Composite decking boards might actually be worth a shot—I haven't tried them myself for roots, but I did build a raised garden bed with some leftover composite boards last spring. They've held up surprisingly well so far, even after a rough winter. Definitely easier to handle solo than metal sheets (been there, done that!). Just keep in mind they're not exactly cheap, though if they last longer than plastic, the investment might pay off...
"Definitely easier to handle solo than metal sheets (been there, done that!)."
Can confirm—metal sheets are a solo DIY nightmare. Composite boards sound promising, but I'm still hesitant about the upfront cost. Might experiment with leftover scraps first before committing fully...
Metal sheets can definitely be tricky alone, but honestly, composite boards aren't always the straightforward solution they're made out to be. I've seen situations where composites warp or degrade faster than expected, especially if moisture control isn't perfect. They're great in theory, but in practice, they sometimes require more prep and maintenance than you'd think.
If you're hesitant about cost, have you considered treated lumber? It's usually cheaper upfront and easier to handle solo. Plus, if installed correctly with proper drainage and barriers, it can last a surprisingly long time. I recently helped a friend redo his garden beds—he was set on composite at first but ended up going with treated lumber after weighing the pros and cons. Two years in, it's holding up really well.
Experimenting with scraps first is a smart move though... better to find out now than halfway through the project.
Good points about composite boards—I've seen similar issues myself. Treated lumber can definitely hold its own if done right. I've had a few projects where moisture management made all the difference, especially with garden beds and retaining walls. Glad you mentioned experimenting with scraps first; saved myself a headache or two doing exactly that. Sounds like you're on the right track, and congrats on finally beating those tree roots... they're relentless.
"Glad you mentioned experimenting with scraps first; saved myself a headache or two doing exactly that."
Couldn't agree more about testing scraps first—saved me from some costly mistakes too. Personally, I've been cautious about treated lumber around my veggie beds (call me paranoid, but chemicals and carrots just don't mix in my book...). Still, you're spot on about moisture management; proper drainage and barriers have made all the difference for me. And yeah, those tree roots... feels like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole sometimes. Congrats on finally getting the upper hand!
