Can I add edging to cover these masonry blocks?

[LorenClayton]

Hello

My house has a slight negative grade from the street so I need these blocks here to help keep water away from the house but they're so ugly. The garden bed is set on a concrete driveway.

I saw your merbau garden border roll which looks good but what I'd really like is a bendable small white picket fence. Failing that the merbau would be fine.

Would either of these be feasible and if so, how do they actually attach to the blocks? I don't want to remove the blocks; I just want something in front of them so it looks nicer. Would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

[JacobZ]

Hi @LorenClayton,

The closest thing I could find to a white picket fence is this Matrix 890 x 290mm Picket Garden Edging. They would be somewhat flexible, but unfortunately, I doubt they would be flexible enough to follow the bends in your current edging.

With this, I think using the Merbau Tapered Garden Border Roll, and painting it with 2-3 coats of exterior paint would be a great way to go.

You could attach them to the blocks with an adhesive such as this Liquid Nails Landscape Adhesive, or by predrilling the blocks, installing masonry plugs and then screwing them on. Either option would work, with a combination of the two being the best option.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[AlanM52]

Hi @LorenClayton,

I am trying to think of a way to use the Matrix Picket Garden Edging.

The edging may have enough pliability so when it is cut half way through at the front it can be bent to confirm to the edging profile.

If that's the case try and make the cuts align with the block joins.

If that doesn't work out cut block width sections and for this and the above use Liquid Nails Landscape Adhesive as recommended by @JacobZ.

You could visit your nearest Bunnies and buy one length to try out the above suggestions.

Please let us know how it works out for you.

Cheers

[LorenClayton]

Thank you both, guys. Does the merbau timber need to be bleeded first due to the tannins? I wouldn't want it to stain the concrete.

Should I get a special preparation like Feast Watson wood prep or is this overkill? Maybe just hose it down for a while?

Also, can you recommend an oil to protect it as it will be getting heavy rain from time to time and I'd prefer a bit of a sheen. Would Feast Watson timber oil be the best to use? Thanks again & I'll upload with photos when finished.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @LorenClayton,

Yes, it would be best to flush it with water for a few days before installing the Merbau, as it may bleed some tannins after the first couple of times it gets wet. Feast Watson timber oil would be fine to use.

Mitchell

[LorenClayton]

Thank you Mitchell.

[LorenClayton]

Hello, I've installed 8 rolls of merbau. Do the undersides of the slats need a sealant against moisture, being directly on concrete?

I haven't painted these with Aquadeck yet (or fixed to the blocks behind - I got wire for this) but a lot of tannins came out on the first day on hosing; water was clear yesterday. The instructions suggest painting within 2 weeks of installation but there's no mention of protecting against moisture.

I guess I should be asking about how to clean my concrete as well. Thank you for your help.

[MitchellMc]

The act of painting or applying oil helps protect the timber, @LorenClayton. So, if they are to be sitting on the concrete, I would definitely paint the bottom of them too.

For your concrete, a straight blast from a pressure washer will do a good job, but you can also use it in combination with products like 30 Seconds to help remove stubborn stains.

Mitchell

[LorenClayton]

Thank you Mitchell.