The best way to prevent deck planters from rotting is with a liner. Lining a wood planter prevents water and fungi from contacting the wood. Preventing rotting by separating that which is good for the plants, water and fungi from the wood.

Similarly, Does a wood planter box need to be lined with plastic?

You need to line your planter box if it’s made from wood or metal. The liner will help prolong the planter’s life. You don’t need to use a liner if the planter is made using plastic, ceramic, or concrete as they are quite durable by themselves.

Additionally, How do you protect a wooden planter box? Brush an oil-based varnish on the outside of the planter box, or rub it on the wood with a cloth. You might consider wearing a protective glove to avoid getting varnish on your hand. Apply varnish to the exposed wood where the drainage hole(s) were cut.

Do I need to waterproof my planter box?

Because it’s exposed to the elements, your planter needs to be protected. Whether it’s from the rain or the sprinklers that water your plants, too much moisture can lead to rot and weaken the structure overall. Not to mention, a rotting planter doesn’t make the best accent piece for your yard.

How do you seal untreated wood for planter boxes?

Raw linseed oil, derived from the flax plant, is a perfect, natural alternative when it comes to wood treatment if you’re trying to avoid chemical sealants that could end up harming your plants. Applying this linseed oil to untreated wood will increase its water-repellant properties, and help weatherproof it.

Do you need to line wooden raised beds?

To prevent wood preservative leaching into the soil, line wood exposed to soil within the bed with black plastic sheeting. Untreated wood will have a shorter life than treated, although untreated hardwoods such as oak and western red cedar will still last many years.

What is the best way to line a wooden planter?

Line the entire planter with a sheet of plastic, trimming it so that it reaches but does not go over the rim. Staple the plastic all the way around the rim. Using a screwdriver or sharp stick, poke through the drilled drainage holes to let excess water drain out of the plastic liner.

Should raised beds be lined with plastic?

Avoid lining your garden beds with plastic, as this prevents drainage and could drown your plants’ roots. If you have a weed and pest problem, consider installing a combination of metal mesh and fabric or hardware cloth and cardboard to get both benefits at once.

How do you seal raised bed wood?


Top 5 Natural Wood Sealers and Conditioners

  1. Raw Linseed Oil.
  2. SoySeal Wood Sealer and Waterproofer.
  3. Soapstone Sealer and Wood Wax.
  4. Homemade Milk Paint (see several different recipes below)
  5. Homemade Beeswax and Jojoba Oil Wood Conditioner (my favorite)

How do you make wood waterproof?


There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come.

  1. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish.
  2. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer.
  3. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.

What do you line wooden planters with?

Line the entire planter with a sheet of plastic, trimming it so that it reaches but does not go over the rim. Staple the plastic all the way around the rim. Using a screwdriver or sharp stick, poke through the drilled drainage holes to let excess water drain out of the plastic liner.

How do you waterproof a raised garden bed?

Beeswax is a safe alternative. It’s been used as a non-toxic wood treatment and waterproofing sealant throughout history. And since it’s all-natural and even antifungal and antibacterial, it’s a great choice to waterproof your raised garden bed. To use beeswax as a waterproof sealant, start with a block of beeswax.

How do you stop wood rot in raised beds?


Here are 5 ways to keep your raised garden bed from rotting:

  1. Choose rot-resistant wood.
  2. Stain the wood.
  3. Install a liner.
  4. Use stone to build the bed.
  5. Use plastic to build the bed.

How long will untreated wood last in raised beds?

How Long Will Untreated Wood Last in Raised Beds? The longevity of untreated wood used for a raised garden bed depends largely on its exposure to the elements. Most wood species can last between 5 to 15-years outside. Wood deteriorates quickly if exposed to water/moisture and sunlight.

How do you stop wooden raised beds from rotting?

To prevent wood preservative leaching into the soil, line wood exposed to soil within the bed with black plastic sheeting. Untreated wood will have a shorter life than treated, although untreated hardwoods such as oak and western red cedar will still last many years.

Do I need to line the bottom of my raised garden bed?

Why You Should Line the Bottom of Your Garden Beds

It’s not mandatory to create a raised garden bed floor, but experienced gardeners recommend it for several reasons: Prevent weeds from growing up from the ground below. Stop burrowing pests like voles, moles, and gophers from entering the raised beds.

Do you need landscape fabric for raised bed?

Weed fabric and weed liners are not necessary for a raised garden bed but they can help you keep soil in and weeds out. While you don’t need one, in most cases it won’t hurt to add them.

What do you line wooden planters with?

To protect the wood, line the planter inside with plastic, such as old plastic compost bags, fixing it with small nails. Make drainage holes before filling it with compost.

What do you line a raised planter box with?

You can line your raised bed to make it more durable and to prevent toxics from leaching into the soil. For lining, use landscape fabric found at garden supply stores or cloth fabric from clothing. Avoid non-porous plastic, as it can retain too much water and discourage beneficial insects and worms.

How do you protect wood in a raised garden bed?

You can protect wood by installing a liner or by using a stain or sealer to treat it. You can make a raised garden bed last much longer if you choose the right type of wood before treating it. Even if you don’t treat the wood, certain types will resist rot and decay for many years.

Do you need to treat wood for raised beds?

Yes! Pressure-treated wood is safe for vegetable garden beds but with some precautions. The crops should be grown 10 inches away from CCA treated woods to prevent leaching of the chemicals into the plants. Heavy impermeable plastics can also be used to act as a barrier between the crops and the wood.

How do I protect my raised beds?

Raised bed protection covers increase the uses of your planter and ensure greater growing success rates. There are four main types of cover you can add; Plastic, mesh netting, bird & butterfly netting and garden fleece, all held securely in place by a support frame.

Does staining wood make it waterproof?

There are many situations in which wood will be exposed to water. … Wood stain forms a barrier over the surface of your wood that is waterproof. This causes water to flow away harmlessly without having the slightest effect on your wood.

What is best to protect wood outside?

Applying a brilliant exterior oil, varnish or top coat can offer everything you need in terms of protection while showing off the gorgeous colour and texture of the wood. If you’re looking for the easiest and quickest form of short-term protection, look no further than an exterior oil finish.

How do you seal wood naturally?

Linseed, tung, refined hemp, soy, and walnut oil are all natural oils that on their own can be used to seal and protect wood. They are called drying oils. Drying oils penetrate, harden and preserve wood – providing a long-lasting finish that does not turn rancid.