I was wondering how long plywood would last as construction material for a worm bin. Also, how much longer would it last if painted first? Thanks--

I've used 3/4" plywood for the floors of my bins, and 2x6's for the sides. These are up on legs. It's been two years with wet bedding on the floor and it doesn't seem to be giving out. I did paint them with a LATEX enamel. Do not use oil based paints. I know other growers that have made them completely out of plywood with success also. I would think they should last quite a while. The way mine are designed, I can pull the bottom off and replace it if I need to.

Larry C

I have not used it myself...but heard of a bunch of folks using 3/4", untreated plywood. Depends on humidity and climate, but it should last you about 3 years.

Also, heard of some people who "painted" the insides of their wood bins with paraffin wax to prevent moisture damage to wood.

I have a bed that I used 1/2 inch untreated plywood for the floor and sides. I have had it for at least 3 years, one of the sides is starting to bow. It is kept in my garage so that is probably helping it versus outside conditions.
If you painted it I think would last a good bit longer, hard to say how much longer dependent on the conditions of your area and where it is placed.
I'm thinking about using sign board material on my next bed.

I used to use plywood. However, I have been using three quarter inch sub flooring(i.e. osb tongue and groove). It will last just as long a plywood and is less than half the price. My bins are two and a half years old and showing very little signs of failing.

Hi digger I an courious so a question is in order. Do you do anything to protect the OSB? I am looking to make some bigger bins and am resurching all the possibilities.