Composite Wood?

martha 3/3/2010, 6:04 pm

Hey, it's great to be back!!! This new stuff looks really fun!

Okay, so at BJ's wholesale club today, I saw raised garden beds for really short money. They are made from composite wood. I don't have my SFG book with me (I truly do need a second copy, so I have one at home and one at work.) I do know that Mel talks about using composite wood, and it is okay to use. But are there different types? Do I have to worry about anything?

Sigh - I. Am. Impatient!

boffer 3/3/2010, 6:54 pm

'Bout time you showed up! Composite Wood? Icon_tongue

boffer 3/3/2010, 7:08 pm

Composite is easy to work with. But it doesn't have the strength across the face that wood does-it bows easier with less force. It comes in different thicknesses so that makes a difference too. If it's over an inch thick, it should work fine. Under an inch, and...it'll work OK too although it might bow in the middle. But you could put a stake in the middle of board to nearly eliminate the bowing. If the price is right, go for it.

martha 3/3/2010, 8:06 pm

I am truly remorseful that I took so long. (looking for the downcast eyes icon!)

choksaw 3/4/2010, 2:13 pm

When you say "composite wood" are you talking about particle board or sawdust board? if that be the case i would steer clear of using it in an outside situation it will not hold up lon under weather. I foyu are reffering to the composite wood that is encased in plastic i.e. recycle wood then it will last a life time provided the propper care is taken during assembly. They make end caps for the plastic woods on the market today but they are not cost effective the eaises way to seal the ends of the recycled type plastic wood is to brush or dabb them with some melted parrafin the was will soak into the boards ends and seal it off from moisture and weather you may have to re-apply over time but it has worked for me in the past gl Composite Wood? Icon_biggrin

martha 3/4/2010, 2:55 pm

sounds like "you get what you pay for" and I better keep walking by!

I have several boxes from last year, but i do need a few more for this year! Composite Wood? Icon_biggrin

happyfrog 3/5/2010, 8:32 am

1x6 and 2x6 are not that expensive really. . ..

i'm thinking about going budget conscience eve more this year and using 1x6's this year on the expansion - last year i bought 2x6's. i think the book recommends 1x6's ?? need to re read that chapter.

but we're planning on selling our house in 2013 so the boxes will be gone after that anyway. . unless the gardens end up selling the house fo rus, lol Laughing

'sides, i'm also planning on building a greenhouse this spring!

martha 3/5/2010, 1:03 pm

I think the 1X6 or 2X6 question is about what type of wood you use (pine vs. cedar, etc.) and how long you want them to last. I used 1" pine last year for my first boxes, and they all look solid so far, having experienced on not too harsh New England winter.

happyfrog 3/5/2010, 2:10 pm

martha wrote:I think the 1X6 or 2X6 question is about what type of wood you use (pine vs. cedar, etc.) and how long you want them to last. I used 1" pine last year for my first boxes, and they all look solid so far, having experienced on not too harsh New England winter.

and now you've just reinforced my decision to buy 1x6 instead of 2x6 this year. i figure if the wood breaks down in a couple of years, no problem - we're moving anyway.

my husband knows the dirt comes with me when we move - unless we move cross country -then i'm seriously considering selling the dirt - it IS perfectly mixed mel's mix, after all. . .

SFG in Chicago 3/9/2010, 12:05 am

I'm brand new to Square Foot Gardening, so new I haven't done it yet! Composite Wood? Icon_biggrin

Anyhow I ordered from Costo a raised bed that sounds similar to the ones you saw at BJ's. The Costco ones are also made from composite wood. (I believe the composite is made from recycled plastic and wood flour) I don't foresee any problem as this is already designed to be a raised bed garden and the composite wood is meant for outdoor use. It should hold up fine. I ordered the 4x8 composite raised bed and THEN decided to do SFG. I'm brand new to veggie gardening too, so SFG seems ideal for me. My SFG book is due to arrive Wednesday & my bed on Friday. I can't wait to get started! Well as soon as the snow finishes melting anyway.

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