DIY Wood Truck Bed

[@theweekendwarrior6355]

You're voice belongs in a Ford F150 commercial!

[@teflon_don93]

Just out of coincidence I came across a 97 Ranger that needs a bed and thought about this idea and here is it after a successful search. You are the man!

[@datznasty1475]

As a carpenter and a guy looking for flatbed ideas for my 86 f150 I love this build! 👍

[@massimothetrog7111]

An 86 F150 was my first truck. I spray painted it green because the paint was thoroughly scuffed ( and the dick painted on it).

[@dougnicoll]

This looks like one of the best wood flatbeds I've seen. So I will copy your build. Thanks.

[@evansuits4926]

Thank You Thank You Thank You! I learned yesterday that my 19 y/o F-350 is unlikely to pass next inspection due to crossmember/bed rot. This video has so inspired me that, instead of moping around feeling sorry for myself, I'm bouncing up and down in my chair anxious to get started. What a wonderful summer project it will make!

[@rusty_bikez]

Can't wait to do this on my 04 Ram 1500. The bed is rotted from sitting, and this will look so much better.

[@NationalCrafter]

Just yanked the factory bed off of my 75 f150, this is exactly what I want to do. Great design, straight forward, and simple.

[@johnmazza9432]

I've been contemplating building a wooden bed on my new F550. Most people I tell that to think I'm crazy and that I should use steel or aluminum. But what most people don't understand is that wood has some great properties. It's actually very light relative to it's strength. it's easy to work with. And it doesn't rust or oxidize. The only thing you must keep in mind building a truck bed is that it will be twisting as the truck rolls down the road so you don't want to use thin screws that might snap. And you might want to use some galvanized corner braces if you are building a super heavy and strong bed like I am. I will also be using aluminum for the stake pockets and a thin aluminum sheet on the floor so that topsoil , mulch , or stone does not rot the bed and can be easily shoveled off. I love your torch treatment. If you don't know it, the Japanese did that a thousand years ago because the burnt wood resisted decay and fungus. Of course it also brings out the grain nicely.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Thanks for commenting. You are completely right about the bed flexing. Fortunately, I won't be hauling heavy loads in this truck. I think my biggest load was taking the original bed to the dump. I used galvanized lag screws and bolts for the frame, and heavy deck screws for the planking. I know a lot of people use drywall screws for everything, but don't do it. Those things will snap in a heartbeat. I've been enjoying the deck screws for the planking because I'm still restoring this truck, and I have easy access to the fuel tank, shocks, hard to get to suspension parts, etc. I think for an F550, using a hybrid wood/metal idea is a great one. One thing to think about when putting a metal sheet on top of a wood bed, is that it can retain water underneath, and with no exposure to the sun, it can take a long to dry. This may cause some rotting you didn't expect. Good luck!

[@johnmazza9432]

@@FranklinWoodWorks2016 Good point. I will be installing plastic wheel wells to prevent splash.

[@MrButuz]

Burning it and then oiling makes it look fantastic!!! Thanks for the tip!!

[@julietphillips1991]

That looks really special! I think you just increased the value of your truck!

[@ricktoby7437]

I am going to do a flatbed for my 87 Chevy 8ft. I found your video and love your idea and you top notch craftsmanship. Wondering if you have a parts list for wood needed and other things. Thanks for sharing your build.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Click on the "more" link under the title of the video.

[@PERCEPTSIN]

So glad I found this video. I actually found a photo of this exact truck on Google & surprised there's a video on the bed getting built. I'm fixing to do my bed on my f150

[@billmcintosh5071]

well after moving back up north......this will save my 98 f150. the rust is getting to it bad. really liked how you did it. thank you

[@Marcusstratus]

Awesome results on a "quick" wood project! I love alternative finishes, thanks for the ideas. Also, look into tar. Pine tar, birch tar, etc. all of it smells amazing and adds a dark color if you add it to finishes. Combines well with a solvent and less so with an oil.

[@blairmiller742]

You might want to drill a drain hole in those tie-downs you're going to recess. I learned the hard way that water collects in the pockets and, galvanized or not, rust will form. You can buy them with the holes already drilled, but you'd still have to drill a drain through the wood.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Thanks for the reminder!

[@carpediem1959]

Nice project. That’s exactly what I’m going to do on my F-250 2009. Tanks for the idea

[@calebjones9180]

You are a beast my friend. Wish I had you here with me to do my project. I'm doing a 1981 Ford f150 myself. And I'm using your material list.

[@brucemitchell5637]

The wall that you're talking about is called a headache rack. Great job, I can't wait to see what you do with the sides!

