Making a tonneau cover isn’t difficult, but it can be time consuming. You will need to take the measurements of your truck bed and cut all the wood pieces accordingly. However, if you have access to a table saw or chop saw this process will be much easier. If you don’t have these tools, then you’ll need a lot more time on your hands for sanding and finishing the product.
Regardless of whether or not you have access to expensive power tools, making a tonneau cover is an easy project that can save you money in the long run!
In this post, I’ll share some simple steps on how to make a wood truck bed tonneau cover. You can use these instructions if you’re looking for an affordable and easy project that doesn’t require expensive power tools.
Well, it’s time to create your own truck bed tonneau cover!
Step One: Measure Your Truck Bed
The first step is to measure your truck bed’s length using a measuring tape.
Step Two: Cut the Wood Pieces
The next step is to cut wood pieces accordingly using a table saw or chop saw (or by hand). If you’re cutting them by hand, it will take much longer and require more sanding. You’ll need two panels of wood for each side of your truck bed plus one piece for the front.
Step Three: Assemble the Tonneau Cover
Now it’s time to assemble your tonneau cover! You’ll need wood glue, a rubber mallet or block of wood, and clamps when assembling pieces together. Use nails only in places where joints are not intersecting each other (like with a corner joint). You’ll also need a latch for your cover.
Step Four: Attach the Tonneau Cover to Your Truck
Attach your tonneau cover by inserting screws through the holes in each side panel and into either a wooden board or wall stud. You will need four pieces of wood for this step – two long boards cut at 45 degrees, one short piece attached with hinges on top, and one long board attached to one side.
Step Five: Attach the Tonneau Cover Hinges
Attach your tonneau cover hinges by placing them on top of the front panel and securing them with a bolt through each end hole in the wood boards (or you can cut two holes for lag bolts if you prefer). The last step is to add a latch by drilling two holes on the inside edge of the front panel. If you have access to power tools, then add one with lag bolts or by drilling two small holes on the inside edge of each board that is attached together.
You will spend about six hours of work, and the cost for materials can be anywhere from $150-200.
Conclusion
Some steps and you will make your own homemade wood truck bed tonneau cover. It is not difficult to find a list of materials that you need to realize this project at your local stores. Now you know one way to install a handy feature in your truck without spending a lot of money. You were able to save money, you also showed your creativity. Good Luck!
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