How to fasten down decking on Pirate bed

Have you considered attaching a backer board to the plywood where the decking is to be fastened and using fluted or spiral grooved dowels to attach the decking. I did something similar on a rocking horse and their still holding strong.

-- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg

I ‘m not sure from the photo but what about construction adhesive.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

My dad had refinished several wooden boats including a 1954 Mahogany CrisCraft Inboard. What I remember is some of the baots left the screws showing, either brass or chrome. The CrisCraft had the screws with the heads in holes and plugs over them. I think I would feel better using screws than adhesives, then the question becomes “Do you want to do the extra work of the plugs. I’m sure it will look great.

Bob

-- Silence & smile are two powerful tools. Smile is the way to solve many problems & Silence is the way to avoid many problems.

Thank you all for your advice. I’m leaning towards the screws with plugs. Perhaps combined with the separation sealed with caulk. I welcome any other suggestions though.

-- Russ

DaveR, Thank you for the additional information.

-- Russ