Materials for storage area/sleeping deck.

[Colorado David]

I plan to build a storage area and sleeping deck in my vehicle. I am inclined to use the high quality birch plywood. I haven't done the calculations to see if it would save weight by using high quality birch ply over a thicker but cheaper construction grade plywood. If you've built one of these, what did you use and what were your reasons? Thanks.

 

[dustboy]

I'd stick with the cabinet-grade birch ply. If you can avoid it, don't buy at Home Depot etc, their stuff is garbage. Find a local hardwood supplier, the price should be similar and it will have far less voids and better glue.

1/2" is really all you need, and just add ribs and corner braces where you can.

http://picasaweb.google.com/dustboy/TruckPix?feat=directlink

 

[seanz0rz]

i agree.

i built mine out of 3/4" CDX and its nice, a bit heavy and maybe a little overkill.

if i was to do it again, i would build it out of HDPE plastic for its strength and imperviousness to solvents and water.

 

[1leg]

How do you plan to cover it? If you want it to be a show piece you need to use the good Birch or hardwood Plywood. A 4x8 sheet of 3/4 plywood weight in at ~75 lbs. Not light.

Lowes has 3 or 4 different grades of plywood
Construction grade, Good for roof and walls.
Cabinet grade, Good for cabinets, Pine that is sanded on one side.
Cabinet grade, Birch, For really nice Cabinets
And i think the had a Hard wood that was expensive. Might have been oak.

I'm useing the pine, Cabinet grade plywood. I haven't done much wood work in the last 23 years so I didn't want to use anything too expensive. I plan to cover it in carpet so It doesn't need to be pretty.
I'm building mine into a sleeping platform so I need it too hold my weight. I went with 3/4 for the top and side and using 1/2 for the drawers and bottom.

If you have time to learn 3D cad it will help you make fewer mistakes, I'm using FREE google sketchup. It really works great for this kind of project. I learned enough in 2 or 3 days to draw up my drawers.

A link to my build is in my sig,

 

[Colorado David]

I will cover it with matching automotive carpet so the casual window peeper won't perceive that there might be anything with any value beneath it.

 

[thecriscokid]

Plyboo

I just built a basic platform for my Tundra out of the sanded 3/4 ply from Lowes. The 3/4 is a bit heavy, but for my use I didn't need to build an additional frame so I may have saved some weight there. Here is a pic, mid way down, unstained or sealed. I have that 3ft middle section that slides in the top or bottom for sleeping or sitting out the storm. Still try to figure out my drawer and compartment needs before

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18914&highlight=tundra&page=2

I just stained and sealed it and it seems to be pretty water tight.

I would like to build my final out of Plyboo to save some weight as well as trees. :costumed-smiley-007

http://www.plyboo.com/

 

[chasespeed]

I am having a hard time finding the HDPE in 4x8 sheets, in .5 and .75 inch....

I need strength in my app, as this is a work truck first, and needs to haul equipment, and boilers, split systems, etc... so, it either needs to bear some serious weight, or be somewhat easily removed... I dont mind taking a little time, as, I am not going to go pick up, and install a boiler on 5 minutes notice....

Anyway.....back on track. I have used construction grade before with no issues, other than its weight(but, I have a3/4 ton diesel... not an issue HERE). Just make sure you seal it GOOD. I have used rubberized undercoating, among other things. Keep it from absorbing things, and you are good...

Chase

 

[Layonnn]

I am having a hard time finding the HDPE in 4x8 sheets, in .5 and .75 inch....

Chase

grainger. You need to find someone with a business account i believe though.