Are you tired of your garden looking drab and uninviting? Do you want to impress your in-laws with beautiful projects that wow? Look no further than wooden raised garden beds! Not only do they add a touch of rustic charm to your outdoor space, but they also have numerous benefits over alternatives like concrete or corrugated metal garden beds.
When it comes to choosing the best wood for raised garden beds, there are many options to consider. For the average consumer, cedar and redwood are the overall top choices due to their durability and resistance to rot. And for those on a budget, pine or spruce are cheap wood options that can still create a beautiful wood garden box (although they won’t last as long).
There are endless possibilities when it comes to raised wooden planters. From simple DIY raised garden bed projects to more elaborate designs, the internet is full of inspiration. We’ve scoured the web to bring you the raised garden bed ideas for each wood category, as well as highly rated products for those who prefer to purchase instead of build.
So roll up your sleeves, grab your hammer and nails, and get ready to create a stunning garden that will have your neighbors green with envy!
Table of Contents
- Pros and Cons of Using Wood for Raised Garden Beds
- Best Wood for Raised Garden Beds
- Tiered Wood Raised Garden Beds
- Looking to Buy Wooden Raised Garden Beds?
Pros and Cons of Using Wood for Raised Garden Beds
Benefits of Wooden Raised Garden Beds
There are many benefits to using wood for your raised garden beds. First and foremost, wood is a natural and renewable resource that is widely available and affordable. It is also easy to work with and can be customized to fit any size or shape of garden bed that you desire. Wooden garden beds are also lightweight and easy to move around if needed. Additionally, wood is a good insulator and can help regulate the temperature of your soil, which can be beneficial for your plants.
Another benefit of wooden raised garden beds is that they are aesthetically pleasing and can add a natural and rustic look to your garden. With the right design and finishing, wooden garden beds can be beautiful projects that boost your yard’s curb appeal.
Drawbacks of Wooden Raised Garden Beds
While wooden raised garden beds have many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the main concerns with using wood is that it can rot over time, especially if it is not treated properly. This can lead to the need for frequent replacements, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Another drawback of wooden garden beds is that they can attract pests such as termites and carpenter ants. This can be particularly problematic if you live in an area with a high concentration of these pests. Additionally, wood can be susceptible to warping and splitting, which can compromise the structural integrity of your garden bed.
Alternatives to Wooden Raised Garden Beds
There are several alternatives to using wood for your raised garden beds, including concrete, galvanized steel, and plastic. Concrete is a durable and long-lasting option, but it can be expensive and difficult to work with. Galvanized steel is also durable and can be customized to fit any size or shape, but it can be prone to rusting over time. Plastic garden beds are lightweight and affordable, but they can be less aesthetically pleasing than wooden garden beds.
Overall, wooden raised garden beds are a great option for the average consumer who is looking for a natural and affordable option. If you are looking for a the best option that offers a quality look, you may want to consider cedar or redwood. For a cheap DIY option, you can use inexpensive pine or fir wood. However, these options will likely rot faster (within a few years).
Whatever option you choose, make sure to properly treat and maintain your garden bed to ensure its longevity. Garden Seal is a good non-toxic eco friendly option. For most projects, 1-gallon of Garden Seal should be enough. If you are building more than one, you may want to opt for the 5-gallon of Garden Seal.
Best Wood for Raised Garden Beds
If you’re looking to build a beautiful raised garden bed that will impress your in-laws, you’ll want to choose the right wood. Wood is a popular choice for raised garden beds because it’s natural, easy to work with, and looks great. However, not all woods are created equal. In this section, we’ll explore the best wood options for your raised garden bed project, including the cheapest DIY options.
Overall Best Wood for Raised Garden Beds
The overall best wood for raised garden beds is cedar. Cedar is a popular choice because it’s naturally rot-resistant, which means it will last longer than other types of wood. It’s also lightweight and easy to work with, making it a great option for DIY projects. Cedar has a beautiful natural color and grain, which will make your raised garden bed look stunning.
Here are three of the best raised garden bed ideas for cedar:
| Project | Description |
| DIY Network Raised Garden Bed | This project uses cedar boards to create a simple and elegant raised garden bed. |
| Official Western Red Cedar Raised Garden Bed | Western Red Cedar shows you how to create a modern and stylish raised garden bed out of wood. |
| Natural Cedar Raised Garden Beds | Don’t want to deal with measuring and cutting? Natural Cedar Raised Garden Beds are prefabbed to your required size and shipped right to your door for easy assembly. No tools required. |
Other Wood Options for Raised Garden Beds
If you’re looking for another wood option for your raised garden bed, you might consider redwood. Redwood is a beautiful wood that’s naturally resistant to rot and insects. It has a rich color and grain that will make your raised garden bed look luxurious.
Some other options you may want to explore are hardwoods such as teak, maple, beech, walnut, and oak. Ipe is another option that you could use. Keep in mind that these options will come with a premium price, however you will be able to build a beautiful raised garden bed that lasts for a long time.
