Marine ply?

[BUFFS]

due to back problems I need to make some raised beds to let me continue gardening, never having used it, can anyone tell me if marine ply would be good for the walls?, or would it rot in no time due to being in contact with the soil permenantly?, I need to sort this out before the season starts and try to build them ,it would be 6 x 3 and 18-24ins high, that's why the ply might work, 8 x 4 cut to 2 times 8 x 2, I spent too long falling face first into the veg patch last year, and, it was the wife who suggested the ply, so anyone with building knowledge out there, I would really appreciate your advice, I have all my fresh seeds, just need to make growing them easier...thanks..

[Aberdeenplotter]

marine ply does rot, just more slowly. I would use it but line it with builder's damp proof membrane so that it lasts a lot longer

[Madasafish]

I used marine ply to make a ramp so my wife could get our pram into the house without difficulty.

It was cannibalised when our children grew older.. and parts are still in use in the garden - 30 years later.

It was, however, treated with yacht varnish every 10 years or so.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Suffering with a back problem I have had to raise most of my containers.

I made my pea beds about 10 years ago from tantalised timber and they are still going strong.

Potty

[chefgage]

Like what has been said i would line it with some sort of damp proof sheet. I made my raised beds out of decking boards but did not put any liner in there. They have been there 4 years now with no signs of any rotting so with a liner the wood should last a good few years

[bearded bloke]

Tanalised timber would be best,but if you are going to use ply wood bond a sheet of 25mm polystyrene to it with waterproof PVA adhesive,the treat the external surfaces with the preservative of your choice.

[BertieFox]

The main problem with marine ply is that it is ferociously expensive. But when you consider that many car trailers have the base built from this stuff, it does seem to survive very well. Being in contact with the soil or half buried is another matter though.

I would agree using tanalised timber is a better and cheaper option, or finding suitable timber in your local recycling centre if it is possible to take stuff away from there as we do in France.

[Bigmallly]

I'm not up to scratch with the price of materials but how would the cost compare to using breeze blocks maybe 2 or 3 high?

[Bill HH]

You didn't mention the thickness of this ply, it needs to be substatial or it will bend under the soils weight. 38mm tanalized decking is the stuff I use, If you can get it second hand fine but it aint that expensive new.

[BUFFS]

I have been asking around and I have been offered 16 x 150 x 4.8m boards for £3.90 a piece, the price of marine ply, as has been said on here, bl...y dear, so I think I will go with the boards @ 2ft height ,measured it out and I will build 8 ,it will mean no more worrying about carrot fly that far off the ground level.. thanks everyone for the advice, all we need now is for the rain to stop for a few days...

[bario1]

I built my 18" raised bed from planks from B&? Stacked 3 high, it cost me £50 in total though. Carrot fly still got my carrots btw.


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[Veggielot]

I'm not up to scratch with the price of materials but how would the cost compare to using breeze blocks maybe 2 or 3 high?

I have used breeze block to build raised beds in my back garden and they have worked well. Also doubles up as seats.

[bearded bloke]

it will mean no more worrying about carrot fly that far off the ground level..

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but,I have just been & measured my parsnip tubs they are 2'8" to the top edge & I still have fly damage

[Potstubsdustbins]

Sorry to tell you this but low flying carrot fly is a .......................myth. They get blown everywhere.

Potty

[chefgage]

what ever you use i would suggest some sort of strengthening across the width to support the weight of the soil. my raised beds which are about 2.5' high made from thick decking boards have slightly bowed in the middle. in retrospect i wish i had put some sort of chain/wire rope anchored across to keep it from bowing.