Pallet Collars As Raised Beds?

[Peaspeculiars]

Have any AB'ers ever recycled Pallet Collar's and used them as raised beds before?
http://oi61.tinypic.com/2vv0qi8.jpg

If so, do they work well? (i.e don't rust/ deep enough/ don't fall apart?)

And, has anyone ever been cheeky enough to approach a local company and see if they have any going cheap or free?
(I can't find any on ebay within 50 miles and they are all collection only)

Thanks in advance, hope you all having a lovely Sunday :-)

[Peaspeculiars]

Ah, so best to save pennies as they would only last a season then - Thanks Scrivens.
I guess treating them with some sort of sealant wouldn't be an option? (Would it affect the soil?)

[tonyav]

If you are thinking of using pallet collars, Peaspeculiars, I'd certainly give them a coat of wood preservative first, the metal corner brackets look like there either galvanised or zinc plated so they shouldn't rust for a long time.

[Peaspeculiars]

Ta Tony,
I think the best option then is to try and get some for free, treat the wood, and if they don't last past the summer it won't be any great loss (I'm just a beginner with veg so will probably not be doing any winter veg this year).

Thanks to both for your quick responses :-)

[Frank97]

You could wrap some polythene on the inside of the boards to help keep them dry and prolong their life a bit, also keeps the moisture in the soil.

[tonyav]

Good idea, Frank.

[Peaspeculiars]

Ooh, good tip Frank - Cheers, will definitely try that