Has anyone ever hunted a dog out of a blind that has an expanded metal floor? I'm in the process of building another floating duck blind and expanded metal would save a ton of weight as opposed to using 5/4 deck boards. It would also be a lot easier to tack weld expanded metal on than using self tapping metal screws and screwing the deck boards on.

My concern is that their toes could get lodged in the gaps in the expanded metal. Also the ridges on it are kinda sharp? Is this a legitimate concern or am I over thinking it?

If I rolled on some of that "rhino lining" paint that would probably help alot. Thoughts?

My dog has ripped his toenail twice on expanded metal steps at the shop. I cut and put old mud flaps to cover the metal.
Just my experience.

Yep, their nails will get caught in the expanded metal. It's a matter of when , not if.

Well that answers my question I guess. I knew I had heard somewhere it was bad for dogs and I remember hearing that is was their toe nails that will get caught. 5/4 deck boards it is.

I am not a fan of it for that reason. Dogs could hunt for years and nothing or hunt for a day and rip a paw or year a toe nail right off.

Honestly as good of an idea as it sounded like at first, it would have really sucked to try and fit it around my supports that are already welded in place. Deck boards are much easier to just lay down and screw on.

We use expanded metal in all of our blinds. It obviously is much sturdier and will last much longer then wood.

To ensure the dogs are safe, we lay down a large rubber mat on top and drill a few holes for water to drain.

It's sold by the foot in several different thicknesses at Tractor Supply.

If you want to get fancy, check out Neo Mats

Either a rubber mat like the boogieman said or old carpet/AstroTurf. Still lighter than plywood and you can also pick a super cute color to accent your blind bags