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Raleigh, NC on Aug 11, 2012

Is there a flooring or siding material that would be satisfactory for an outdoor project?

I am looking for an economical material, such as discarded siding or flooring, to use

as a floor for my leaf and garden waste compost pile. It is roughly 120 square feet. Roots from nearby trees grow up into the pile making the material difficult to move.

8 Comments

Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Could you just use thick plastic sheeting?

on Aug 11, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

Any Possibility of moving the location of your "pile"? I Built Bins, 4x4x4 with, you guessed it 4x4 Posts and Chicken wire to keep the Compost off the ground...after 25 years and several repairs they are still in good shape as far as the posts, but I've had to replace chicken wire with rabbit Hutch wire...and a wooden gate across the front of each bin....for easy access when it's time to use it.

on Aug 12, 2012 · Like 0
E.C. P Raleigh, NC

How thick is such sheeting?

on Aug 12, 2012 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

You can get a variety of thicknesses. The big box stores and hardware stores sell plastic sheeting in rolls for vapor barriers and such. 6 mil sheeting (which I believe is 6/1000ths of an inch thick) is fairly standard, and seems like it should work for you.

on Aug 12, 2012 · Like 0
E.C. P Raleigh, NC

Thank you for the suggestions but this doesn't answer my question because I don't believe the plastic sheeting would be satisfactory because the ground is uneven due to tree roots .
ecp

on Aug 16, 2012 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Have you looked into some type of compost barrel or bin? It would solve your problem, and make for faster, better compost it you were using something that could turn more easily.

on Aug 16, 2012 · Like 0
E.C. P Raleigh, NC

I have a large yard with a lot of leaves and pine needles...which I pick up with a tractor drawn trailer...a barrel or small bin is not sufficient for my purpose.
ecp

on Aug 17, 2012 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

I see. I always think of kitchen compost when people write about compost. Is there any way to move the pile to a different area with fewer root problems? I know I'm still not answering your question, but I don't know of another good solution. Sorry.

on Aug 17, 2012 · Like 0