Aluminum Plank Decking: Exploring the Uses Beyond Bleachers and Docks

While the average person may not give much thought to bleacher planking or decking material, when you’re in the market for one of these products there is much to consider. For one, you need a product that is incredibly strong, safe, and resilient. Additionally, you require planking or decking that can withstand the elements, such as high moisture and dirt. Finally, you want planking that is resistant to corrosion and will stay looking great without the need for repairs. Below we’ll take a look at the many benefits of aluminum decking boards, as well as the product offerings available to meet your needs.

Benefits of Aluminum Bleacher Planks and Decking

There are a number of reasons why aluminum deck material makes sense for your gym, sports arena, or deck project s, as well as outdoor terraces and rooftops, walkways, patios, and pavilions. For one, aluminum planking and decking are incredibly light in weight. In fact, in the case of decking, aluminum decking boards are up to four times lighter than alternatives like wood or composite materials. This is especially beneficial when it comes to installing bleachers in a gym, as often this seating needs to be moved or stored to allow for more space on occasion. Using lighter weight material like aluminum bleacher planks ensures that one or two individuals can quickly and efficiently rearrange the bleachers as needed.

Another great benefit to aluminum bleacher planking and decking is their durability. Aluminum is widely known as a material that can hold up over time without bending, warping, twisting, cracking, or rusting. This is essential for bleachers, which see a great deal of foot traffic, including jumping fans, spilled drinks, and more forms of wear and tear. Similarly, aluminum deck material has the ability to withstand constant exposure to moisture without breaking down, making it the ideal material for stadium seating solutions. Many types of aluminum decking feature self-draining channels to ensure the surface is free of moisture.

A Variety of Uses for Aluminum Decking Boards

While stadium bleachers and marina dock systems are typically the first items that come to mind when you think of decking boards, there are other ways to use these products as well. For example, aluminum deck material can also be used as trailer decking for utility, car hauler, livestock, and flatbed trailers. While wood is a very popular choice for trailer decking, it is susceptible to decay, rot and insects, it is heavier than aluminum deck material, and its ability to absorb water leads to deformation and cracking. While regular staining and sealing will extend the life of wood planks, they will usually require replacement over time. In contrast, aluminum decking boards are highly resistant to rust and corrosion, require minimal maintenance, and are water resistant. Aluminum is also lighter than wood, which potentially improves fuel efficiency and load capacity when hauling materials.

Another application for aluminum decking boards is a pedestrian bridge, also known as a footbridge or overcrossing. Pedestrian bridges are built to facilitate safe crossing over roadways, railways, and waterways and are often constructed with wood. If you’ve ever stepped on a rotten board and felt it give way, you already know why aluminum decking is a better choice. Pedestrian bridges in outdoor environments must be durable and resistant to weather damage. Using aluminum deck material to build pedestrian footbridges creates a long-term, robust, and corrosion resistant solution for maintaining these walkways in safe condition.

Bleacher Planking and Decking Products from Eagle Aluminum

Now that you’re aware of why aluminum bleacher planking and decking is a great choice, let’s take a look at the various options available. Eagle Aluminum is proud to offer an incredible selection of aluminum deck boards and aluminum planks for our customers. Eagle Aluminum manufactures, warehouses, and supplies square tubing with nut channels, aluminum decking and planks, bleacher edging, and many other aluminum extrusions for your dock, decking, and bleachers (or trailers!). We stock them in standard mill finish or we supply anodized and powder coated finishes upon request.

We offer aluminum plank profiles that are extruded in 1″ x 6″ aluminum decking boards or 1-3/4″x 9-1/2″ aluminum bleacher planks.

Aluminum Decking Boards – this decking comes in a standard mill finish and is stocked in 24’ lengths. A high-quality decking product, this aluminum decking is a great choice for your next deck project, offering a durable, high-performance surface that will hold up over time.

Aluminum Bleacher Planks – This aluminum bleacher planking is top-notch, providing an incredibly strong material for your bleachers. Made for special order, we’ll provide exactly what you need for your bleacher project.

Additionally, the aluminum plank profiles that we carry can be cut to length, so you’ll find just what you need whether you’re looking for 2 feet or 24 feet.

Contact Us Today

No matter what your next project is, Eagle Aluminum is here to make it possible. Contact us today to discuss the bleacher plank and decking products we carry, and we’ll help you find just what you need to get the job done.
Located near Minneapolis and St. Paul MN, our staff prides itself on superior customer service, excellent products, and fast shipping- all at competitive prices. As a leading supplier of custom and specialty aluminum extrusions, we can help you design, engineer and create the perfect decking extrusion for your project. If you don’t see the aluminum bleacher planks or decking you require for your project, please contact our customer service department at Eagle Aluminum at 763-493-2995 or toll-free at 800-888-2044. Visit us online to learn why our Eagle customers stay customers and keep coming back.