The bottoms rotted out in about 10 years. I thought I’d provided sufficient rock layer for drainage. But the bottom stayed wet. At that point, I cut a circle of plywood and mounted it into the bottom, gaining several more years of use.
Yep. I drilled about 30 holes, half -inch, all around the outer ring where water might collect, plus across the middle. I also had 2” of volcanic rock on the bottom, then a layer of window screen to hold the dirt-at least that was the plan.
@@javawriter You think Boiled Linseed Oil would add some longevity to it? Only things I am worried about and don't know: Will Boiled Linseed Oil affect or harm the plant/roots/soil? I also heard linseed oil can attract mildew... so, even if it repels water and rot, it may still attract mildew.. which is sorta counterintuitive/double-edged-sword. Have you tried using linseed oil on the barrels? I always thought/read white oak is rot-proof and will outlast a house or car.
Exactly what I needed. Thanks!
Very cool of you to say so :). Glad you benefitted.
For real. I was wondering if I could do this with a circular saw and low-and-behold!
Funny: it’s been so long that I didn’t remember the solution and when I saw I used a circular saw, I thought “whoa!” Risky but effective
@@javawriter That first blade drop in is the risky part. After that it looks like clear sailing.
Paint the insides with 2 coats of brushable bitumen. Probably a day or so between coats.
How long do they last? Does the oak rot?
The bottoms rotted out in about 10 years. I thought I’d provided sufficient rock layer for drainage. But the bottom stayed wet. At that point, I cut a circle of plywood and mounted it into the bottom, gaining several more years of use.
@@javawriter Thanks for the info! I hope mine last. I drilled many 1.25" holes
Yep. I drilled about 30 holes, half -inch, all around the outer ring where water might collect, plus across the middle. I also had 2” of volcanic rock on the bottom, then a layer of window screen to hold the dirt-at least that was the plan.
@@javawriter You think Boiled Linseed Oil would add some longevity to it?
Only things I am worried about and don't know:
Will Boiled Linseed Oil affect or harm the plant/roots/soil?
I also heard linseed oil can attract mildew... so, even if it repels water and rot, it may still attract mildew.. which is sorta counterintuitive/double-edged-sword.
Have you tried using linseed oil on the barrels?
I always thought/read white oak is rot-proof and will outlast a house or car.
I had not heard it’s rot proof. Makes me wonder what kind of wood I had. I have never tried linseed oil.