Do I need to line a Merbau planter box?

Zog

Hi, I built a deck early last year and have some merbau decking boards left. Thinking of using it up by building a planter box.
Just wondering about rot and whether chemicals will leak from the merbau into the soil.
If I build a planter box out of Merbau should I line the inside with some plastic?

MitchellMc

Yes, you should line your Merbau planter box with builder’s plastic @Zog. Merbau is naturally durable, and there’s no real risk of chemicals leaching into the soil, but if the timber is in direct contact with moist soil, it will start to decay much faster. The plastic creates a barrier between the soil and the timber, helping your planter last much longer.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell