The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Vegetables => Topic started by: FrostyM on January 16, 2014, 07:33:51 pm

Title: Scaffolding Planks
Post by: FrostyM on January 16, 2014, 07:33:51 pm
I am looking at getting some scaffolding planks for a few extra raised beds. Does anyone know if there is a standard size? I can see plenty saying 8ft in length but is there a standard width or height for scaffold boards? Also anyone made raised beds from them and have any advice I am all ears  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Scaffolding Planks
Post by: darkbrowneggs on January 16, 2014, 09:11:59 pm
I just made mine from cheap 6x1"  I never imagined it would last  They were held in place by 2X2"  and non of it was treated


If fact they lasted nearly 20 years!!  They did require a bit of TLC from time to time but it was a heck of a lot cheaper
Title: Re: Scaffolding Planks
Post by: spandit on January 16, 2014, 09:21:44 pm
I just made mine from cheap 6x1"  I never imagined it would last  They were held in place by 2X2"  and non of it was treated


If fact they lasted nearly 20 years!!  They did require a bit of TLC from time to time but it was a heck of a lot cheaper

Mine lasted under three from the same stuff... and I'd treated it
Title: Re: Scaffolding Planks
Post by: hexhammeasure on January 16, 2014, 10:17:00 pm
if you don't want to treat it with chemicals use olive oil, smells a bit but does protect it for a few more years
Title: Re: Scaffolding Planks
Post by: pgkevet on January 18, 2014, 12:09:20 pm
You might look at 'cheap' concrete slabs. I had a lot of paving done with 2ftx2ft slabs (can get 3x2). In bulk we got a good discount but otherwise they are about £3 each. Borrow or rent a decent disc cutter and you have permenant edging. Or use buildng blocks if 8/9in is enough.

Before i bought my holding I had a town house and edged all the flower/veg beds with fancier moulded blocks. they obviously cost more but were all loose-laid and lasted over 10 years with no maintenance. it meant i could just strimmer up the edges instead of pratting about lawn edging and then run the mower over th gress to pick up the strimmings while doing the lawn - quick and lazy and raised borders
Title: Re: Scaffolding Planks
Post by: doganjo on January 18, 2014, 03:37:37 pm
Pallets?  Usually free to collect
Title: Re: Scaffolding Planks
Post by: StephB on February 06, 2014, 02:08:21 pm
Hi

Just wanted to post and say my builder hubby made me a load of raised beds last year from old scaffolding planks that did'nt pass muster anymore.

They were 8ft long ones, so we used three per bed (8ft x 4ft)  perfect size and they are pretty thick so should hopefully last quite a long time.

If you can get them cheaply I would definately go for it. x