What kind of wood?

[manimal]

I have a flatbed on my '75 GMC 35...it looks like the same wood used in standard pick-up beds. I am considering making my own,but need to know what the right router bit would be to cut for the steel strips?
Any help "WOOD" be greatly appreciated!..lol

[1981Stepside]

Run the boards through a table saw with a fence and adjust the height of the blade. I had a real hard time finding a router bit to make the proper shape/depth cuts.

[walkerb]

Southern yellow pine is what came stock. Like 1981stepside said, table saw works well, just make the inside cut( where the strips will set) a 1/8" deeper.

[manimal]

Just a std blade or a dado or what?

[1981Stepside]

Standard combo blade is what I used

[manimal]

Thank you!

[manimal]

What would you guys recommend for wood? I looked at our local BIG lumber supplier(Peterman Lumber) and did not see Southern Yellow pine. Guess I will have to call them. This is not going to be a show truck. But I do want it to look nice and last. Thanks

[walkerb]

White oak is a really good choice, in my opinion. Very long lasting if exposed to the elements and looks great finished.

But you being in CA, redwood?

[Ironhorse]

Knew a guy at work who was looking into using the new composite decking material for his truck bed. Think it was called "Trex" or something like that. Would still have a somewhat wood look to it but think it would quite a bit longer? Comes in 2x4 and 2x6 widths is what he told me and cuts and mills like wood. One drawback is it can not be stained, not sure of the colors offered tho. I plan on using it to replace the wood floor in my 5x10 utility trailer come spring. Just a thought for what it's worth.

[oldmann1967]

I would highly suggest White Oak that has been quartersawn. They quartering makes it much more stable. It does not cup at all. Also, you can see the tiger stripe in it called medullary rays.

[longhorn70gmc]

I would recommend Oak. I used Pine in my Longhorn and it is starting to crack and seperate all ready. Harder the wood, the better. Good thing is your flat bed is straight pieces. I just picked up a 73 Chevy and am just using Plywood for now on the flatbed area. No smog at least. Would like to see How it comes out. OH YEA, good to talk to ya again!!!!

[aotte1]

Agree with previous suggestions on white oak, quarter sawn. I would stay away from red oak does not weather well. Two other woods I am considering are white pine from new England and walnut, they both weather well. Walnut is extremely tough and weathers very well. On the more exotic side you have western white cedar or teak ( a little expensive!). The western white cedar would also be a good wood to use, however, would take some effort to find. It is very weather durable.

Lastly I like a tung oil finish, durable and easy to touch-up.

Lots of choice, have fun
Les

[Greenlee]

Check out the testing of various finishes and woods on mar-k's site. Been a while since I read it, but seems like the yellow pine lasted the longest. That is why I picked yellow pine for mine. It was also the cheapest and was used from the factory.

http://www.mar-k.com/installation_hints.aspx

[manimal]

Thank You everyone!

[lilpoindexter]

I would like to see a trex bed...i think it would be a good idea.

[BigBlocksRule]

^ agreed. I have a friend with a deck made out of the stuff, 4 years old looks brand new and it's on the south side of his house, full sun most of the day.

[walkerb]

Originally Posted by lilpoindexter

I would like to see a trex bed...i think it would be a good idea.

I do understand the reasons why a person would use the trex (composite).

The problems or issues I see is

1. most composite thicknesses are 5/4 vs. stock 3/4 thick
2. mold. Most decks that I have done or repaired have a mold issue( but it good better in recent years)
3. structural. Real wood is able to take more abuse making the bed
4. Cant finish (poly or stain) like real wood

I'm not knocking the use of composite just that in my opinion wood make better sense.

[Rich84]

I think that you would have to add more cross sills as well..When that stuff gets hot it will sag.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

What about appeton.

It is the type of wood used in trailer beds, and is really hard. Plus it has a lot of acids in it like red wood.

[mrolds88]

I think its spelled apetong. That's the stuff. Its what they use on tractor trailer type trailers. It has some weight to it and it wears like cast iron.