Sides For Raised Beds

[Muntin]

Anyone got any ideas for the best material for making the sides of raised beds?
Treated timber could release nasties into the soil, recycled plastic 'wood' is ideal but expensive.

[Sam1960]

few ideas here you might like ....
http://growingthehomegarden.com/2010/01/best-raised-bed-materials.html

[Buenchico]

See also 'Commonly used materials' on the RHS website:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=428

[Ratty2E]

We made ours with scaffolding boards sourced from a reclamation yard. They were treated with a 'natural' preservative recommended for the job and they have been going strong for a few years with no sign of deterioration.
I can't remember the exact one we used but it was similar to this.
http://eartheasy.com/eco-wood-treatment

[Buenchico]

^^^ The problem with using old railways sleepers is that until fairly recently they were all coated in creosote and it's now illegal (under health & safety legislation) to use them in gardens.

[murraymints]

old pallets are good....nice rustic look and only need a bit of treatment if not already treated ..some yards /garden centres give them away...pull them apart few screws....voila !

[Muntin]

Thanks all. Some very useful information. I have just found that we may be able to get some larch, which I believe to be fairly rot resistant. I am not yet sure if it is planked. Otherwise I might go for untreated sawn planks and coat them myself with something not too toxic.

[Chipchopper]

Gravel boards might do ya.
The timber used is usually durable, as its meant to cope with permanent ground contact beneath fence panels.
I don't think their too expensive either. A set of 3 with one sawn in 1/2 for the ends, using corner brackets to attach them.
If you're aiming for the deep mulch method, could put another set on top.
Choose timber thats sourced from renewable forestry.