Building raised beds

[catfishnut]

I have raised veggie beds, I use none treated lumber 12"x12' or 12"x16'. They last about 5-6 years before rot starts getting to them. I've got a client that wants me to build a raised veggie bed for her and I'd like to build her something that'll last a little longer. Does anyone have a way to treat untreated lumber that would be ok to use for a veggie garden? I own a landscaping/hardscaping company but veggie gardens are just a hobby I have to relax.....so any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated!!! Hey if you have any hardscaping/waterfeature/perennial questions I'd be more than happy to return the favor!!!!

[M.Magis]

How about rought cut oak? Better yet, if you had access to some locust trees to have cut into 2-by lumber.

[Evinrude58]

What about using something like the composite decking material?

[Red1]

If you use osage orange or locust wood, it should last for many years. See if you can find a small sawmill somewhere that has some, or maybe you could custom order it.

[Canoerower]

you could use cedar


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[5Cent]

Is it really that bad of a leeching problem with the new treated lumber? Since there is no more arsnic, I was under the impression it was not a big deal anymore. The number of veggies you would have to eat to see any health issues would get rediculous.......I maybe rebuilding mine lol.

[M.Magis]

Is it really that bad of a leeching problem with the new treated lumber? Since there is no more arsnic, I was under the impression it was not a big deal anymore. The number of veggies you would have to eat to see any health issues would get rediculous.......I maybe rebuilding mine lol.

I believe you are right. Although, regular pressure treated lumber is only rated for above ground use. I’m not sure how long it will last “semi-buried”, but surely longer than non treated.

[Canoerower]

u can use regular lumber if u stain it. go with what ur comfortable with the cost of treated lumber is crazy. If u have Amish around find a sawmill and get rough cut lumber. Then paint or stain it. it'll save u a bunch!


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[viper1]

Use regular or treated and drape a layer or two of black plastic over wood. So earth dont touch the wood.

[fredg53]

Old railroad ties cheap and had mine 10 plus the oil conditions em well

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[Matt Hougan]

Why not use stone? Allen block or even landscape boulders.

[catfishnut]

Well as i mention in my orginal post,my reason for this post was to find a material to biuld raised veggie beds for a client of mine. It's for a client in bay village on the lakeside,so used ties ect. in the backyard of a multimillion dollar house isn't going to fly.Stone would be ok, put expensive and might be to bulky looking, though since we do specialize in hardscaping it would be a piece of cake to build.When dealing with these homes along the lake, what the neighbors like/think is a big concern also.......you don't want to spend $$$$$$$$$$$$$ on a house and look out back at a eyesore. My client has always wanted a veggie garden but was concerned about what the "neighbors would think" if they actually grew their own veggies. Looks like cedar if the way I'm going to go on this. We'll build it, plant it and maintain the veggie garden and the client will pick/eat the end result!!! Now that's way the "grow" your own veggies!! Thanks for all the input/advice guys!!!