I'm looking to renew/replace the rotted timber used to construct a compost heap and would appreciate guidance. My main aim is longevity with minimal maintenance but cost is a consideration too.
I currently have a two compartment, side-by-side construction consisting of six concrete posts set into the ground and spaced about a metre apart in a rectangular shape. The concrete posts are approx. one metre heigh (above ground) and slotted. Unsurprisingly, the posts have outlasted the pressure treated 8" x 2" timbers that originally slotted into the posts to form the backs, sides, fronts and the divider between the two compartments. Due to the dampness and warmth of the heaps, the original timbers started to break up after about 5 to 7 years so need to be replaced.
I'm not getting any younger and would ideally like a solution that would see me out (maybe 20 -25 years if possible). I looked into concrete panels and gravel boards but each piece would need to be cut to size to allow slotting into the posts as they usually come in 6 ft lengths (lot's of wastage) - that's just too much work and mess for me. I've recently used plastic "timber" in outdoor projects (veg beds) and been very impressed however, even the 2" thick plastic "timber" is quite bendy and I think wouldn't be strong enough for a compost heap which exerts a surprising amount of sideways force on the holding "panels". Also, a very expensive option.
So I guess that leaves wood. Should I simply replace like-with-like or would sheet material like marine ply be better? Would it help preserve the wood if treated with a protective film, like Blackjack bitumen paint etc? Or would that rub off on clothes too easily? Is there a better surface treatment? All ideas welcome, thanks.
I currently have a two compartment, side-by-side construction consisting of six concrete posts set into the ground and spaced about a metre apart in a rectangular shape. The concrete posts are approx. one metre heigh (above ground) and slotted. Unsurprisingly, the posts have outlasted the pressure treated 8" x 2" timbers that originally slotted into the posts to form the backs, sides, fronts and the divider between the two compartments. Due to the dampness and warmth of the heaps, the original timbers started to break up after about 5 to 7 years so need to be replaced.
I'm not getting any younger and would ideally like a solution that would see me out (maybe 20 -25 years if possible). I looked into concrete panels and gravel boards but each piece would need to be cut to size to allow slotting into the posts as they usually come in 6 ft lengths (lot's of wastage) - that's just too much work and mess for me. I've recently used plastic "timber" in outdoor projects (veg beds) and been very impressed however, even the 2" thick plastic "timber" is quite bendy and I think wouldn't be strong enough for a compost heap which exerts a surprising amount of sideways force on the holding "panels". Also, a very expensive option.
So I guess that leaves wood. Should I simply replace like-with-like or would sheet material like marine ply be better? Would it help preserve the wood if treated with a protective film, like Blackjack bitumen paint etc? Or would that rub off on clothes too easily? Is there a better surface treatment? All ideas welcome, thanks.
