I'm looking to add wooden side rails to my flatbed pickup and want to choose the hardest, most affordable, and weather-resistant wood possible. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
You can’t have all those characteristics with one type of wood. If you want something cheap and fairly weatherproof, I'd say just go with treated construction lumber. It's a solid choice for the price.
For the most economical way, I think using 2x construction lumber is best, and just replace it when it starts to wear out. If you're aiming for a harder wood, oak or maple would be good, but they do come at a premium compared to pine. For weather resistance, pressure-treated pine or cedar is probably your best bet, but linseed oil can give extra waterproofing to other types of wood. Just remember, all wood will eventually show its age!
My dad used standard treated lumber when I was a kid, and it actually lasted longer than the truck itself—about five years. He replaced a rusted bed on an old Toyota and kept it budget-friendly. Though if you're looking for something really solid, white oak might work, but it's way pricier. Just keep in mind, you'll want to treat it with a good UV-rated poly to help it last longer since sunlight can be just as damaging as rain.
I'd suggest white oak and definitely treat it with a finish to extend its lifespan!
Yeah, and it's totally worth checking out local sawmills too! They might have hardwood options that won’t break the bank, and you might score some lower-grade boards for a good deal!