second hand scaffolding boards - where from?

[Protea]

I'd quite like to build one raised bed for the lottie for my show onions, however, i can't afford to buy new wood so thought about scaffolding boards. Where can you pick up secon hand scaffolding boards or similar? We've tried the tip when Mr Protea takes the glass for recycling but they never have anything.

Also - if i can find boards - whats the best soil/compost to fill it with?

[Pottypotter]

apparently builders have to replace them every 2 years so I would try local builders roofers etc

[Nicos]

Last year when we were making our raised beds, the local price for old scaffolding boards was crazy, and it was much chearper for us to buy 7"x1"x13ft planks from the local farm suppliers. Most builders tend to chop them up and use them for different roles on a building site ( well that's what I was told!)
You may be lucky of course!!

[Dobby]

There was a wood reclamers yard in manchester I whent ther must be 8 or 9 year back now (thant makes me sound old)
I know it was before I meet Mrs D
There was cheep It was in Ancoats have a llok in your phone book or try www.yell.co.uk

[muckdiva]

Having the same problem as you Protea. We got the timber for raised beds in our garden from some old roof joists, but not enough of that for the allotment too, so I am thinking of maybe trying raised beds from tyres or plastic mesh. Sounds a bit wacky, but I don't want to spend a fortune on stuff for the allotments so we may well give it a try.

If you visit
http://www.noble.org/Ag/Horticulture...bed/index.html
and look at the raised bed index on the right hand side it gives you loads of info and instructions for all different types.

Wooden raised beds do look the nicest though (IMO) so wish you luck in finding some timber. Don't suppose pallets would be strong enough would they?

[SimonCole]

I would fill raised beds with normal garden soil.

[buttercup]

hello!
i think that scaffolding planks will end up either quite expensive or hard to find, but try ringing round scaffolding fims for old planks that may be too dangerous to use!
i got a load of free pallets form freecycle (online local recycing site)
but they are a bit tough to dismantle, but free!
keep checking skips, there may not be the right width but you could fix them together!
cheers buttercup

[Nicos]

It's an ideal time when creating raised beds to alter the structure of your soil if it is not as you would like it to be.( well- let's face it...whose is??!)
Heavy soils can be lightened,sandy soils can have more moisture retaining substances added, and large stones can be removed from stony soils.
Certain plants prefer acidic soils , others chalky, and a few raised beds can be kept out of the main rotation (eg for blueberry shrubs).
You have an opportunity to create a more easily handled soil - oh the power!!

[Protea]

Thanks everyone - looks like scaffolding boards may not be the most cost effective option then!!

Will call a few builders anyway, just in case. I can get hold of pallets - haden't thought of that (assumed all the little bits of wood would be too fidly and not strong enough to hold the soil).

Will look on freecycle, haven't been on thier for ages.

[Snadger]

Breeze blocks make good raised beds if you can get them cheaply! Even old bricks out of a skip will make excellent raised beds or 'trenches' as they are known as round here!

[dexterdoglancashire]

Good question, as I'm having the same problem! Eventually decided (because couldnt get wood elsewhere) on buying wood from B&Q in pieces that I could manage, Ive now treated them and OH will help me on Sunday to make the beds Ive marked out. I did the first three whilst having a horrible cold and nearly killed myself! Doing the feeble female bit Im afraid! So be it! DDL

[Pottypotter]

the link muckdiva posts is good it shows you how to make raised beds from old tyres. I think thats the option I will go with.

[Geordie]

Breeze blocks make good raised beds if you can get them cheaply! Even old bricks out of a skip will make excellent raised beds or 'trenches' as they are known as round here!

All praise the hallowed leek trench!

[rustylady]

Try Freecycle, if not keep an eye out for anyone having building work done and scrounge unashamedly.

[cheshire61]

Try any local scaffolding company im sure they would be willing to sell you some old boards and possibly deliver for a charge we have a company near our allotments who sell us boards with no problems

you must watch out as they dont last long even when they have a coat of presevative regulary

good luck getting the boards