Linkabord Product Range
FAQs
1. If Link-a-Bord is made from plastic, how can it be environmentally friendly?
Link-a-Bord is made from 98% recycled uPVC plastic that would otherwise be discarded into a landfill or incinerator. It is non-toxic, will not rot or release chemicals into your garden, and can be recycled again. Due to the double-skinned nature of Link-a-Bord it is highly energy-efficient, more so than wood or terracotta, and has non-bleeding dye to prevent seepage.
2. Why is there no 'a' in Bord?
Link-a-Bord is so simple, we believe the extra letter isn't necessary!
3. How do I contact Link-a-Bord?
Please use the contact information found by following this link. We do not have email addresses on this site due to the potential for excess junk mail - we prefer dealing with people!
4. Why is Link-a-Bord better than wood?
Link-a-Bord can be slotted rather than nailed or glued together. Unlike wood, Link-a-Bord does not rot and maintains a more stable growing temperature than alternative products due to the double-skinned construction. Link-a-Bord doesn't dry out or seep water, making sure that the amount of water you give your garden is the amount of water it gets. Link-a-Bord is also maintenance free. When used for compost bins, it is also effective in keeping rats and other vermin out as in our tests they have (so far) not tried to graw through the plastic used for Link-a-Bord. Link-a-Bord tends to result in low-hassle gardening, as spores and roots cannot penetrate the plastic.
5. I can get a cheaper window box from my garden centre, why is the Link-a-Bord option more costly?
Link-a-Bord is double-skinned and maintains a much more stable growing temperature. It is also frost resistant and will protect roots from the elements. Unlike less expensive products, your window box will provide better insultation and, with the product having been tested to -25ºC, will not to crack if left in your garden throughout the winter..
6. Why is double-skinned better than single skinned?
Double-skinned plastic provides a layer of air between the internal and external sides of Link-a-Bord. This air heats up when the board is exposed to sunlight, and gives the growing matter a 'buffer' from the outside world - it takes much longer for the parts next to the board to chill to a dangerous level. Strength and resiliance are also important, having air-gaps in the middle of Link-a-Bord keeps it lightweight, making it a much better alternative than wood for those who are less physically able.
7. What is bowing and why does it happen? How can it be prevented?
Bowing is caused by the pressure of the growing media particularly when wet – the weakness occurs on the straight link. To alleviate this, we suggest that you introduce our ‘stretcher kit’, which is fitted across the construction instead of the straight links on the second and subsequent layers
8. Where is Link-a-Bord made?
Link-a-Bord is manufactured in the United Kingdom, at our facility in Morton, Derbyshire, UK
9. I'm a wholesaler, how can I buy large quantities of link-a-bord?
Please contact Ian Cannon on 01773 590566, or email us at wholesale@linkabord.com for further information.
10. How do I re-order?
If you wish to reorder please call us and give us your previous invoice number, or place a new order via our online shop here.
11. How do I build Link-a-Bord?
Please see our How to Build section, which includes both written step by step instructions with accompanying images, and an animated guide to putting together a simple Link-a-Bord creation.
12. What is Flash and why do I need it?
Flash has been downloaded over 600 million times and is from a company called Macromedia. A small download, Flash allows you to view the animations and navigation menu in the high-end version of the site. it is not required for the accessibility-enabled option of this site.
13. How do I order from abroad?
As shipping costs vary from country to country, please email us on sales@linkabord.com. We will endeavour to find the most cost-effective method of delivery before despatch, please note that there will be an additional charge for overseas shipping.
14. How long does delivery take?
We aim to deliver within 10 working days. If you have an urgent order, please contact us by phone so we can attend to your order personally - at busy times there may be a slight delay between your order being received and the items being sent out.
15. How do I receive Link-a-Bord if I'm not going to be at home?
Please make a note of this with your order, giving us instructions on where or how we can deliver your Link-a-Bord. There is a section called delivery notes - tick the box if you have special instructions for our carriers and these will be noted with your order.
16. Where can I see Link-a-Bord in use?
We have permanent installations at the Henry Doubleday Centre, the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales, and on our premises at the edge of the Peak District.
17. How do I cut dowels to length?
We would recommend that all dowels be cut with secateurs for safety, however they can also be cut with a Stanley knife or similar sharp instrument.
18. Can I have a construction to a non standard size?
We can cut the boards to your specified size but charge up to the nearest ½ or 1 metre – to order ring us and discuss on 01773 590566
19. What kind of growing media do I use?
We would recommend any general purpose compost (peat based or peat free) but with the following additions For every three bags add
1 bag John Innes soil (either no. 2 or no.3)
½ bag of horticultural grit
½ bag of horticultural sand
For better results add blood, fish and bone organic fertilizer (1oz/square yard or 3g /metre)20. I have question not answered here, how can I have it answered?
Please call us on 01773 590566.
