Under Tray Drawer Materials: Plywood vs. Aluminium - Making the Right Choice

In the world of pickup truck accessories, under tray drawers have gained immense popularity for their storage solutions. When it comes to enhancing the storage capacity of your pickup truck with a trundle drawer, one of the most critical decisions you'll face is choosing the right material. Two of the most common options are plywood and aluminium. In this article, we'll dive into the details of these materials to help you make the right decision.

Plywood Under Tray Drawers

Plywood has been the primary material in woodworking for decades. It has been a traditional choice for trundle drawer construction for several reasons:

Pros of Plywood:

Cost-Effective: Plywood is generally more budget-friendly compared to aluminium. This can be an essential factor if you're working within a limited budget.

Customizability: Plywood is easy to cut and shape, making it ideal for custom trundle drawer designs. You can create compartments and dividers to suit your specific needs.

Weight Capacity: Quality plywood can still offer substantial weight-bearing capacity. It's suitable for storing tools, equipment, and other essentials.

Insulation: Plywood provides better insulation against temperature extremes compared to aluminium. This can be beneficial if you're transporting items that are sensitive to temperature changes.

Aesthetics: Some people prefer the natural, warm look of plywood, which can complement the interior of your pickup truck

Cons of Plywood:

Durability: Plywood is more susceptible to wear and tear over time, especially in harsh weather conditions. It may require more maintenance and occasional replacement.

Weight: While plywood can handle decent weight, it is heavier than aluminium. This added weight can affect your truck's fuel efficiency.

Aluminium Under Tray Drawers

Aluminium under tray drawers are known for their durability and lightweight characteristics. They have gained popularity for their unique advantages:

Pros of Aluminium

Lightweight: Aluminium is extremely lightweight, allowing it to support heavy loads without adding excessive weight to your truck. That can help improve your truck's fuel efficiency and handling.

Durability: Aluminium is highly resistant to corrosion, rust, and wear. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and remain in excellent condition for years.

Weight Capacity: Despite its lightweight nature, aluminium trundle drawers can still support substantial weight, making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks.

Low Maintenance: Aluminium requires minimal maintenance compared to plywood. You won't have to worry about repainting or staining.

Modern Look: Aluminium trundle drawers have a sleek, modern appearance that can complement the aesthetics of many pickup truck interiors.

Cons of Aluminium:

Cost: Aluminium is generally more expensive upfront compared to plywood. However, its durability can offset this initial cost over time.

Limited Customization: Aluminium is more challenging to customize than plywood. Complex compartment designs may be more challenging to achieve.

Choosing the Right Material for You

Now that you have an overview of the advantages of both plywood and aluminum. Consider these factors in choosing the right material for your trundle tray.

Intended Use: If you plan to carry heavy equipment or tools regularly, aluminum's strength may be a significant advantage.

Budget: Plywood is the more cost-effective option, which can be appealing if you're on a tight budget.

Aesthetic Preference: Think about how the material will look in your truck and whether it matches your interior design.

Maintenance: Consider how much time and effort you're willing to invest in maintenance. Aluminum requires less attention in the long run.

The choice between plywood and aluminium for your trundle drawer ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Aluminium trundle drawers are worth the investment if durability, low maintenance, and a modern look are essential to you. But if you're on a tight budget, prioritize customizability, or need better insulation, plywood may be the right choice.

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between plywood and aluminum under tray drawers, it's time to make a decision that suits your needs. Find the ideal under tray drawers for your pickup truck by browsing our selection today. We have the ideal solution for you.