I have built a timber pond and have had good sucess
I built the walls using railway sleepers, the Oak ones, that were pre used.
They come in at about 6inches by 10 inches, and 8 feet 6 inches long, about 25 pounds each.
My pond is 1.3metres tall.
all the sleepers were joined by drilling through, and hammering a 1/2 inch rebar down through.
All my corners were made using simple lap joints, and i made them more complicated by making them 45 degree corners.
the inside was lined 1st with galvanised steel, 0.5mm thick nailed in place, (to stop mice and vermin) and then 1 inch polystyrene. in hindsight plywood would also work as well.
Finally i had a butyl liner made to fit. Capping on top of the sleepers, and securing the liner was oak boards, 1 inch thick.
bottom drains were installed, and installed through the liner.
I have heated the pond, and have an oversized bubble bead filter. It all works very well, very solid. As long as you do not go deeper than 1.5M normal expanded polystyrene will not get crushed.
I cut all the joints with a chainsaw, although a hand saw could be used, but will kill your arms!
I would be able to send some ics if you need, or can suggest sleeper supliers in somerset, and steel and polystyrene suppliers in Bristol if you wish.
I do know of a place that will supply new oak sleepers without holes or creosote for £35 plus vat each, it would be easier to work with, and it would depend on the finish you wanted, and of course budget. The beauty of oak is that no way will it rot!
Good luck!
Gary
Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 10:38 PM from IP address 195.93.21.70