[@oscarmccormack1761]

I think it's not a headache rack unless it covers the rear window (to keep items from flying through the window in an accident, giving you a headache) but I could be wrong

[@dustinpollard6237]

Bulkhead is the term i believe. You don't get a headache from something below your chest if you accidentally run into it while working on the site and getting something from the truck.

[@Tybearius]

That looks really nice! And now I have my project for next summer. Thank you!

[@nholly86]

Shared with friends and most importantly my Dad. Started looking for a decent used truck today to do something similar this winter.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

That's awesome!

[@mitchellbell713]

I literally just heard of using diesel as a preservative finish. I did a little research and the recipe I found was 10:1:1 diesel,boiled linseed oil,and stain. It was an old country boy who told me about it. I’m putting it on cedar that I milled and it looks very good.

[@reggiejohnson1027]

That bed really makes that truck unique and it looks damn nice! Awesome job on it!

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Thank you!

[@xmo552]

@@FranklinWoodWorks2016 If you pause it at 1:37, what tool is used to counter sink those washers? Also, did you have to pre-drill for the large lag bolts to mount the sides? and for the pocket screws?

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

@@xmo552 I used a paddle bit for the recess. And you MUST predrill for the lag screws, or you will very tired very fast!

[@xmo552]

@@FranklinWoodWorks2016 Thanks

[@biggjoe2011]

I've got a 69 f100 that will be a daily driver. Long story short the bed is in really rough shape so I looked into a wooden flat bed. Came across your video and decided to do something similar. Thank you for the idea.

[@MrSticks9999]

Did you do the flatbed for your '69?? If so . .any pics?

[@trixxter8494]

Thanks for the video. Know it's an old one. I like how the wood looks going to apply this to build a tonneau cover. I have a cateye silverado I'm putting a faux patina paint job and a normal tonneau cover just won't cut it. I think this will look killer as a cover to set just inside the bed rails. Great looking bed

[@travelcampingblacksmithing786]

Also have an 87 Chevy I am probably buying. I would be doing a wood bed. This definitely helps plan it out.

[@richardpatterson4312]

The lack of sides is way more stylish than I would have thought. You can probably back up to hitch a trailer super easy, I mean it's always easy but with this you can almost see the ball.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

You know, the sides I had in mind are only going to be about 12 - 16 inches tall, so I can try to retain the "sleek" look.

[@MarcusWolfWanders]

I've seen the slide-stop at the head of the bed referred to as a "headache rack". it's great to know that I won't have to do too much finicking around with odd shapes for the frame if I decide to build my own flatbed, as opposed to buying one. My 09 Ranger's bed is rotting out at the front. One of many things on the list of things I'm fixing due to living in the rust belt.

[@corycampbell7000]

I will be atempting this this summer. Thank you for the tutorial!!

[@williamgordon3142]

Very nice work and instructional video. Turned out great

[@JDLarge]

I like it! I have one to do soon on my sons Ranger before the snow gets here, so very soon😉Thanks for taking us along, think I’ll just duplicate yours... ✌🏼

[@msokevitz]

Been looking at several ideas as well. Yours is really the nicest one I have seen so far.

[@jaymoge]

My clapped out Silverado thanks you. I'm going to build a bed for it and this video is perfect to get a real good idea of what I want to do and how. Thanks.

[@donkeough3483]

I would love to send you pics of my truck since it was based upon your work. And let you see how our fuel filler access came out. Thanks for sharing your videos

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Please do! [e-mail]

[@practicallyIndependent]

Looks great. I need to do this for my F250. Thanks for sharing

[@lucascoffman1365]

Do you have a supply sheet for what i need to make this because i love this bed and wanted to try it myself.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

If you click on "show more" under the title of the video, you'll see my materials list. I put down 6x6 cross members, but you can use 4x4s depending on how much clearance you need for your tires. I wound up putting 33" tires on it, so I used 6x6s.

[@mikemalone3443]

This is just what I was looking for thanks bro. Truck looks better than before

[@pepsilove6306]

did something similar to this for a old ranger I had. the center two floor/bed boards tho I put on hinges and didnt bolt them down but used a groove sorta like cabinets so they could sit flush. this way if I ever needed to get at the fuel pump I'd never have to drop the tank. after doing two fuel pumps on my other trucks, I will never ever drop a tank every again. so i wanted to be able to just flip open a small section of my bed and easily reach the fuel pump.

[@go_rizzo_grow]

I think I'm going to copy this design, fantastic job man.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Now that's just flat-out cool! Nicely done!

[@woodyholland9865]

Nice to see a woodworker build a flat bed. So many folks have no woodworking skills.

