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TOPIC: Best materials for building raised beds?

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Best materials for building raised beds? 27 Dec 2013 14:32 #291

  • renren
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I have been told several things about what to use and not to use when building a raised bed...What are the safest/healthiest products to use when building your raised beds? Help
Last Edit: 27 Dec 2013 15:51 by HFI_Matt.
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hat are the safest/healthiest products to use when 27 Dec 2013 14:51 #292

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renren wrote:
I have been told several things about what to use and not to use when building a raised bed...What are the safest/healthiest products to use when building your raised beds? Help

Hi there:)

That is a great question but can I ask you something 1st? Are you trying for totally organic or just cheap?

I personally use lumber that has nothing on it what so ever. I know you can use harder woods to make your beds and they will last a really long time but never use treated wood.

Blocks are really good to use! They last forever and can be moved around farly easy, provided you did not mortar them in place;)
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hat are the safest/healthiest products to use when 27 Dec 2013 14:55 #293

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I have used lumber (2x12), concrete blocks, and rocks from around the yard. I have even seen pallets used (as long as they're heat treated). It comes down to using what you have available.
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Best materials for building raised beds? 27 Dec 2013 16:07 #295

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Do NOT believe anyone who tells you todays treated wood is safe. Anything treated with powerful chemicals IS NOT SAFE on any level! For my beds I used untreated white pine and after some extensive research I used decking boards. Those will last a heck of a lot longer than the wood. I will now use them for the flooring on the raised waist high beds I am building. Good point about the heat treated pallets. Look for the big HT stamped on the wood.
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Best materials for building raised beds? 27 Dec 2013 16:13 #296

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I have been told that cedar is and isn't good to use...also what about lining with plastic or something. I would like to go as organic as possible.
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Best materials for building raised beds? 27 Dec 2013 19:01 #308

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I agree with everyone about DO NOT USE TREATED WOOD.

We used cedar to build ours and they have lasted many years. We did not use paint or anything inside or out. The cedar turned a pretty silvery gray but they are holding up very nicely. We kind of have a cedar theme going on at our place though. lol Cedar fence, cedar green house, cedar raised beds....
IMG_0788.jpg
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Best materials for building raised beds? 28 Dec 2013 00:54 #315

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renren wrote:
I have been told that cedar is and isn't good to use...also what about lining with plastic or something. I would like to go as organic as possible.

ProsCons
  • Beautiful, smooth, elegant appearance
  • Easily takes stains or paint
  • Fairly long lifespan - 20+ years for Western Red Cedar
  • Chemical-free
  • Possible to buy sustainably-grown
  • Often untraceable sourcing
  • Much cedar is imported
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Last Edit: 28 Dec 2013 01:04 by HFI_Matt.
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Best materials for building raised beds? 28 Dec 2013 01:10 #317

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Panda wrote:
I agree with everyone about DO NOT USE TREATED WOOD.

We used cedar to build ours and they have lasted many years. We did not use paint or anything inside or out. The cedar turned a pretty silvery gray but they are holding up very nicely. We kind of have a cedar theme going on at our place though. lol Cedar fence, cedar green house, cedar raised beds....
IMG_0788.jpg


Same here Panda:) I do not do anything to the wood and my beds are standing up great to the weather so far.

If one wanted to they could treat with some vinegar to prevent termites that would work but by the time they eat the wood you will get your money back on all the veggies;)
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Best materials for building raised beds? 28 Dec 2013 11:22 #327

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Panda wrote:
I agree with everyone about DO NOT USE TREATED WOOD.

We used cedar to build ours and they have lasted many years. We did not use paint or anything inside or out. The cedar turned a pretty silvery gray but they are holding up very nicely. We kind of have a cedar theme going on at our place though. lol Cedar fence, cedar green house, cedar raised beds....
IMG_0788.jpg

Somewhat unrelated, but can you post the plans for the PVC trellises? Those are awesome!
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Best materials for building raised beds? 28 Dec 2013 17:07 #336

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Check into Eco wood treatment to preserve untreated wood. I have been using this non chemical wood treatment on the outside of by beehives for a couple of years. It is made from natural minerals that causes the wood to turn that silver patina color and preserves the wood.
www.ecowoodtreatment.com for more information.


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