How to fill gap between fence and concrete path?

[normaron]

Hi,

I am planning to fill the spaces between the concrete and the fence with soil and top it up with pebbles for planting Star Jasmine. Do I need to prepare the fence in any way before adding the soil? My main concern is whether the wet soil might eventually corrode or damage the timber fence, or if this is something I don’t need to worry about. The gap is approximately 20cm wide.

Another question is the dripping of water from the air-conditioner, is there anything I can do about this? I foresee there will be green growth on the concrete with constantly damp from the water dripped.

 

Thank you so much for your attention and participation.

Norman

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @normaron. It's fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a garden bed.

For the gap between the fence and the concrete path, you’re right to be concerned about moisture potentially causing damage to your timber fence. Since the fence palings are only H3 treated, they could rot if soil is added directly against them. To prevent this, I would recommend installing an H4-treated timber plinth over the palings before adding the soil. The H4 treatment is specifically designed for contact with soil and will help protect the timber from moisture and rot. This way, the soil will not come into direct contact with the fence, and you'll still be able to plant your Star Jasmine.

Regarding the water dripping from the air conditioner, it’s definitely a good idea to address this to prevent moisture buildup and potential green growth on the concrete. The best solution would be to redirect the drainage pipe so that the water flows away from the concrete and doesn't collect in the gap or around the area. Ideally, the pipe should be directed under the pathway or connected to the nearest wastewater system to ensure proper drainage and avoid any long-term issues with dampness.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[normaron]

Thank you very much Mitchell for responding, I appreciate it. 

With the H4 plinth link you shared, I am not able to find any H4 plinth other than sleeper, would you able to help me locate or check if my local Bunnings (Hoppers Crossing, VIC) carries them? I think 75x25mm H4-treated pine should work in my case. 

Thanks,

Norman

[JacobZ]

Hi Norman (@normaron),

Unfortunately, it looks like the only H4 timber that Hoppers Crossing keeps stock of is sleepers. A sleeper would be fine for this application, but it may take away more space than you'd like. 

While 75x25 H4 pine is not stocked, one of the local suppliers may produce it and you could potentially Special Order it. My suggestion is to give the store a call and speak with the team on the Trade Desk. They will be able to get in touch with their local timber suppliers to see what is available.

Alternatively, you could simply use some builder's plastic like this GRUNT 2 x 10m Black 140um Multi Use Plastic Film to keep the soil from coming in direct contact with the fence.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob