A load bearing assembly (10) includes a molded plastic retainer (14) that supports a load bearing surface (12) over an opening defined by a frame. The molded plastic retainer (14) includes a first portion (30) attached to the frame (16), a second portion (32) attached to the load bearing surface (12), and at least one elastic connector (34) integrally molded with the retainer (14). The elastic connector (34) is oriented such that it includes a crystalline structure having a greater degree of alignment in one direction than in other directions.