scaffold boards??

spotties

Got some scaffolding boards for raised beds but what is best way to keep them? Should l wrap in black bin liners or treat them with preservative each year?? Thanks

Davesnave

TBH I think plastic will just hold the wetness in and there is nothing that will preserve wood which is also safe to use where it could leach into the soil. e.g. creosote.

Maybe if you creosoted them, then separated them from the soil with heavy plastic, like polytunnel cover material......but it's an awful faff!

I found my untreated ones lasted about three or four years, but of course they weren't new when they fell off the back of the lorry....:rotfl:

Lotus-eater

I found I had the same dilemma as Dave, someone said use plastic, I thought it would just hold the moisture in, someone else said use a safe preservative....... well would someone tell me what one of those is please?

So in the end I did the same as Dave and left them untreated. I haven't had them for three years yet, so can't comment on the length of time they will last.

evilgoose

I think that some preservers are safe once dry. I'd stay clear of wrapping in plastic bags, as others have said it'll keep the moisture around the wood.

Maybe when installing them, if possible put some chippings under them so they dont sit straight on the soil and have some drainage about them.

I've helped a friend fit them at the bottom of a larchlap fence to make it more of a challenge for her dog to tunnel, he's a veritable Charles Bronson.

You could try this also,

http://www.cuprinol.co.uk/products/wood_preserver_green_overview.html

darich

when we arre building things underground at work, we specify 2 coats of bituminous paint.

So why not try something like waxoyl that you'd use on the underside of your car?
I've never used it and don't know how much it is but i doubt it'll be that expensive. it would form a waterproof barrier between the boards and the soil

spotties

Many thanks to everyone for your advice, much appreciated!

mum_of_4

spotties wrote: »

Got some scaffolding boards for raised beds but what is best way to keep them? Should l wrap in black bin liners or treat them with preservative each year?? Thanks

The guy on the plot next to me has had them for the last 5 years and they haven't been treated.

I've used gravel boards in the beds in my garden and they have kept well for 7 years.