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Raised beds

MrToastMrToast Posts: 169
in Garden design

I am looking at creating some raised beds, height is important to me, about 3ft, I looked into railways sleepers but for the size I need these are looking expensive, what are my other options? I will need something that looks good and can withhold the weight of the soil needed.

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Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,061

    The alternatives are brick walls or breeze block walls which require foundations, material and labour so weigh up the various costs and you'll find railway sleepers come out not so expensive.

    May I ask why 3'?   For sitting on the wall to work the beds or to get access from a wheelchair something lower would be far more comfortable.    Knee height works well and would need fewer sleepers as well as less soil.

     

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    I used decking planks and 50x50mm vertical stakes about every 80cm of length.  This is strong enough and the wood is pre-treated so will last a good few years if also lined on the inside.  These are only about 2 feet high though:

    image

    There's over 2 cubic metres of topsoil in them, weighing about 2 tonnes.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • MrToastMrToast Posts: 169

    I am looking at 3ft high for beds and seating.

  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    Hi, b&q sell wood thats like a sleeper, but smaller, a bit like a telegraph pole but with the sides trimmed so they lie flat, i think they were about 9quid each, i had a raised bed made of these for my birthday, they also went together without fixings (tho the top ones are slightly wonky), might be worth a look. I think they are around 4ft long image
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 29
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  • Kieran WoodKieran Wood Posts: 67
    This is a bit odd but consider using filing cabinets turned on their back. This has worked really well for me.



    Paint them with an enamel and clad the top and bottom with timber held in place with either bolts or exterior adhesive.



    I have now got four of these and I love them.
  • MrToastMrToast Posts: 169
    Thanks for all the input, I think 3ft is excessive and after thinking about it 2ft seems more reasonable. I will have a look at the timber in B&Q.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 29
    The user and all related content has been deleted.
  • WakouWakou Posts: 21

    image

     These are gravel boards, with concrete posts. Permanent, easy to maintain, and not expensive.

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