I plan on doing my own bed wood for my truck that is a daily driver and occasional hauler of firewood, metal recycling, engine(s), in other words a semi-work truck. I've acquired Beech and Walnut rough cut lumber 2" thick by at least 80" long. I plan on having the rough cut milled and planed to 1" nominal 3/4" boards and have been quoted $20 to mill and plane 10 rough boards. Does anyone know the durability of Beech and Walnut compared to the traditional oak and southern pine that you can buy? I realize that the best protection is to paint, but I am considering going light/dark with the Beech (light)/ Walnut (dark) for my 9 boards with spar varnish to finish. Website for wood characteristics/properties?

~ Cosmo
1949 Chevy Half Ton
Rocinante, like Don Quixote, he is awkward, past his prime, and engaged in a task beyond his capacities.
"...my good horse Rocinante, mine eternal and inseparable companion in all my journeys and courses." ...Don Quixote, Cervantes
"If you come to a fork in the road, take it."...Yogi Berra
"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." ...Eric Hoffer