what lumber can i use
by
Christina H
+2
Im wanting to build a elevated strawberry bed. So I hear Cedar is the best. But can i use something cheaper than paint it with something that will make it last just as long as cedar?
5 answers
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Treated lumber is not the greatest idea for planting beds, the chemicals used to treat it are not your best bet for your health. You are wanting it to grow food. (Its ok for flowers) Although its great for fences and decks. Painting it is the same as treating it. raw lumber is your best bet. it will break down over the years, but not for many years. You can line it with tarps or landscape fabric if you want.
Patricia W
on Apr 22, 2013
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I read this site where someone used semi-transparent sealant after using cheap wood. How safe is that stuff?
Christina H
on Apr 22, 2013
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I have also used synthetic decking for raised beds. Some versions are not as stiff and will need to be supported, but by being "plastic" the hold up well against rot.
KMS Woodworks
on Apr 22, 2013
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My daddy made a round elevated strawberry "wedding cake" effect bed -- each tier smaller than the last -- from metal flashing. Each tier was planted with strawberries. It was about 5' tall total. I do not know how he held each round of flashing together, maybe rivets, or drilled holes with the ends held together with nuts & bolts? It was really nice.
Vicki K
on May 01, 2015
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you can use pressure treated but you just have to line it with plastic so the chemicals don't leach into the dirt.
Christine King
on May 06, 2015
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