Retread, steel deck beds are sure durable ,and the best for hauling soil or engine blocks. But you have to tie down the loads well or they slide around.Wood has friction, so the stuff stays put better. Plus you can nail down temporary wood cribbing as supports.This is a image of the white oak bed on our 45 Chevy 2 ton. Just 1-1/4 thick planks, no metal strips.A few coats of CWF deck preservative to repel the water.Just mop on a new coat once a year.
farmer style bed.