Cheapest DIY Wood Options for Raised Garden Beds
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still build a beautiful raised garden bed using inexpensive wood options. Pine and spruce are both affordable options that are easy to find at your local hardware store. While they’re not as durable as cedar or redwood, they can still last for several years if you take care of them.
Many budget gardeners have also built incredible pallet raised garden beds. You can usually find pallets in your local area for free, and it’s an environmentally friendly way to reuse old wood.
Here are three of the best raised garden bed ideas for cheap wood:
| Project | Description |
| How to Build a Mini Raised Garden Bed With One Pallet | This project shows you how to build a simple mini raised garden bed with only one pallet. It’s great for gardening in small backyard spaces. |
| DIY 4×8 Pallet Raised Garden Bed | The same creator of the last pallet project shows you how to build a larger (4’x8′) pallet garden bed. |
| Building a Log Raised Garden Bed | If you live in a forested area and/or want to build a log raised garden bed, this is the project for you. The Adventurous Way creators show you how they built a free garden bed from trees available on their property. |
Tiered Wood Raised Garden Beds
Tiered wood raised garden beds are an excellent option for those who want to grow their own produce in limited space. These beds are designed with multiple tiers or levels, each with a different depth to accommodate a variety of plants. This allows gardeners to maximize their space and create a lush garden even in small areas.
One of the benefits of tiered raised garden beds is their ease of use. They can be customized to fit any size or shape, and their height makes them accessible to gardeners of all ages and abilities. Additionally, they provide better drainage and soil quality, which promotes healthy plant growth and reduces the risk of pests and diseases.
If you’re considering a tiered raised garden bed, it’s important to choose the right materials for your project. As we discussed, look for durable materials like cedar or redwood that will resist rotting and weathering over time. You’ll also need to choose the right soil and plants for your location and climate. With the right materials and planning, a tiered raised garden bed can provide years of delicious and healthy produce for you and your family to enjoy.
Here are some ideas for tiered wood raised garden beds.
| Project | Description |
| Tiered Raised Garden Bed Plans for Corner Gardening | This project features a nice square tiered wooden garden bed that would be great for any corner garden. It would also look nice built into the side of a staircase off of a deck (just be sure to adjust the measurements to better fit your deck height). |
| Tiered Garden Bed from Reclaimed Materials | There are many diy raised garden bed projects that can inspire you to build your own unique designs. We liked this reclaimed wood tiered garden bed from Toolbox Divas. |
| Tiered Garden Bed Made of Slats | This is a beautiful project featuring a tiered raised garden bed made with slats. It’s a nice modern look that would look great in any yard. Note: this post is in french. However, you should be able to translate it easily enough in your browser. |
| DIY Simple Tiered Garden Bed | Create an easy tiered garden bed and include a lattice in the back. This will be great to help support plants. |
| Herb Deck Corner Garden | For a simple corner garden idea for your deck, consider this neat little herb garden project from Decor and the Dog. |
Looking to Buy Wooden Raised Garden Beds?
If you’re not up for a DIY project, or you simply want to purchase a wooden raised garden bed, there are plenty of options. You can buy many prefabbed options, or even hire someone in your area to build a custom design.
Hire a Company / Contractor to Build Your Raised Garden Bed
This option is likely going to be pricier, as you will be paying for the labor of a custom built project. But if you are set on an design you can’t buy or build yourself, hiring help is the next best way to get it done.
There are a few things you can do.
First, head over to Facebook. Search “raised garden beds”. You should be able to find plenty of local results. There are many prebuilt and ready to be sold, as well as custom builders in your area who would be happy to help.
Purchase a Prefabricated Raised Garden Bed
Not sure on a style and want to see what products are out there?
There are many options for prefabricated raised garden beds that are easy to build. They can also be a fun project to build for beginners without having to cut or follow any complex plans.
Here are some options to consider:
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Eartheasy Cedar Raised Garden Beds | Eartheasy has beautiful raised garden beds. While the price may be higher than others on this list, you are definitely paying for quality and have many premium options to choose from. | $109.95 – $3,895.00 |
| Best Choice Products Elevated Wood Planter Box | This elevated wood planter box is rated 4.5 out of 5 with over 7,700 reviews. It’s a great ergonomic height for easy access from a standing position. And it’s made from cedar, so treated correctly it will last. | $109.99 – $139.99 |
| Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Beds | These beds are made from cedar, which is naturally rot-resistant and durable. There are many styles to choose from ranging in price. | $47.99 – $345.99 |
| Gardeners Supply Wooden Raised Garden Bed Kits | Gardeners Supply has many beautiful wooden raised garden beds to choose from for all budgets. | $49.99 – $3996.99 |
These are just a few options to consider. Whether you build your own, hire some help, or purchase a bed – you now have a better understanding of wooden garden beds.
In summary, cedar and redwood are often your best options for wood. They are naturally rot-resistant and hold up longer than pine or fir.
We hope you are inspired to build your own wooden raised garden bed. Remember to checkout our gardening blog for more tips!