Posted by bruce in CO on Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 2:32PM :
In Reply to: FF bed question. posted by Steve in NJ on Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 1:55PM :
Steve, If you're asking which is correct as in "what was used in the originals", I don't know. However, white oak is typically tighter-grained with more "straightness" to the grain and less knots, and would in my opinion be a better choice than red. As far as color, raw red will be slightly darker than raw white, but once stained with any tone stain other than a clear finish, they both take on the color of the stain and the color difference is slight. The "grade" of the wood will make a difference also. For example, a particular selection of higher-grade red oak (A-grade)may be a better choice than a particular selection of lower-grade (C-grade) white oak. With that in mind, I'd go with a high-grade white oak. Also be sure to start off with 4/4 (four-quarters or 1") thick. That way you can plane and/or sand as needed and still have a solid thickness. Starting off with 3/4" thick is too thin for anything but a show-truck bed. Good Luck, Bruce
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