Untreated Lumber For Raised Beds

Here is what we did.

Untreated lumber for raised beds.

Rather than get into the never ending discussion of what. Great materials to use for raised beds cedar or redwood. These instructions describe building a 4 foot by 6 foot by 10 1 2 inch bed with 2 x 4 untreated lumber. Over the years there has been a lot of talk about pressure treated lumber and its use in gardening and specifically for raised beds.

A bed that s at least 6 inches high provides ease of access and gives roots plenty of room to grow. The only thing to keep in mind. In 2003 the epa banned the sale of lumber treated with chromated copper arsenate cca for residential use. The size is up to you.

Wooden planters built out of untreated wood will probably last much longer than you think. A redwood raised garden bed however can last up to 20 years. Wood borers like termites are also a possible concern. Each bed cost us less than 25 and about 20 minutes of work.

Both cedar and redwood add a beautiful look to your raised bed garden while also employing a natural. If you want to build these untreated pine raised garden beds yourself fear not. Using any type of untreated lumber for building raised beds eliminates the chance of harmful chemicals leaching into the soil. If your raised beds will be exposed to a lot of moisture wood like pine may only last a few years.

Can i try to use one of these methods on raised beds that are already built and outside. The wood is untreated and has only been outside for a week or two. Wood options for raised garden boxes. Of the species used for untreated lumber douglas fir.

When choosing wood be sure to use untreated wood. A cedar frame can last up to 10 years but one made of douglas fir may last only 5 to 7 years. For each bed you will need about 8 96 2 4 s some construction screws. The durability of untreated wood used for raised beds largely depends on the type of wood used.

But i also live somewhere where the rain is moderate and the drainage is very good. Untreated lumber isn t rot resistant but it s a good option for edibles. How long untreated wood will last depends on many factors but it will certainly last longer if treated to resist moisture and damage from the sun. Anonymous on april 16 2013.

Like most things the more people talk about a particular topic the more the truth gets diluted and the myths and incorrect facts get shared as truths. Yes untreated wood will decompose over time but because it is untreated you reduce the risk of potential toxins moving from your wooden beds into that organic veggie garden you re starting to keep your family fed well. My current raised beds are made from 1 untreated pine and last approximately 10 years. Untreated wood in general can make beautiful rustic looking raised beds.

How long will untreated wood last in raised beds. How we built our pine garden beds. Even natural oils like boiled linseed oil blo contain inorganic additives.