I want to build a large box bed along the side of my house which will be exposed to the elements (rain and snow in the winter). Will treated wood poison the soil? Will untreated wood last?
2006-08-06 00:37:33 · 7 answers · asked by bradley L 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Untreated wood will rot out in six months with contact with the soil. Treated wood will not poison the soil. You just can not use it for children's play yards. Because there are poisons in it to keep the bugs from eating it and kids just naturally have to put there hands in there mouths. But it would be great for your purpose.
2006-08-06 00:48:16 · answer #1 · answered by bill a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've pretty much answered your own Q, as have the others, in part.
Certainly the treated wood will outlast non treated in that it's designed for that purpose. You can inquire as to the toxicicty of the chemicals used, and there are various "Trade Names",,, as well as the suggestion about non edibles, just to be safe.
With regard to polluting,,, I suppose as a moral issue, treated lumber does add some amount of pollution to our environment, but then too, so do land fills, garbage collection treatment facilities, etc. I think you can assuage yourself in how you are balancing what you put into the soil, with what you will create from it.
Either way, either wood will certainly give you no less than a full cycle of seasons, and the treated lumber will "silver" just like non treated. The other benefit to treated is it's non attractiveness to termites and carpenter ants, which would then possibly be attracted to your home.
Rev. Steven
2006-08-06 00:55:28 · answer #2 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are a beginner or have done some woodworking you will find these plans easy-to-follow as the instructions are very clearly written https://tr.im/WoodworkingTechniques
The woodworking plans are straightforward so they are not complicated at all. Even if you are a total newcomer to woodworking you will simply be able to master all the techniques that are needed and the woodworking skills very quickly by following the concise and clear instructions.
Another thing which is so great about these woodworking plans is that there have been some videos included and there are some to guide you in how to build benches home furniture dog houses bird feeders sheds and much much more.
2016-01-17 16:19:13 · answer #3 · answered by Earnestine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/WoodworkingProjects
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.
2016-01-21 09:33:08 · answer #4 · answered by Sade 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use treated wood it will last and not poison the soil, and it sure looks natural, if you realy want it to stand out give it a coat of natural colour every spring.
2006-08-06 00:45:03 · answer #5 · answered by alan c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could use some of the new "plastic" decking materials such as Trex. I recently used some to make my wife a new potting bench. It works as easy as treated lumber and is safe for the environment, you kids and the pets.
It does cost more but I think it is worth it.
2006-08-06 04:24:37 · answer #6 · answered by oil field trash 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can but maybe you shouldn't. Chemicals from the wood will leach into the soil.
On the other hand, they may not harm the plants. I would grow only ornamentals, though - nothing you plan to eat!
2006-08-06 00:46:34 · answer #7 · answered by keepsondancing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