Why use a Wooden Compost Bin?

Wooden Compost Bins are still one of the most popular forms of Composter.

Wooden Compost Bins or Wooden ‘Style’ Compost Bins, come as a single compost unit, or you can get them as a multiple unit of two or three bins.

There are a range of advantages and disadvantages when using a wood compost bin.

Of course for a lot of people they like the idea of using a ‘natural’ wood material as the container for their compost, and while this is an excellent idea there are a couple of potential issues that need to be considered.

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You need to be careful of treated wood.  Depending on how your wooden compost bins are made, you need to check if the wood has been treated and with what chemicals, as some are toxic and not the sort that you would want leeching into your compost and then into your vegetables.

Some experts suggest that you can use a non-phytotoxic wood preservative like Cuprinol (copper napthanate), which will need to be re-applied every two or three years.  Many people prefer not to use any chemicals just to be on the safe side and this is when your choice of timber will be particularly important.

Softwoods would have a very short life as a composter, although treatment would help extend their life. Ideally though you want a timber that will withstand moisture and varying temperatures. Cedar is an excellent timber and is naturally rot-resistant.

Sometimes people will build their own wooden compost bin using off cuts of timber or even old wooden pallets, however, caution when choosing this option with some of the very toxic chemicals used to treat these pallets.

Wooden compost bins are excellent for compost, as the timber is a good insulator, so a wood compost bin will help to retain the heat in your compost, particularly if you also have a lid.

Having a slatted wooden compost bin allows for better circulation of air, and of course you will need to turn your heap regularly, using a pitch fork. This is to maintain the active aerobic microbes, and not allow the anaerobic (stinky kind) to take over your heap.  Regular aeration will also help to keep it hot, if that is the type of Compost you are making.

Perhaps one thing that will be obvious to anyone in the market for a new composting system, if you are looking for a timber compost bin, then you will need to have some reasonable space out in your yard, where you want to keep it.

If you want a multiple compost bin system, then obviously this will need even more space, but certainly if you have the room, this is an excellent option.

There are available vinyl or plastic versions of the same style of slatted wooden compost bins, so you have the same advantages as far as the air circulation is concerned, with a similar visual appeal, but without the same maintenance or ‘rotting timber’ problems.

Also with the Wooden Compost Bin, one advantage sometimes leads to another disadvantage.  Having the slats will allow better air circulation; however, it will also allow better access by vermin.

This might not be a big problem, so long as you can keep your compost heap well maintained, regularly turned and the with the right level of moisture in order for it to stay hot most of the time.  A cold type of composting process will attract more vermin and pest problems, so if you intend to go the cold compost route, then you might want to consider a different type of Compost Bin.

Another type of Composting System is Vermicomposting or Vermiculture, and this is a fancy name for a Worm Farm or Worm Compost.  It is a great addition to your garden, but requires some understanding in order to ensure your Worms stay active and healthy.

Vermicomposting systems also come in a Wooden Variety.  It is probably not something most people think of, when thinking of a Wooden Compost Bin. Worm Farms are usually made with a Tray System, and you can get some of these Wooden Worm Composters with varying numbers of Trays, 3, 4 or 5.

So as you can see there are a number of things to consider before purchasing your next Composting System.  Overall wooden compost bins or wood style compost bins are excellent for the right situation.