Obviously, there are many different ways to go about doing a border. You can even purchase those really nice plastic hinged jobbies. I considered them, but they seem pretty expensive.
After a lot of calculating and wild guessing, I have decided to go with 4" x 6" Yellawood timbers, which are rated for direct ground contact. Surprisingly, landscaping timbers aren't rated for direct ground contact. I figure the heavier, wider timbers will be more stable anyway. I am planning on "pinning" them to the ground with 2' long rebars hammered through them into the ground (pilot holes drilled, of course).
I am also possibly putting the timbers on some flat concrete blocks for height and less direct ground contact. Haven't decided for sure, but it is possible.
I will be lining the whole area with heavy duty landscape fabric to keep out the grass and weeds. I dread working with this stuff, as I have done it before. However, it will be easier because I was working around bushes/small trees before.
So, here's my shopping list for this 26' x 24' area. There will be 2-24' borders and one 26' border. The fourth border will be our driveway, which is about 18 inches tall (maybe less). The 4" x 6" timbers will probably be stacked two high.
(14) 4" x 6" x 12' Yellawood timbers
(1) string level
(25) 2' x 3/8" rebars
(50) 18" concrete blocks (flat)
(1) long 3/8 or 1/4" wood drill bit
(625 sq ft) Weed barrier
( ) Weed barrier staples
So far, this is all I know that I'll need. I will have to check and make sure that the rebar won't break down with the "new" preservatives used in the wood. Apparently, it has broken down hardware.
I am also thinking about using corner braces, but that is something I can add later if it seems like it will need it.
Larry
Larry Crockett
Franklin, TN
Run with whatcha brung, and hope you brung enough
No comments:
Post a Comment