scaffolding planks

[Nicos]

Although we use a raised bed system for over half the allotment non of them are permanent beds. Basically we dig out a path and throw it into a long pile and square it off -instant raised bed! However this year we fancy a few permanent beds so have been investigating the use of scaffolding planks.

I read on one of the threads that they can be bought 2nd hand from scaffolding companies for £2-3 each. Well- not round here it seems.I've phoned about 6 different companies and they all said they cut them up into smaller useable pieces. Out of interest I phoned Travis Perkins and they costed new ones up at £25 each!! One scaffolding company gave me the name of his supplier and told me to say he had recommended me for a good deal on new planks. Even with this favour they will still cost £7 each. I don't see why I need to buy new for an allotment as I would probably need about 20 of them. A lot of money!

What have other people done???

[Nicos]

I seem to have posted this in the wrong section!! It's the first question I have submitted and am not used to doing this - oops!!
I still need help all the same!

[Jaxom]

Nicos. Not to worry I have moved it to here. under "Allotment Advice". If that was not where you want it, give us a shout.
Jax

[sewer rat]

Scaffolding planks

Hi Nicos,
I know what you are on about with scaffolding planks, especially if you need twenty or so.
I have 4 raised beds, and was going to use gravel boards, til I passed a building site where the original roof was being replaced due to the addition of two dormers. The roofing joists were being scrapped and I got as many as I needed free. Each was about 14ft long, 2in thick and 9 in deep. Voila, raised beds - so if you don't go with gravel boards, keep your eyes peeled when you pass building sites - especially renovations/refurbishments. You could also try builders/architectural salvage yards if you have any near you.
Cheers
Rat

[WiZeR]

I can also sympathise. I called round all the local companies with no joy. Some people are luckier than others it seems.

[poultrychat]

I use Linkabord for my raised beds - http://www.linkabord.co.uk/shop/products.asp?cid=5
I have built it up over a few years and 2 years ago moved house with it

[Nicos]

thanks-got leaflets in the post and managed to get some free old corrugeted steel too at the same time!...Now that's what allotmenting is all about! (as well as the veg of course!!!) Will look out for roofing timbers now.

[abbyjhon]

Thanks for info....