[@vjkumar831]

Great video my friend. Gives me an idea for my little Toyota pickup. Keep us updated.

[@njmxjunkie3128]

Came out beautiful

[@shiftwrenchrepeat]

This is awesome, my f150 needs this

[@9A0C9]

It looks amazing!!!! Great work!

[@wes7584]

Thank you so much for posting this. I know this was done a while ago but I used your video as a guide to my project although my craftsmanship is no where near your level. I know these things take time to make so I appreciate it. The materials list seemed like it varied from what you used in the video but it was mostly all there none the less. You've definitely gained a subscriber!

[@herbiehusker1889]

How is the wood bed doing now? I was thinking of doing something similar, but thinking it will warp or not last.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Do yourself a favor, use treated wood, and stain all the boards completely before you put it together if the wood is dry enough. I would also add a washer to the screws. All that said, I've had some minor warping, but nothing that impedes the use or the overall look of the bed.

[@herbiehusker1889]

@@FranklinWoodWorks2016 thanks.

[@sammyperkins3511]

Simple but a beautiful outcome

[@rc6147]

Nice work!

[@timtaylor8998]

Awesome job!!!

[@charliemckay6402]

If you want to flush mount pull hooks on the bed use flat head screws and push countersinks in the holes with a hardened pin made from a short grade 8 socket head cap screw on top and a nut countersunk on the bottom using a hydraulic press. Some tie-down plates come with countersunk holes, much easier than making modifications.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Well now that you told me, it seems obvious I could have done just that if I'd have thought about it a little more. Thanks for commenting. Good comments make me better, and yours is a comment I will definitely use if/when I rebuild the bed.

[@NOSNOOB11]

You have inspired me to build somthing like this for my C 600 :)

[@muffincheese123]

Did you use lag screws to attach the side rails and the rear board for the tail lights?

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Yes. 6" 3/8 galvanized lag bolts.

[@scottcatron3924]

I know its a long shot and u probably wont see my comment. But I was wondering if by chance would u have the name of those tailights or part # I cant find them on amazon.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Here is the title on Amazon for the listing. It let me add it to my "cart" again, so I assume it's still available. Meerkatt (Pack of 6) 4 Inch 4 Red & 2 White LED Clearance Lamp Round Light Brake Reverse Rear Tail Exterior Lamp Trailer Lorry Caravan Pickup Truck Bus Tractor Cabin 12V DC Sealed Surface Mount GK12

[@thatguyontheright1]

Coffee grounds is something I use when my stain isn't dark enough. I've never heard of burning the surface of the wood to bring out the grain before, nifty idea. If the sides are strong enough, I'd put tie downs on the sides too.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

I have used coffee and tea as a stain for guitar builds, and I love the look of it. Charring the wood will not only bring out the grain, the it also (supposedly) reduces the rate of deterioration of the wood. I used 1 x 6s for the sides, and I spaced them a little so I could get straps in between them if I needed it. This has worked well so far. I think a good upgrade would be using 2 x 6s for the sides with the same spacing.

[@mikedonovan7776]

Man , this is sweet ... great job ...

[@johnbell7552]

What a fabulous look that scorching the timber gives 👍 By the way, here in the UK we call that ‘wall’ a bulkhead. Looking forward to more on the truck. 👌

[@johansanchez7512]

Awesome beautiful work

[@tedtolentino4955]

If you still have and use the truck, how has the bed held up to weather and the elements so far? Do you expect to recoat the wood any time soon? Other than recessing the hold downs and adding the side rails, have you done any other modifications or additions to the truck bed, e.g.tool boxes, whether mounted on top of or below the bed? Thanks for sharing your project. Nice build. I had not thought of torching the wood for the visual effects of the wood grain.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Remember I did NOT use pressure treated wood. Ultimately, that was a mistake. The boards on the bed surface have cupped. The side support rails have not. The sides I built later were made out of pressure treated wood, and they are just as true as the day I built them. However, the bed is still just as useable as ever. After I paint the truck, hopefully next spring, I'll rebuild the floor of the bed and will definitely be using pressure treated wood.

[@ronnie32567]

I just built a wood bed for my flatbed truck camper, I posted on the flatbed truck camper page on Facebook. I joined the 4x4 frame with construction adhesive and 6”x 5/8 lag bolts I used 2x2 inch angle iron brackets at every joint on the bed with 1/4 in solid shanked lag bolts. I used 10”x1.25 “ aluminum semi trailer bed planks bolted to the frame for the flooring. I was scorched to say the least, replies like “ the bed will fall apart going down the highway and kill someone” and the like. I agree it might loosen some but there is no way it will just fall apart.

