The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Flatbed Decking

Hello,
Ready to get my 53 COE out of storage from it's winter slumber.It's 98% completed,however I'm undecided on just what to use for the flatbed decking.I will not rule out some occasional use.Heck,what's a truck for? What have you guys used on your rigs?Oh yeah,pics will be coming soon!


Thanks!!!
Ron

Quarter sawn white oak is my choice for good looks, durability, and reasonable price.

There are a number of readily available decking materials/boards for use on semi trailer beds, box van floors, and so on, most are imported hard woods. For a hard working truck that may be the way to go. Check with a truck body sales place.

Grigg

Ron,

Southern Yellow Pine and Apitong and two great, tough materials for a hard working deck.

Stuart

Ron, here is an old post of what I used as some more options for ya. Good luck. Paul.

"I finally replaced the bed decking on my '48 Chevy 2 Ton. After using it with those old rotten boards for the last 7 months I'm glad to have brand new wood that I won't step through or loose bouncing down the highway.

I used 1-3/4" x 12" paralam (microlam). It's basically thick plywood they use for floor joists and such. I attached it similar to how pickups are done with the metal strips. Except that I didn't use the formed strips. Instead I used 3/16" x 1-1/2" flatbar held down with countersunk allenhead bolts. The strips are rabbited into the paralam just a bit lower than the top of the wood and so the wood is the highest point.

I really like how it turned out and I like the paralam material, it's not going to split or have knots fall out leaving big holes to patch. It's going to be interesting to see how it holds up to daily use."

Here are a few pictures: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560242954LrhTOd

Paul.
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Plate steel,
Scott