Best material for bed

[mprokop87]

I have a custom bedframe built up in the back of my Argosy and now I just need to make the pieces that will cover the storage areas. Should I use 3/4" oak ply or MDF? The whole frame is made out of oak but I am worried about not getting a peice of plywood that will be flat. MDF should come fairly flat but I dont know if it will hold up if its being used for a bed frame top. Its a queen size bed dvided up into 3 storage areas, about 28"x 50" or smaller.

What are your opinions?

[DanB]

Assuming you have the frame support at third points, you don't need 3/4".

I would not use MDF, thats WAY to heavy.

1/2 plywood should be fine I would think. Maybe even 3/8"? I'd have to look at what mine is.

[wzelkins]

I agree with DanB !

[Airtandem]

The bed in my 25 FC is 5/16 Birch Ply.

[mprokop87]

I think I will end up going with the 1/2" oak ply. Currently I am trying to fix the dash AC so when thats done I will go to the lumber store!

[65CV]

I've had good luck with 1/2" ply, but the span is not that long. If your span is 28" for a length of 50", 1/2" ply will bow. You may need thicker ply or additional longitudinal support.

[mprokop87]

I will definitely put in some support

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[putback]

1/2 inch should be plenty for a framed 28 inch span. Be cautious with the plywood supplier. The box stores tend to sell less expensive sheets with soft fiber core plies. They can delaminate quickly in a camper.

[wolffullmoon]

I would suggest Baltic Birch in no less than 1/2". It is very strong and will last a long time. MDF is weak and susceptible to moisture. I am a woodworker and know about this stuff but don't know beans about AS. We just got out first one about 6 weeks ago and have yet to take it one road.

[GeocamperAS]

The number of ply's (layers) will have a factor on the warp.
3 ply will warp more than 5 ply.
I used 1/2" 5 ply on me benches as well as my queen bed. The width of my queen is not supported down the center (head to toe), but from side to side I have 3 cross rails (5 total if you count the ends). The head half is screwed down. I hinged the toe half of the bed and added a removable support between the toe and center to allow me to get larger items in and out. I have not noticed any warping .

[mprokop87]

Putback, Wolffullmoon and GeocamperAS, thanks for the advice. I am looking for nice sheets of 1/2" oak so it goes with the rest of the bedframe and trailer (Everything is oak!). Around here we only have the big box stores plus one smaller store. I will be checking them out this weekend but the box stores have crap for wood. It either comes with large blemishes or water stains. At $45/sheet I just want to cut, stain, and seal.

Wolffullmoon -Welcome to the site and to the Airstream world!!

[mayco]

Whatever material you choose to use just make sure that you run the grain perpendicular (or opposite direction) of your support framing. Plywood has little support at all if you run it in the same direction as your framing.

[65CV]

Originally Posted by putback

1/2 inch should be plenty for a framed 28 inch span. Be cautious with the plywood supplier. The box stores tend to sell less expensive sheets with soft fiber core plies. They can delaminate quickly in a camper.

The last time I bought 1/2" birch ply at Home Depot, it completely delaminated when I started cutting panels. It was only a couple of weeks after purchase -- stored in the house!

[DanB]

Surely you have a real lumber yard near you or up in Rochester? If not, or you don't want to travel, Lowe's can order in premium sheets. Basically, they get it fom local suppliers.

Also, I would love to see some pic's!

[mprokop87]

I live outside of Rochester in the boonies. At 4-ish mpg I try not to travel to far. There is a lumber place in the village here but I haven't had the time to stop in.

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