How to build a raised garden bed with recycled metal sheets?

[rebelliouskiwi]

 I have this 3x3m garden shed that got demolished in the recent winds in NSW. So I now have all this metal sitting here (Its properly dismantled now & sheets stacked safely).

Would I be able to recycle it and use it to create a metal garden bed for my vegetables? I was thinking wooden frame/border, with the metal on the sides. Not entirely made from the metal.

And is there a better direction for the metal to go that would make it stronger perhaps? Lines going horizontal or vertical? I'm guessing horizontal allows me to create a longer bed, without adding joins halfway along. 

What would be suitable timber, on a minimal budget, to use?

I'm around Blue Mountains NSW region. 

 

[EricL]

Hello @rebelliouskiwi 

I suggest going horizontal as the corrugated sheets bends will provide support as the soil pushes onto it. I recommend using 90x45 H3 on the condition that the framework for the garden bed be placed onto pavers to prevent it from touching the soil. H3 timber is treated against insect attack, mould and mildew, but not for direct soil contact. My best advice is to make sure that the steel panels meet end to end and cover the timber frame inside very well.  

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @rebelliouskiwi 

Definently doable and I like your idea.

A timber frame as @EricL suggests would be the way I woud go as well. Are you going to have the garden beds sit on the concrete slab where the shed was or sit out on soil? with no base to the garden beds?

I would go with vertical strips tho over horizontal, I am thinking that with top and bottom timber rails it will be stronger with vertocal stips as they wont flex as much. That shed metal does have a tendacy to flex so I would make sure you have top to bottom studs between the rails every third of the width of the garden bed.

If your beds are staying on the concrete then you will need a base for the bed, I would go for 4 or even 5 studs with a sheet of iron on top, supported by pavers as @EricL suggests would be a good idea to keep the bed from sitting wet and rotting easier.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @rebelliouskiwi 

I think both suggestions boy @EricL and @Dave-1 in their design ideas will work great. As admirable an idea, I personally don't think either will be cost effective solutions just to re-purpose the shed walls. The metal will need to be cut down to size, which will still leave considerable waste. Then you have the cost of the framing timbers, fasteners etc. You will also need to by expensive metal trims to cover the ends of the metal sheets.

If the walls aren't badly damaged and you dont want the shed anymore, I would consider selling it off and use the money to make a purpose built one.

Nailbag

the cost of the timbers