Raised Beds - Wood treated??

[Spookyville]

Picked up some 8ft new scaffold boards this morning in preperation of building my first 2 raised beds on the plot. Should I leave them as is or should I treat with something so they are protected to some degree from rot etc.
If so is there anything suitable that is non toxic and won't affect the veg in any way or should I carry on without doing anything. many thanks in advance.

[Spookyville]

[OllieC]

They'll be rotten within a year if you don't. I used creosote.

[Buster54]

I use old engine oil

[misfit]

my dad used to use creosote mixed with old engine oil  ;D

[Spookyville]

 ;D treated it is then. May drop by B&Q and see if there is anything a little more colourful than creosote.

[Spookyville]

can you even get creosote anymore? Thought it was substitute nowadays?

Going to do the "inner" side with something of that ilk and the "outer" side more colourful . Kids will love it!

[tonybloke]

scaffold boards usually last 3 to 4 years if buried, I don't treat any wood near my families food!! ;), but each to their own!!

[Robert_Brenchley]

You can still get 20 litre cans of creosote legally; it's only the smaller sizes that are banned. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bartoline-Dark-Creosote-Coal-Tar-1-x-20-ltr_W0QQitemZ250429006429QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_DIY_Material_Paint_Varnish_MJ?hash=item3a4ebb625d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1686%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

[Spookyville]

there is so much conflicting info out there. Is bitumised paint a safer alternative?

[Baccy Man]

You can still get 20 litre cans of creosote legally; it's only the smaller sizes that are banned.

Not for amateur use, they are only legal for professional use.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/biocides/copr/creosote.htm

The approval for supply, storage and use of amateur products was revoked as of 30 June 2003. As such, anyone supplying, storing or using amateur products date may be liable for prosecution. Prosecutions may be brought under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985.

http://www.bartoline.co.uk/News_View.aspx?Articleid=5

Changes to Creosote Substitute
22 January 2009


Due to Creosote Substitute now being affected by the Biocide Products Directive, changes to the formulation are necessary, which means the name of the product will also be changed.

Therefore, as from 1st February 2009, Creosote Substitute will no longer be available and will be replaced by Bartoline Creocote Oil Based Timber Treatment.

The new product will not be affected by the Control of Pesticides Regulations and the approval by the HSE will therefore be withdrawn. We have applied for a six month extension for the continuance of the approval and therefore all stock of Bartoline Creosote Substitute must be sold through by 1st September 2009.

Creocote remains very similar to Creosote Substitute, being an effective treatment for exterior garden timbers such as fences, sheds etc. with excellent water repellence properties thereby restricting weather damage. Users will be unlikely to detect any difference.The traditional Creosote odour is present and both light and dark brown shades will still be available.

At the same time, all 20 litre packs will be supplied in rectangular Polydrum packs as opposed to the round steel version supplied for many years. There is no change to the container used for the 4 litre size.

There are currently no changes to the supply of traditional Coal Tar Creosote, which remains available for trade users only in 20 litre and 205 litre packs. However, we are expecting further restrictions in use during the coming months.