[Shieldsy]

I am now about half way through making a number of raised beds but it's clear I am going to have a number of 13ft planks left so what else could I make or do with them?

I'd like to make a potting bench so if anyone has a 'design' that would be great but would also like to hear what others have done/made.

Cheers,

Al

[chopkins1313]

How about a bench? Basic three piece 'n' design or something more complex with a back rest!

Or possibly all weather paths for inbetween the raised beds?

[Shieldsy]

A bench may not be a bad idea :-)

Regarding paths I've recently had the roof re-tiled on our house so had a load of old slates which the kids seem to love smashing to bits so plan on giving them more smashing assigments and spreading the old slate chippings for the paths :-)

Cheers,

Al

[snowdrops]

Where did you get the planks from?

[Dopey113]

You can get them second hand for reclamation yards, or new from travis perkings, and keyline

[Shieldsy]

Got them through a friend who works for a scaffolding company.......only taken me 12 months of nagging so am now like a kid in a sweat shop :-)

[Dopey113]

Yea there handy, im doing the floor in my hand built shed with them, but mine are very thick not the standard ones you get, so itd going to be a very solid floor

[trampyjoe]

am now like a kid in a sweat shop :-)

Seeee .. I keep telling folks that those kids love sewing clothes together! 

[arugula]

You can get them second hand for reclamation yards, or new from travis perkins, and keyline

... or any reputable builders merchant you might have in your area.

[parttimer]

Scaffolders will almost give away thier secondhand ones charging at most a quid a length, they have a shelf life for safety reasons.

I have been offered 2 x 4m lengths that I will use just to walk on new worked soil but I can't get them to the plot.

[shokkyy]

When I made some raised beds a few months back, I rang round every scaffolding company and reclamation yard in the area, trying to get some secondhand scaffolding plants. I couldn't get any. One of the companies told me that everybody was now sending all their old planks to the county's wood reclamation scheme, who is selling them on at much the same price as brand new planks, and frankly it's a lot cheaper to buy new treated timber at a timber merchant.

[jrko]

Theres not much you cant make for the plot with a plank or two Shieldsy!!

How about an extension for your shed?  A new set of compost bins?  A cold frame?  A hot bed?  A roof over some water butts for extra rain collection? used upright as a frame for raspberry canes?  A table and 2 benches for 'picnicking at the plot'? Potting station with cupboard underneath for all the pots & labels etc?..................