[@AnimalStatusSports]

Very nice work, I thought about doing mine in artificial wood decking to save me the trouble of finishing it, how hard was it to go from the stock harness to the separate lights?

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Well, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, and it took me about an hour. Just get a test light and a good ground.

[@carmendawnallan8871]

Great Craftmanship,On this Build. 👍

[@moonbows01]

What kind of lights did you use when you replaced your bed…I have an 88 ranger with the lights that go up the side by the tailgate

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

I got some pretty cheap LEDs off Amazon. I think it was around $40 for the set.

[@GeraldDsithlord]

Great job on the build! It looks great! I was always told to use Diesel and used motor Oil

[@H20DeadEye420]

looks good, enjoyed the video.

[@german69692007]

Very nice job.

[@dscrive]

If you have (or have access to) a welder you ought to be able to get some allthread (or bolts) and attach studs to the underside of the tiedowns. alternatively, move the tie down points to the sides where the bolt heads won't be in the way (much) or file a square into the plates to accept a carriage bolt, it'd still stick up but wouldn't be a catching point.

[@justinsmith847]

Looks awesome

[@RRaucina]

That's a good wood finish but much better when you melt old candles and paraffin into it and apply HOT. Diesel, trans fluid, linseed oil, paint thinner, paraffin. Be a mad scientist.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

That sounds like a great idea!

[@gerry-p9x]

Use chainsaw bar chain oil along with parrifin. Wax ​@@FranklinWoodWorks2016

[@ronmiller7692]

Beautiful. Looks great. Thanks for the video. It would look great running on these thar hills of west Virginia. Lol . And let me set one thing straight we don't sleep with our sisters.😂

[@nightalt2084]

Awesome build thank you I will be doing the dodge version soon,

[@juice_whoranit]

Great video, I may be doing this since I can't find a bed for my truck

[@fusenator1980]

This is some terrific info!

[@brianayotte7954]

I’m buying an npr cab and chassis I want to add an 19 ft bed using pressure treat lumber,I want it to look like a car hauler trailer as it will be used to haul cars/trucks/side by sides.i was quoted $8-9 k for a steel one of same dimensions.i think hauling one car/truck the wood will be strong enough

[@Montgomeryleather2]

Man this looks great

[@lolurmad5188]

Not sure if you’ll answer or see this but are those 4x4 blocks or 6x6? They look a little skinnier than the 2x6s but maybe I’m tweakin

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

They are indeed 4x4s. If I had it to do over again, I might not use 6x6s, but I would raise the 4x4s by 2 inches. Under a full load, my back tires rub on the bottom of the bed on bumps.

[@ccodymac28]

Awesome build! How has it held up? Also is it easy to wire up all the new lights? Do you just wire it to the existing wires?

[@dazzelmiah1]

Looks great ! Were did you get the lights ?

[@GennyI3eerDrinkr]

The materials list calls for four 6x6x8' pieces for the cross members, but you used 4x4 for the video. Would you recommend the larger pieces? Personally I would prefer there not be such a huge gap between the frame and the underside of the flatbed. Just wondering. Thanks!!

[@dewreckdeberjack9618]

Square out the holes on the hold down with a file and then use Carriage head bolts. I voted for that burn job, I do think it turned out quite nice.

[@c.torino2479]

Pretty awesome great video simple and to the point gonna do one of these builds on my truck thanks for sharing!👍🏻👍🏻

[@joegarrison8611]

Great job.

[@DanielMartinez-eq4bs]

How can i find does tail lights they look amazing 💯 and by the way good video it helps alot thankz ☺️

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

I got mine off Amazon. There are many styles to choose from.

[@kathymccaffery6675]

Your material list states 2X6’s were used for bed and skirts, but the video you say bed and skirts are 2X8’s. What was actual used for bed and skirt?

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

I was wrong both times! 2x6 for the bed, 2x8 for the skirts.

[@francoistanguay2990]

Hi! Thanks for the video. Would you tell me what your clearance is between the top of the tire and the base of the flatbed? Trying to figure a fair space.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

I put on a set of leaf spring helpers, mainly because of the age of the truck. I estimate the helpers gave me an extra inch, for a total of 5 inches between the tire and the bed. Hasn't been a problem for me, but I rarely carry heavy loads.

[@FireFlowerFarmstead]

How do you feel about using 4x4s instead of 6x6s? Or even possibly 7x9 railroad ties? Just trying to think of ways to save some money on the project. Thanks!

