composite material platforms or pallets are provided for supporting items and carrying loads . one composite material platform has a composite material bottom deck made of a composite material . the bottom deck composite material has a core having a resin matrix and microspheres , and at least one fiber flanking layer integral with at least one side of the core . a spacer arrangement is provided on top of the composite material bottom deck . a composite material top deck is provided on top of the spacer arrangement . the top deck composite material has a core having a resin matrix and microspheres , and at least one fiber flanking layer integral with at least one side of the core . the spacer arrangement can also be made of the composite material .