Wood Bed Ideas
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 125
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Much of the plastic wood is nonstructural. The better looking stuff that is resin and sawdust mixed together is very weak. I wouldn't use it for a truck bed. The hollow pure plastic stuff is stronger, maybe enough to make a bed out of but I personally think it looks pretty bad.
PT would be a viable option if budget is the main concern. It will last for quite a while (10 years?). Otherwise I would use oak (or that ipe stuff) and stain it if looks are important. That would be the best looking IMO.
Not sure about the plywood for concrete, but green treated plywood is readily available. I would go with PT 2x6s before I would go with something like plywood anyway. It'll look better and last longer and cost less.
PT would be a viable option if budget is the main concern. It will last for quite a while (10 years?). Otherwise I would use oak (or that ipe stuff) and stain it if looks are important. That would be the best looking IMO.
Not sure about the plywood for concrete, but green treated plywood is readily available. I would go with PT 2x6s before I would go with something like plywood anyway. It'll look better and last longer and cost less.
New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22
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From: ZIP CITY AL
Daddywags, I would like to submit a question or two. What is your intended final use for this truck bed? (hauling or lookin purty) What is your budget? (lo-buck/unlimited) What is your skill level as far as carpentry? (journeyman/1st period apprentice) Do you have the tools to work with difficult woods? (hand saw/cabinet shop) I believe you should consider these before you make a decision on wood. There are many beautiful woods available that can be used in the bed of your truck. Many are far more affordable than you might think when it gets down to it. depending on the shipping distance. I have been in the hardwood flooring business for many years and have seen some unusual woods used that I believe would be great for a truck bed. Oak is the most available though.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 586
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From: Tottenham Ontario Canada
Originally Posted by Daddywags
Boy, I didn't know I'd be getting an education in wood selection! eehoepp, what's that plywood for concrete you're referring to?
A good friend of my neighbor's runs his own forming company doing high rise buildings, etc. We talked about it once & he mentioned it is really strong stuff.
It might be too slippery for a truck bed, though.
Cheers,
Eric
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
One wood I have used, which I do not know if it would hold up to the sun, is called "purple heart" which comes I think from a tropical South America tree. That stuff is so full of resin/wax and so hard you can not drive a screw through a 4x1 piece without predrilling. It would break a stainless steel screw right in 1/2. But, it sure looks pretty sanded and clear coated. They use it a lot for higher end bed slats.
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