I bought this wooden boat that is designed to stand up vertically as shelves. I had the idea to lay it horizontally somewhere outside and to put plants inside of it. My concern is that the wood will not last more than a couple years outside. I'm not sure what type of wood it is.
I'm not up on identifying wood by looking at a picture so the easiest way to know for sure is to remove one of the 'shelves' and take it to a lumber store. They can tell then how long it might stand up to the weather. Much like tires, old rowboats are commonly laid on their sides and used for plantings. If you have the room then they can be a satisfying way to exhibit color. If they are the center of a garden, and the area is not large, they might be a waste of valuable space.
I'd be leery that the construction isn't actually of solid wood. If it's 'composite' something or another, it certainly won't hold up for 10 years. Pressboard, plywood... Those aren't going to last long. I'd also be concerned about the fasteners. Nails, staples, and glues used in bookcases aren't usually weatherproof. Once rust starts or the glue gets wet, the thing will fall apart in a season or two.
Even taking into account all that has been said, I have seen boats used as planters and they look wonderful. It all just depends on what flowers you put in them. So, think about it and do what you want.
Untreated wood on the soil in the south would be lucky to last one year...termites!!! They will even get into treated lumber not that they took the arsnic out of the treatment formula.
After thinking about what FFG said, marine paint might keep it from rotting as fast or "might" even keep termites at bay for awhile. Ask some place that sells marine paint. But I would think you would have to paint both sides.This message has been edited. Last edited by: ga.karen,
"The soil is the source of life, creativity, culture and real independence." David Ben-Gurion
