Alt materials for bed flooring vs wood - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**IT Cowboy** · 01-29-2025, 10:58 PM

Has anyone considered the idea of using an alternative material for bed flooring instead of wood. The wood kits for beds are neat and come in a variety of finishes but I have read they dont hold really last more than a couple of years without needing refinishing. I am wondering if anyone has looked at the laminate flooring in ext long lengths, trex flooring like used on decks or even Marine Floor Deck EVA Foam Board, Imitation Teak (TEMU).

Trex doesnt really look like wood up close but it has gotten better and it might be a neat alternative that would last a looong time

**Boog** · Yesterday, 06:29 AM

Welcome aboard.
Yes, others have used alternative material for bed floors. You will likely get more info over on the 67-72 forum specific.

**old Rusty C10** · Yesterday, 10:45 AM

I dont think laminate would stand up for outdoor use.. trex will but it does turn black from dirt and would need pressure washing.. Last bed i did i bought cypress . i had tried maple once that didnt work out well as it turned black from mold despite being polyurethaned this is the latest wood bed

Ziegelsteinfaust · Today, 11:33 AM

I did trex, and it is heavy compared to wood. Also in order to work as good as wood. You either need more support or 2" material. The plastic composite is great in some ways, and less then ideal in others.

Since I didnt want the strip rails in my bed. I just went to a lumber yard, and got 1" Douglas fir kiln dried. Mixed up rose grey rose oil stain.

The guy I did the trex bed for. We made a raised floor to accommodate the severe drop he wanted. Along with a removable sections to access a tool box storage area, and the top of the Blazer tank. He used a beached wood style with grain texture, and it looked great.

72c20customcamper · Today, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

I did trex, and it is heavy compared to wood. Also in order to work as good as wood. You either need more support or 2" material. The plastic composite is great in some ways, and less then ideal in others.

Since I didnt want the strip rails in my bed. I just went to a lumber yard, and got 1" Douglas fir kiln dried. Mixed up rose grey rose oil stain.

The guy I did the trex bed for. We made a raised floor to accommodate the severe drop he wanted. Along with a removable sections to access a tool box storage area, and the top of the Blazer tank. He used a beached wood style with grain texture, and it looked great.

Trex doesn’t like spans that have no effect on wood . Seen people use it on decks without the proper joist spacing was like walking on a rollercoaster

01-29-2025, 10:58 PM	#1
IT Cowboy New Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Clarkdale, Arizona Posts: 6	Alt materials for bed flooring vs wood Has anyone considered the idea of using an alternative material for bed flooring instead of wood. The wood kits for beds are neat and come in a variety of finishes but I have read they dont hold really last more than a couple of years without needing refinishing. I am wondering if anyone has looked at the laminate flooring in ext long lengths, trex flooring like used on decks or even Marine Floor Deck EVA Foam Board, Imitation Teak (TEMU). Trex doesnt really look like wood up close but it has gotten better and it might be a neat alternative that would last a looong time

Yesterday, 06:29 AM	#2
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,575	Re: Alt materials for bed flooring vs wood Welcome aboard. Yes, others have used alternative material for bed floors. You will likely get more info over on the 67-72 forum specific. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

Yesterday, 10:45 AM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,330	Re: Alt materials for bed flooring vs wood I dont think laminate would stand up for outdoor use.. trex will but it does turn black from dirt and would need pressure washing.. Last bed i did i bought cypress . i had tried maple once that didnt work out well as it turned black from mold despite being polyurethaned this is the latest wood bed Attached Images __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

Today, 11:33 AM	#4
Ziegelsteinfaust Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Temple City Posts: 3,651	Re: Alt materials for bed flooring vs wood I did trex, and it is heavy compared to wood. Also in order to work as good as wood. You either need more support or 2" material. The plastic composite is great in some ways, and less then ideal in others. Since I didnt want the strip rails in my bed. I just went to a lumber yard, and got 1" Douglas fir kiln dried. Mixed up rose grey rose oil stain. The guy I did the trex bed for. We made a raised floor to accommodate the severe drop he wanted. Along with a removable sections to access a tool box storage area, and the top of the Blazer tank. He used a beached wood style with grain texture, and it looked great.



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