I used rr ties on mine which I built about 8 years ago, and they are still in great shape. Buy a bundle of ties, and use the good ones, and cut some of the ends off which will be split, but you can use them for your center pieces so the joints dont break in the same spots. You'll need a big electric drill, and rebar stakes to pin them together. Buy a new chain for your chainsaw, and throw it away when you are finished! they are hard on chains.