[NCangler]

Hi folks. I'm looking for some cedar lumber to build raised beds in my garden this year. Any suggestions on a good place to buy rough hewn cedar for this purpose? Or do you have another suggestion for raised beds that keeps the cost down? I've got a 40'x40' garden space on a hilly spot that tends to wash with heavy rains. I think level, raised beds will help with the erosion in my garden. I'd like to start with (5) 4'x8' raised beds this year and add more later. Any input is most appreciated!

 

[Fish_Fiend]

It would be a haul for you but Prime Lumber outside of ashebori had it last summer for .85 a foot rough #2 and better

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[Jeffonc]

I'm interested in this too. We have a flat but weedy spot above a retaining wall, probably scraped to the clay. Its going to need to be built up to grow a little summer produce. Might go in on a 4x8 box or two myself if you find something reasonable. Might even get me signed on as a farm hand!

 

[Drum Runner]

Next year, consider planting some things in hay bales.
You need to get the hay late in the fall dump some fertilizer on it and let it sit through the winter.
Good for most any plantings like tomatoes.
I use coastal hay because that is what have here on the farm. If you plant in a bale that's not weathered it will go through a heat just like a sheet of cured tobacco would, which will kill the plants.

Some people use wheat straw bales for tomatoes, peppers, and squash. I've never used it so I couldn't tell you whether it go through a heat.

Seen people plant whole gardens in big round bales laid over on their side.

 

[rogerbynum]

We do not have a local source for cedar so, last year I built my beds out of treated lumber and lined them with landscape fabric. I have talked to others who have done the same and no one has experienced any problems.

 

[Neilslure]

I am sure Capitol City lumber probably stocks it, may be priced on the high side though. Pro-Build in Raleigh or Garner could probably order what you are looking for.

 

[NCangler]

I got a quote from Capitol City Lumber this morning. Nice folks. But it was going to run about $150 per 4'x8'x12" cedar bed. That may be a good price for cedar, but I need to do some more research.

I am sure Capitol City lumber probably stocks it, may be priced on the high side though. Pro-Build in Raleigh or Garner could probably order what you are looking for.

 

[Drum Runner]

I got a quote from Capitol City Lumber this morning. Nice folks. But it was going to run about $150 per 4'x8'x12" cedar bed. That may be a good price for cedar, but I need to do some more research.

Stay away from building boats. I wish I could buy something for 150 bucks.

 

[Drum Runner]

Only other cedar option I can think of is Lowes or Home Depot. Cedar siding. If it's look you are after, you can skin it onto something else like 2x lumber.

Or call TE Johnson down at Four Oaks.
I go to TE before anywhere else. They surprise me right often.
It's a sawmill, but you can build a whole house from the ground up standing right at their counter right on down to the chair rail.
You won't find a 16' knotless pine 1x10 anywhere else for 12 and change.

TE Johnson Lumber

3872 Old School Rd, Four Oaks, NC 27524 (919) 963-2233

 

[Scott Hobbs]

If you could find a mom and pop type lumber cutting business you could get the first cuts off the log. Not good for much but would work great for gardens. Its the rounded outside and other side rough cut. Use to be one near me but the old man died and kids had the mill torn down.

 

[Nat's Dad]

There's a guy up in Yanceyville tha did about 500 yrds of split rail fence for an Eagle Scout project out at Alamance Battlefield. Not sure about the guys connections but I may be able to track down the scout and then the supplier. This stuff was all hand split.

Are you wanting railroad tie sized beams to frame the raised bed up? Have you considered cypress?

If it were me I'd look at Hardiplank

 

[NCangler]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I hadn't thought about Hardiplank. I'll check that out. Hadn't thought about cypress either. I'm just looking for something that doesn't deteriorate quickly.

 

[Nat's Dad]

I was sorta kidding about the Hardiplank. You should PM Mack. He actually seems to have some knowledge about some stuff. I do know there is ( or was) a sawmill in Lumberton that logged native lands for cypress and it's high quality, and cheap considering the alternatives.

 

[NCangler]

Interesting about the Hardiplank. I'm not sure how it would hold up on the ground but the cost would be less than $20 per 4'x8'x8" bed. Might be worth giving it a try. The cypress would be very cool. Thanks!

 

[J Scott]

We made some for a community garden in Cary NC with 4 x 8 x 16 Block like this topped with treated1 x 4
https://www.facebook.com/1117005688...1700568870821/572441969463343/?type=1&theater