I picked this spot b/c it has the least dappled shade in my backyard. It will get some morning & evening shade, but the time it's sunny is completely unobstructed.
& yes, I was heavy on the wood. My dad (who passed away last month) wanted me to get rid of it b/c he thought we would never use it. Well, while I have time on my hands (not working due to breaking my foot in June), I decided to build this bed out of that thin redwood cedar that sat in a pile at 4 different houses. I nailed each board with a Brad nail gun, each corner, each median, at least twice. The bottom boards have long screws holding the base together.
Hopefully this structure won't weaken or have the bottom blown out like at least 2 of the other raised beds my dad built. Next step is to line this with landscaping cloth, then fill it in.
by Alamismo
7 Comments
What’s stopping the soil from blowing out the corners? Or everything? And it all falling over?
Well just laying boards on top of each other is asking for blowouts
Sorry about your Dad, and great use of the wood. He’d be proud of you.
If you have any left you may want to line the inside vertically for support and to help keep things contained. Or just cloth and see how it works.
I think it would be better if they were built triple layered w the face pointing out. Then you could build like 3 of them.
Why does this remind me of Lincoln Logs?
I’m sorry about your dad, and I definitely understand the motivation to use that wood that traveled around to 4 different houses. Your intentions are great, and doing something is better than doing nothing.
In my opinion this is going to be one of those moments you look back on and regret. This wood has sentimental value and you have a chance to make something you’ll be happy with that honors your dad.
This structure is most definitely going to blow out. Not only that, the wood is going to rot. You’re using these boards in a way that is against their purpose. The soil and moisture is going to deteriorate it. They are too fragile for the structural purpose you’re asking them to handle. Also, landscaping fabric is problematic, particularly in a raised bed. The structure you’ve built is a perfect (I mean, absolutely perfect) structure for termites, rodents (chipmunks in particular, but mice as well), snakes, ants, and slugs. You’ve essentially built the perfect pest palace.
At risk of offending you here’s what I suggest: take this entire structure apart. Build raised beds out of treated 2x8s with structural support using tried and true methods. Structural screws, galvanized brackets, concrete corners, or whatever method appeals to you most. Then use the boards as they are intended, as facing material. I can tell you I’d absolutely love to clad my raised beds in boards like these. With some spar varnish they’d be beautiful. Cedar boards like this are expensive and most people would pass up the cost to get beautiful looking beds.
It’ll be worth a try! If it doesn’t work out like you planned there’s a new chance next year. Good luck!