How to Make Flower Bed Borders from Scrap Decking

Do you have a lot of leftover pieces of treated lumber from a deck or porch project? They are not really long enough to use for most projects, but you hate to throw them away. Try using those small pieces for this handy and easy project.

Scrap pieces of treated decking makes great borders for your flower beds. Use your imagination and create your own designs or follow the directions to make this easy border.

Step Down Border

Materials needed:

2x6 pieces of treated lumber, 12" long (height of border is optional)

2x4 pieces of treated lumber, 10" long

2x2 pieces of treated lumber, 8" long

2x2 pieces of treated lumber for base. Length depends on section length.

Or you can join pieces to make length.

Deck screws or nails-3" length

adhesive for treated lumber

Begin by placing a 2x2 section of the base on a flat surface. At one end, align a 2x6 piece flush with the base. Attach it to the base using two (2) of the deck screws or nails . The screw or nail should go from the bottom of the base up into the 2x6 piece.

Next, apply a thin layer of the adhesive to one side of a 2x4 piece. Position it next to the 2x6 piece. The adhesive will add extra support to the border. Attach the 2x4 piece to the base with two of the deck screws or nails.

Apply a thin layer of the adhesive to one side of a 2x2 piece of lumber. Position it next to the 2x4 piece and attach it to the base using two screws or nails.

You now have your step down design. Continue this pattern until you have enough border for your flower beds.

If you plain on leaving the border plain, you will still need to apply a water resistant sealer. It is best to do this before you install the border. That way the entire border is coated instead of just what is showing above ground. Or if you rather paint the border, you may want to paint each piece before you put it together. If you have a sprayer, it will make quick work of coating or painting the border.

To install your border around your flower beds, dig a small trench about four inches deep and three inches wide. Place your border in the ground and fill in around it. Be sure to keep your steps straight.

Congratulations. Not only did you create a beautiful border, you also used wood that would otherwise have been discarded.