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

You can use whatever you like, but there are considerations. The 6x6 will give you more clearance on your tires, which is a factor under a heavy load. I don't think that strength is necessarily a factor. My first iteration was a 4x4, but my tires rubbed in the back under load. So I went with the 6x6.

[@FireFlowerFarmstead]

@@FranklinWoodWorks2016 Does a 7x9 railroad tie seem like a terrible plan? I am sure they are not perfectly square/heavy wear but they seem like they would never fully rot soaked in creosote. Home Depot sells them for $20

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

@@FireFlowerFarmstead I'm sure it would work. I'd lay them so you have a seven inch rise. You'll probably have to shim them to get them level.

[@FireFlowerFarmstead]

@@FranklinWoodWorks2016 I might try it. I appreciate it! I am a poor midwesterner trying to make his ugly ford look a little better haha. I have watched a lot of flat bed videos but yours looks the best, especially with the rails.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

@@FireFlowerFarmstead Thank you very much. Best of luck to you.

[@ukeacreator93]

What did you treat the cross members with ?

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Nice job on the truck bed Friend! Thanks for sharing the video with us.👌👍😎JP

[@erichafner1336]

Where did you get the tail lights? Building a flatbed for my 01 f150

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

I got them off Amazon, didn't get the cheapest, but didn't get the most expensive either. Think I paid around $45 for the set. They are bright LED, and have held up perfectly.

[@johnzabel3417]

really nice, but it looks like there is barely any clearance between the bed and tires. did this cause you any problems while driving the truck?

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

I didn't, because the stock tires were so narrow, the facia board on the bed was outside of the tires. BUT, I put bigger rims and 33" tires on it, and clearance was a problem. I ended up cutting fender Wells into the facia boards. I did a video on the Graff Termite and you can see what I mean.

[@jamescrum8351]

Where do i find the material list?

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Click "more" underneath the title.

[@allanmccullough8550]

Nice job.

[@Death2Compromise]

Were the floor boards just screwed into the wood frame? Flat bedding my 02 ranger.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Yes, just screwed in. But I would suggest using washers with the screws.

[@ericmaxwell4161]

Cool bed

[@stephenwolfer1648]

How has the outside boards held up with time without a support beam under a greater section of it? I am building wooden bed for a 6ft bed. And laying out the 4x4. One would be directly over the tire and will need to cut it down a little.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

There have been zero problems with the outside boards. They are supported every 16 inches with lag bolts from the side rails. So although they might not be as strong as far as carrying weight, they are actually more supported than the inner boards. I hope that made sense.

[@stephenwolfer1648]

@@FranklinWoodWorks2016 made perfect sense. Now yours was an 8 foot bed correct?

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

@@stephenwolfer1648 Correct.

[@stephenwolfer1648]

@@FranklinWoodWorks2016 one last question if you don't mind. How close to the can did you go

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

@@stephenwolfer1648 It ended up being a little less than 3 inches. If I remember correctly, I centered the cross member on existing holes in the frame, and it just worked out that way.

[@kayakidd7606]

If you don’t mind me asking how much did this end up costing. I went to trade school for carpentry and construction and just graduated but I bought an 87 chevy with the exception of the bed and have been debating buying a junk yard bed or making a wooden. But don’t want the hastle of restoring a bed along with the cab.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Less than $300 for the materials. Then again, that could be a regional thing. If you have a Tractor Supply near you, I'd go there for the lag and carriage bolts. I paid WAY TOO MUCH at the big box store.

[@kayakidd7606]

FranklinWoodWorks okay thank you!

[@kylevogt7837]

Putting pretty much the same bed on my 97 ram but I pull trailers. If you pull trailers, does the tires hit the wood ? Trying to figure if I should double stack 4x4s or what

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

I put spring helpers on the rear springs, not only to stiffen the 35 year old springs, but to give me an extra 1 1/2" or so. I don't really tow anything, but I've had some heavy loads. Haven't had a problem.

[@bencrahalla6417]

Love the bed.. what length 2x6 did you use for the bed 6ft and what about the 4x4 post length going across bed

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

The 2x6s were 8 feet, and so were the 4x4s. I cut the 4x4s to length.

[@michaelbourquin9814]

Thanks for the great vid. Going to do this on a 95 Nissan I just bought.

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Thank you! Every day I get even happier with the design. I had to replace the fuel tank sending unit - remove a board and there's the gas tank. Shocks? - same deal. I'm about to replace the clutch, and I'm figuring out how I can take advantage of the bed on that too. Thanks for watching.

[@briananderson3034]

Looks great! Very nice job!

[@aaronthomas6732]

I love your flatbed. I have a regular cab bullnose Ford just like yours and I would like to know the angles you used for the headache rack. Thanks!