mattress system that needs to span a few 4' cavities, so it needs to be rigid unlike HomeDepot pegboard or something. I've had mold nightmares in the past so I'm not keen on buying wood or plywood, drilling holes, and varnishing it or whatever (but will as a last resort). I've only found DuraBoard and PVC perforated board online but they're $300+, shipping is forever and by truck, and only 1/4" thick, which I think might bend in a 4' span. I also thought of buying plastic decking and building the base, but I don't have a ton of time for labor and I'd really prefer to just throw a perforated board down and be done. Any ideas?

 

[7echo]

These guys make lots of sheets of steel and fiberglass with holes in them.

http://www.mcnichols.com/

Perf steel will work but will likely need a angle steel frame surround for rigidity to span 4'.

 

[rayra]

3/4" ply and a 2" holesaw, honeycomb pattern. Should only take about 3-4hrs from start to poly coat. About $65 plus whatever your precious time is worth to you.

Nothing else affordable with cover such a span.


But if you've got such moisture trouble I'd also suggest some knee-high woman's nylon stockings filled with dry rice as an absorbent / dessicant. OR go to a craft store and buy the large can of 'flower drying crystals' - silica gel - a lot cheaper by weight than gunsafe-branded dessicants, same stuff.

 

[ripperj]

If you use the froli, I wouldn't think you would get any condensation, just use solid ply, I wouldn't even poly it, it will still last forever. The froli has the mattress high enough that air gets in from the ends


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[doug720]

On boats, the berth pads - cushions will mold if not allowed to breath. We have always used strips of wood under the cushions. 3-4 pieces of 1/4 - 3/8" thick by 1 - 1 1/2" wide strips under a berth cushion and they will breath and we never have a mold or mildew problem. In addition, with a 3" thick or more cushion, you don't even feel them underneath them.

We always used teak, after all it's a boat, but other wood would work also.

Quick, easy, light weight and it works!