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Landscape timbers are an excellent edging for a raised
garden bed. While a single course of 4-by or 6-by timbers
simply can be set into the ground, there isn't a lot more
involved in assembling two courses and securing them to
each other. Three courses of timbers stretches the term
"edging" and starts to qualify as a retaining wall, which
is subject to different procedures and code requirements. |
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 Lay out the
bed and dig a trench 3 to 4 inches deep for the timbers.
Make sure the trench you dig is level by checking the
depth with a tape measure and a level mason's line. |
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 Place the
timbers of the first course in the trench and abut the
ends together tightly. Use a level to check that the
timbers sit level. Add or remove soil as necessary. |
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 To trim a
timber to length, cut across each face with a circular
saw. If necessary, finish the cut at the center of the
timber with a handsaw. Alternatively, cut timbers with a
chain saw or a bow saw. |
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 Place the
timbers of the second course so that joints are offset at
least 4 inches from the ones in the first course. Overlap
the ends at the corners. |
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 Check that
the course of timbers is roughly level. If necessary, shim
the low ends with thin strips of wood. At corners, square
the timbers with a framing square. |
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 Drill pilot
holes slightly smaller than the diameter of a 12-inch
spike at each end and every 4 feet along the second
course. Drive a 12-inch spike into each hole with a
3-pound sledgehammer. |
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 Add soil to
the bed behind the edging timbers. Smooth the bed with a
garden rake. |
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RELATED PROJECTS
Installing Plastic
Edging
Installing Metal Edging
Installing Wood Edging
Installing Sawtooth
Brick Edging
Installing Flat Brick
Edging
Installing Precast
Concrete Edging
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