Wood For A Raised Bed

[interele]

I was planning on growing some veg. I think it would look nice if I had
a wood 'frame' around the patch. My original idea was scaffolding planks
but someone told me they rot really quickly if the are in contact with the soil.

Sleepers seem a bit much ( and are expensive ). Has anyone any advice ?

Ta

M

[tonyav]

Scaffolding planks might be ok if you waterproofed them first.
http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-the-best-methods-for-waterproofing-wood.htm

[mastercraft]

Teak is one of the best timbers for external use, but again - expensive!

[Clanad]

Actually, at least here in the U.S. treated lumber in the 2" X 10" or even 2" X 8" size makes excellent raised beds.

Treated lumber that used to contain an arsenic compound have been banned from residential use, but two other types (alkaline copper quat (ACQ) and copper azole (CA-B). Both contain copper and a fungicide but no arsenic.) are excellent.

We simply put down a black plastic sheeting to keep grass from coming up rather than stripping the area of grass (lots work). The lumber comes in various lengths at our DIY stores, but the handiest to work with is 10' long. Two of those and one more 6 footer makes a nice sized, very workable bed. Simply cut the 6 footer into two equal lengths, place those between the ends of the 10 footers, use deck screws to secure et voila instant garden that can easily be reached from all sides.

Last thing to do is to have a supply of good loamy dirt. I buy it in 40 pound sacks at the DIY and one bag covers about 2 cubic feet. You'll need about 30 or so of those but it's a good weekend workout. From time to time, as the dirt settles you'll need to finish it up…

Good luck!

[Zacs-Master]

Old railway sleepers
http://adelaideruralsalvage.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Garden-Bed-01.jpg

[mastercraft]

Agree with Zacs. These timbers are well and truly seasoned, have spent years in the ground, and used to plenty of moisture.

[Clanad]

To each his own… I guess… but used railroad "sleepers" (called "ties" here in the U.S.) are nearly 9 feet long and weigh, on average about 225 pounds or more. That's a full days work for anyone!

Additionally, at least here in the U.S., the ties are treated with creosote, and while that does a good job of keeping them from detioriating it does become a problem if you ever want to get rid of them. Our recycling centers here won't accept them since they have no way of disposing of them. Which is the reason the ties (sleepers) are available anyway. Save the railroads from trying to dispose of them. They can't be burned, due to the semi-toxic gasses given off by the burning material.

Additionally, it's very difficult to trim or cut them to any length other than that which they have when they arrive at your abode. They are roughly 8 inches on a side and will ruin a hand saw or electric saw blade if you try to cut them… I'm just saying...

[daveygh]

i made a couple of raised beds with fence posts in the corners and decking boards on the outside - still as good as new after 5 years.

[alavahalf]

Agree with daveygh ... I created some raised beds about 5 years ago using decking boards. They were fitted to create some tidy edges to strim against and just keep things neat along the paths.At the end of the season each year, I just rake the soil away from the inside surface and let it breathe over the winter.
Must say they are still looking good.
At the same time I acquired some treated exterior timber which I also used for the same purpose, it had rotted by last year and I pulled out.

Remember the higher you raise your beds ... the quicker they dry out !

[tonyav]

Yeah, decking boards are tanalised aren't they.

[hammerman]

Another for decking boards....should give years of use.