What to treat raised beds with?

[Phil Jones]

I've just been given a number of old scaffold boards (which are in great condition!) and I'm going to use these to make some raised beds. However, I want these to last for many years... what should i treat these with?

I'm an organic gardener so want to avoid any strong chemicals such as creosote. I've been considering using raw linseed oil as a preserver.

Any suggestions from fellow grapes?

[rustylady]

Scaffold boards (also known as deals) are pretty hardwearing, and also fairly thick. I wouldn't bother treating them with anything. Anyway, you'd need an awful lot of linseed oil to treat them. If you must use something, why not fence paint? Most of the brands sold these days are guaranteed free from harmful chemicals.

[organic vic]

I used organic outdoor paint from ecopaint online but was expensive but asked in B&Q,Homebase etc and they didn't sell anything that was non toxic and I didn't want to take the risk!

[gadgetman]

How long are you thinking of Phil? You should easily get 5-10 years +