When looking for ute tool storage options, deciding between a checker plate finish and a flat powder-coated finish for your ute tray, toolbox, and canopy is a significant decision. Both choices have pros and cons, depending on your needs and preferences, but the choice is ultimately yours.

Checker Plate Finish: Durability Meets Style

For ute trays, toolboxes, and canopies, checker plate finish—also known as tread plate or diamond plate is a popular option. It is known for its sturdiness, strength, and attractive appearance and for good reason. When selecting a checker plate finish, keep the following in mind:

1. Durability:  The textured surface provides protection against various damages and can withstand heavy use.  The durable textured surface also gives protection from harsh work working conditions.
   
   
2. Slip Resistance: The raised diamond or checker pattern on the plate surface provides excellent slip resistance. This is helpful when you're accessing your tray and toolbox in wet or slippery conditions, such as rainy weather or on muddy job sites.
   
   
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Many users prefer the rugged, industrial look of the checker plate finish; as it adds a touch of style along with sturdiness and professionalism to your utility.
   
   
4. Easy Maintenance: The checker plate finish is pretty easy to clean and maintain. Regular washing followed by occasional waxing can help keep it looking new and sharp for years.
   
   
5. Longevity: Due to its durability, a ute tray, toolbox, or canopy with a checker plate finish is likely to have a longer lifespan compared to other finishes. In the long run it will help you save a considerable amount of money!

Powder Coasted Finish: Streamlined Simplicity

While a checker plate finish has its own advantages and may be a better fit for some clients and applications, a powder-coated flat finish has advantages of its own. The following are the things you should be aware of:

1. Clean Aesthetic: A powder-coated finish provides a clean and smooth appearance. This type of finish is a good choice if you are looking for a simple and clean look.
   
   
2. Easy Cleaning: The flat surfaces are comparatively easier to clean and maintain.  A quick wipe-down can keep your tray, toolbox, and canopy looking spotless and clean!
   
   
3. Lightweight: Powder-coated finished trays, toolboxes, and canopies are often lighter as compared to their checker plate counterparts. If you are worried about the impact that a checker plate finish may have on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, then choosing powder-coated flat finish can help you solve your concern easily.
   
   
4. Cost Effective: As compared to checker plat finishes, powder-coated finished trays, toolboxes, and canopies are cost effective. If you are looking for a cost-effective solution, this might be the way to go.
   
   
5. Versatility: Having a flat, uninterrupted space both inside and outside the toolbox or canopy is an added advantage. This versatility can be an added advantage for organising and storing your tools more effectively.

Choosing the Right Finish for You

While making your final decision about choosing the right finish, you may want to consider the following listed factors:

1. Work Environment: Consider your working conditions in which you intend to use your tray, toolbox, or canopy. If you're often in slippery or muddy environments, the slip-resistant checker plate might be more suitable. However, for cleaner and less demanding environments, a flat finish can work well.
   
   
2. Aesthetic Preference: Consider your aesthetic preferences and the image you want to project. Do you prefer the rugged and industrial look of the checker plate, or do you prefer a cleaner and more streamlined appearance?
   
   
3. Budget: Budget is undeniably an important factor. Checker plate finishes are generally more expensive as compared to a power-coated finishes.  Thus, if you're looking to save money, a flat powder-coated finish might be the better choice.
   
   
4. Weight Considerations: If your vehicle's payload capacity is a concern, note that checker plate finishes can add more weight to your ute. A powder-coated finish can be a reasonably sensible choice because of its lightweight and being more fuel-efficient.
   
   
5. Maintenance: Think about how much time and effort you're willing to invest in cleaning and maintaining your toolbox or canopy. A point to note—checker plate finishes require a bit more upkeep due to their textured surface.

 

To summarise, both checker plate and powder-coated finishes have their own advantages and disadvantages.  The decision ultimately depends on your specific requirements and preferences. Remember, choosing a correct and appropriate ute toolbox finish will depend on factors like cost, durability, looks, and ease of maintenance.  It is important to carefully assess the needs and requirements before choosing a texture, which best suits your requirements and priorities.  Follow above mentioned guidelines to have durable and functional ute toolboxes, trays, and canopies. 

If you're interested on knowing more about the two different options please contact us or alternatively check our our range of ute checker plate toolboxes and ute powder coated toolboxes.