Raised beds - cedar wood alternative?

[MNBobcat]

Hi All,

2x6x8 cedar boards are about $10.50.

I'm figuring that making an 8 foot long by 1 foot high by 3 - 4 foot wide raised bed is going to cost about $50 or better. I need 4 - 6 of those.

I don't want to use treated wood and any natural wood other than cedar would likely only last 3 -5 years.

Anyone have any good ideas on something less expensive than cedar that will last?

[roypat2126]

check out Home Depot for redwood or cedar fencing. They are about 3/4" X 5 1/2" X 6ft. At <$2.00 a pc it's a good way to go. I used this stuff on side of barn wall under a 10ft overhang and it looks nice, doesn't have borer bees yet (after 3 years). But it's not in contact with the ground although as fencing, it would be. I'm planning a raised bed area as well, using my left over boards.
Well hope this worksout fer ye. MNBobCat, Have a blessed day,
Roy

[DesignerEyes]

You could also buy an inexpensive untreated wood and paint it. Because I am very concerned about what sort of chemicals end up in the food I grow, I leave little room for chemicals to be present. Thus I think it is great you are not wanting to use treated wood in your garden because treated wood is know to have arsenic in it. However, you can buy a decent outdoor paint that has no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which will keep your wood from rotting while at the same time keep your food free from nasty unwanted chemicals. Do you know if there are any companies that make raised Earth boxes that are chemically responsible?

[MNBobcat]

I used composite wood designed for fences. Will never rot.

[DesignerEyes]

I used composite wood designed for fences. Will never rot.

You are a genius! This is a great solution for the raised box issue because it doesn't require paint and will never need replacement due to rot. How long have you used this material for your flower boxes and garden vegetable boxes? Did you seal the bottom of the boxes off or did you leave them open? If you left them open did you place a weed shield, river rocks, or nothing at the bottom? Was the composite super expensive? I suppose even if the composite was a bit expensive it might be worth the cost over the life span of the box.