Recycled plastic raised beds

LessImpecunious

Hello forumites - I'm on a Friends of (Primary) School committee and we've been asked to buy a hexagonal raised bed - the example we were provided with was a timber version - https://www.hope-education.co.uk/product/early-years/outdoor/gardening-and-wildlife/hexagonal-gardening-wheel/he1383645, which is quite pricey at £227.99 inc VAT). Wondering what alternatives there were, particularly in recycled plastic, as I know even treated timber has a limited life (but recycled plastic presumably also does) - but hexagonal plastic beds from producers aimed at schools are even more expensive. A much cheaper option, stocked by Crocus amongst others are these - https://www.garantiauk.co.uk/product/ergo-raised-bed-backup/ - smaller than the timber option (diameter 110cm rather than 140cm), but also very much cheaper than anything else I could find, at c. £49.99 inc VAT and delivery. Just wondering if anyone had experience of these (price suggests they might be flimsy?), or opinions on timber vs recycled plastic for raised beds.

twopenny

I agree. The first thing that struck me was too cheap so would expect it to be that way for a reason.
The recycled plastic benches in Otter nurseries are more expensive than wood.
Whether that's cashing in on the recycle trend or production is hard to say. 
Perhaps look at the garden centre sites for the options.
If it's a question of spending a lot then maybe back to the committee for their opinion. Chances are they don't realise

Eldi_Dos

I think one area the committee should be looking at is liability.If you purchase from a recognised educational supplies company and they can state that their product has been tested and has type approval for use in a educational setting it would show the committee has done their due diligence.
Was surprised that the product in first link states it is BPA free as it appears to be a all wood product.

LessImpecunious

Thanks @Eldi_Dos - good advice! The BPA thing is perhaps copied and pasted on all their products?

trix-a-belle

Not familiar with plastic ones but when I was looking I ended up going with metal as they are coated for longevity and are not going to leach anything into the soil which seems to be a concern about raised beds these days when growing vegetables. I'd say the educational one is ridiculously expensive & the plastic one is roughly on par with most raised bed options i've seen and i've looked at a lot recently to find ones to fit a particular sized space.

I ended up buying from vidaxl & they have a hexagonal one which is 129cm Linky (also available from wayfair & the like at a slightly inflated price). They should be here in a few days if you want any further opinion on what its like (ie quality, edges vs little fingers etc) but i've been very happy with the square ones I picked up previously the top edge is folded over so smooth.

An alternative, you could enquire with a local mens shed about if they might build you a wood one, our local shed have done a mud kitchen and similar things for the local school and nursery & regularly make bird boxes & hedgehog houses, community and creation is at the heart of the organisation but I know they all vary in what the people attending are interested in.

mdni

Would VAT be recoverable? I think I remember we bought playground equipment and it was.

LessImpecunious

Thanks @trix-a-belle and @mdni - forum has stopped sending me notifications for some reason so only just seen your comments - we're thinking about our local equivalent of men's shed (handy parents) but the metal option looks possible too, hadn't thought of that...we are able to recover VAT - or rather the school is - if it buys and then we donate "towards" the full cost...