Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

My local hardware store has overstock Trex that they are going to give me for half price. Will dimesional 1x8s work for the wide planks? It measures .75" x 7.25" x 12' (same as wood lumber). GMCpaul's measurements call for 7 7/16" widths for the wide boards. I realize that there will be a bit of the board under the strips, but I measured my wide boards on my truck today, and the exposed wood between the strips is much less than 7".

Thoughts? Opinions? Anyone use 1x8s?

I also need to decide between grey and maroon (maroon would match the truck paint...)

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

Yes, that's what I used in No. 2 pine- 1X8's. You ought to pick up that Trex and see how much it bends. My recollection is that some of those deck boards don't have much rigidity on a flat. Unsure if your truck is used or for show, but that may make a difference.
regards,
Steve
New Orleans

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

I used dimensional 1x8s when I did the bed for Ol John Lee....milled the metal strip grooves in the edges with a table saw and dado cutter. Painted black. Works just fine. If you make the wood just a bit wider, the bolts in the metal strips can be pulled down just a bit firmer w/o makeing the metal strips as wavy or dimpled. But for a working truck, the dimensional lumber is perfect.

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

Thanks, guys, really appreciate it.

I'm leaning towards the colour matched maroon, with unpolished stainless. It's going to sit outside, so the Trex/stainless combo will be a good choice.

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

I think the grey would go w/about any color that you may decide to swap in the future. The maroon may be a better choice to what you have if you don't plan a color swap any time soon, but grey goes w/anything. Maybe a pic of the truck and color samples of the boards will help.

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

Arghhh! That is exactly what I was thinking, too! The grey would be a good colour contrast. Yes, I'll take some pics this weekend.

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

Thne only problem with that stuff is it is very slippery. Stuff will slide around alot and it gets Chalky from the sun. As a builder I really don't care for the stuff and last I used it, it was pretty heavy from what I can recall. It has been awhile.
Just something to think about.

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

I've been looking into it and it ain't cheap either!

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

Yes, these 1x8x12s are 60 bucks each, I get them for 30. Less than the price of precut bed lumber that I would still have to buy primer/paint for.

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

X2 on double checking the rigidity of the Trex. I was going to do a small trailer deck with it and the guy at the lumber yard told me there should be structural supports about every 9 inches or less, depending on the load you're gonna carry.

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

There's enough guys on this forum that have done Trex that I am convinced. It looks good, will hold up to weather, and you can use it. Not many with varnished oak will put it to work.

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

Did you ever get your bed together?
Have any pics?

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

Sure did, it's been sitting outside for three years and still looks like the day I did it. Best decision I could have made.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...pszm5ywvum.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...psudgqtwl8.jpg

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

Looks Great.
I'm sold.

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

Since there were suggestions of flex when using this material, did you add any additional support under the floor beyond the factory cross sills?

Re: Will 1x8s work for my bed?
 

No. The cross sills are close enough that there is no flex. From V8s to a cord of wood, no problems.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...psrbmokghp.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...pshdiimeu7.jpg