Aluminum Bed Wood Replacement, Anyone use it?

[Z10]

I'm needing to install a new bed floor in my 72 Step. Smokey Road Rod Shop's,ALUMINUM BED WOOD SYSTEM has peaked my interest. Has anyone have any experience with this product?
http://www.smokeyroadrodshop.com/index.html

[Katrina/10]

I met the owner of that company at a swap meet and discussed his bed wood at length with him, cool guy and a nice product. He had many samples installed in beds at the show, it looks really good. I was interested till I found out the price.

[Z10]

Thanks Gary. Yes it is more expensive, but I like the idea.

Anyone else?

[Killer Bee]

I don't think aluminum is practical for a truck bed floor intended to be maintained for appearance while used as a truck bed..

if you're planning to just look at it or display a mural or something with it, probably a keen choice..

but I wouldn't put anything in it that I wouldn't put on the hood.. scratches, gouges, dents, dings so easily that would stand out like a sore thumb..

fake wood grain in aluminum just doesn't hide the surface defects from the types of damage metals experience..

personally, if I was looking to make a truck bed show worthy and had the budget, I would go with a premium hardwood finished and sealed..

it makes a truck that came with a wood floor look like a truck with a wood floor and wears like a wood floor..

wood is also easily repairable for minor scratches and surface defects and looks more natural after repairs..

so it really boils down to what you intend to use the truck for.. good luck!

[Z10]

So, you don't have any experience with this product? Thanks for the tips.

[arks]

I don't have direct experience with this product, but I'm a construction manager and have used aluminum sheets that are image printed to replicate wood. We've used them in commercial storefronts and they're very convincing, even close up.
As far as durability, 3 stores that we built are at least 5 years old and still look good- no dents and only minor scratches.
Would I use it on my truck bed? No. I'm a carpenter by trade and like real wood!

[volksworld]

have you actually seen the stuff in person or just on a website? saw a vendor at charlotte auto fair selling aluminum bed systems ( disclaimer...no idea if its the same stuff smokey's sells, but how many suppliers could there be)....and i thought the stuff couldn't look any faker....