We know: All About Truck Bed Liners

What’s a truck bed liner?

Because the beds of most pickup trucks are used for hauling, they are susceptible to a high volume of scratches, abrasions and dents. To protect the bed of the truck, many owners line the truck bed with heavy-duty material to prevent damage to the vehicle itself.

What kinds of truck bed liners are there?

First, if you are about to buy a new truck, consider buying one with a lining already in place. Otherwise some of your options for adding a liner to your truck bed include:

Single piece plastic liners – These products are made from tough, durable material and are designed to protect your entire truck bed, including the sides and tailgate. They are specifically designed for particular truck makes and models and can be installed by anyone so inclined. The are usually attached to the truck with included hardware and designed to fit existing drill holes. This is generally the most expensive option.
Rubber floor mats and rugs – Mats are simple to install and will do the job of providing a skid-free, protective surface for the bottom of the bed of your truck. All you have to do is roll the mat out. You can get various mat sizes and shapes designed for specific truck makes and models. Of course, a mat does not provide protection to the sides of the truck bed.
Bed trays – These are made from hardened polymer products that are tough and will give you the protection you need for the bottom of the truck bed. Like a floor mat, they are custom made to fit specific truck makes and models. Although they provide more coverage than a floor mat because there is generally a lip border to protect against liquid spills, they still don’t provide protection for the truck bed sides.
Spray-on protective coating - An inexpensive option that allows you to apply the protective coating in much the same way that you apply spray paint to a wall. It can be used for both the bottom and sides of the truck bed. Comes in a kit and takes some cleaning and sanding preparation. This method provides a durable, nonskid surface.
Roll-on protective coating – Similar to the spray-on coating, this method allows you to apply the protective coating in much the same way that you apply paint to a wall with a roller. These inexpensive kits require some cleaning and sanding preparation. This method provides a durable, nonskid surface on both truck bed and side walls.

How much do truck liners cost?

Here are some sample prices:

Single Piece DualComp Bed Liner
Short Bed $270 Long Bed $290
Herculiner Brand Roll-on Liner
Vinyl Kit $50 (1 gallon kit) Polyurethane Kit $100 (1 gallon kit)
Durabak Spray or Roll-on Liner
Polyurethane $75 (1 gallon kit)
Protecta Truck Bed Mat
For various makes and models $60