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Just my thoughts, I'd use expansion on my sides and slotted (perforated) for basket bottom at least. Good air flow with expansion, the bottom I think sees the most heat. Depends upon how often you are willing to rebuild. I saw a pit with a 3/4 slotted steel plate on the bottom, I was in love!! But they could see my amour and asked for my first born child for one...LOL One of these days when I get all growed up and rich I'll get two!
Figure it out which and make it out of stainless.Last one you'll ever need....With some poking around local/web you should be able to find some discounted drops. What are you using now?
Currently, I'm using the grate on the bottom of the fire box. I'm moding out my char griller duo into a real growed up smoker.
Anything I do will be stainless. The only reason why I ask the question is I have seen them both ways, but I can get scrap perforated from my work. Save me a bit of money.