Aluminium Tubes 13mm to Make Garden Cages (Crossbars) - 600mm Extension / 8
13mm aluminium garden tubing, build your own vegetable cages. Use Build A Balls or Joiners. Our 13...13mm aluminium garden tubing, build your own vegetable cages. Use Build A Balls or Joiners. Our 13mm poles are perfect for the cross bars and length bars however you need to also select our 16mm poles for the uprights(legs). You will also require Joiners or Buildaballs Extensions The aluminium 'extensions' are swaged (5cm) at one end allowing you to join 2 tubes easily reducing the number of Balls/Joiners required. 1.8m length join 1 x 900mm + 1 x 900 Extension 1.5m length join 1 x 600mm + 1 x 900mm Extension If you need an exact size for a raised bed and the pole sizes do not suit, go slightly larger then just cut the poles, this is very easy to do.
Best current price£19.49from Gardening Naturally UK
This guide is for gardeners looking to build custom vegetable cages and plant supports. The 13mm aluminium tubes offer a lightweight yet durable solution for creating bespoke structures, primarily serving as crossbars and length bars. A key caveat is that these 13mm tubes are best paired with 16mm poles for uprights and require specific connectors like Build A Balls or Joiners for assembly.
All features
Colour
Black
Model Part Number
AT136E/8
Brand
Gardening Naturally
Extended Product Information
FAQs
Can I use these 13mm tubes for the uprights of a cage?
While possible for very light structures, these 13mm tubes are recommended for crossbars and length bars. For uprights, it is best to use the thicker 16mm poles for greater stability.
What connectors do I need?
You will need specific connectors such as 'Joiners' or 'Build A Balls' to connect the aluminium tubes and poles.
How do the swaged ends work?
The aluminium 'extensions' are swaged (reduced in diameter) by 5cm at one end. This allows you to easily join two tubes by inserting the swaged end into the open end of another tube, reducing the need for extra connectors.
Can I mix 13mm and 16mm tubes in the same structure?
Yes, these tubes are designed to be used together. The 13mm tubes are ideal for crossbars and length supports, while the 16mm tubes are recommended for the main uprights.
How do I make a structure for a specific-sized raised bed?
If the standard tube lengths do not match your required size, select tubes that are slightly larger and then cut them down to the exact dimensions needed. This is easily done with appropriate cutting tools.
Are these tubes rust-proof?
Aluminium is naturally resistant to rust, making these tubes suitable for outdoor garden use.
Troubleshooting
Tubes do not fit together securely.
Ensure you are using the correct connectors (Joiners or Build A Balls) and that they are fully inserted. Check if the swaged end of an extension tube is properly seated within the receiving tube.
Difficulty cutting the aluminium tubes.
Use a sharp metal-cutting saw or a pipe cutter designed for aluminium. Ensure the tube is securely held while cutting.
Structure feels unstable.
Verify that 16mm poles are used for uprights and that all connections are tightened. Consider adding more support points or using a larger diameter tube for main structural elements if needed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Lightweight and easy to handle.
Durable and weather-resistant aluminium.
Facilitates custom garden structure designs.
Extension feature simplifies connections.
Can be cut to size for perfect fit.
Cons
Requires separate 16mm poles for uprights.
Needs specific connectors (Joiners/Build A Balls).
May require cutting for exact sizing.
Not suitable for heavy-duty structural applications on its own.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Determine the desired dimensions for your garden structure.
Select the appropriate lengths of 13mm aluminium tubes and 16mm poles.
Use Joiners or Build A Balls to connect the tubes and poles at the desired angles. The swaged end on extension tubes allows for a direct insertion into another tube.
For custom sizes, measure and cut the aluminium tubes using a suitable pipe cutter or saw.
Compatibility:
Primarily designed to work with Gardening Naturally 16mm poles for uprights.
Requires specific connectors such as Joiners or Build A Balls (sold separately).
Care:
Clean with a damp cloth as needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Store in a dry place when not in use to prolong lifespan.