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Best Lumber For Raised Beds (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for an affordable and eco-friendly solution for your raised garden beds, consider lumber! Not only is using lumber for raised beds cost-effective, it’s also highly customizable and can be easily assembled. But before purchasing any lumber for your garden, there are important factors to consider.

Firstly, consider the type of wood you’ll be using. Some types of lumber, such as cedar and redwood, are naturally resistant to rot and decay, making them ideal choices for outdoor use. Other types of lumber may require a protective sealant to prevent decay and prolong longevity. Additionally, consider the thickness of the lumber as well as the dimensions needed for your specific raised bed design.

Before making your purchase, ask yourself: How much sunlight will my raised bed receive? Will it be exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow? Will I need to regularly maintain and seal the lumber to ensure long-term durability? These questions can help guide you in selecting the best lumber option for your unique garden needs.

Overall, using lumber for raised beds is a practical and sustainable choice for any garden enthusiast. By considering key factors before purchasing, you can ensure that your raised beds will not only look great but also withstand the test of time.

10 Best Lumber For Raised Beds

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for growing vegetables, grass and plants in an outdoor environment with a raised garden bed planter made of wood.
2
It is ideal for growing plants, herbs, and vegetables in an outdoor gardening setting with easy assembly and stackable arrangements.
3
This product is ideal for growing flowers, vegetables and herbs in outdoor spaces such as backyards or patios.
4
The product is ideal for growing various plants at home, especially on patios, decks, or balconies.
5
The product is ideal for growing herbs and vegetables outdoors in a naturally rot-resistant raised garden bed with sturdy legs.
6
Ideal for outdoor gardening of vegetables and flowers, with heavy duty design and elevated height for easy access.
7
This product is ideal for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a customizable large wooden planter box kit for grass, yard, and lawn.
8
The product is ideal for use as hardware cloth, chicken wire, plant supports, and poultry netting in raised garden beds.
9
The product is ideal for children's outdoor play areas and can be customized to fit specific preferences.
10
Ideal for crafting, laser cutting, CNC cutting, and wood burning. Made of high-quality Baltic birch plywood.
Ideal for growing vegetables, grass and plants in an outdoor environment with a raised garden bed planter made of wood.
It is ideal for growing plants, herbs, and vegetables in an outdoor gardening setting with easy assembly and stackable arrangements.
This product is ideal for growing flowers, vegetables and herbs in outdoor spaces such as backyards or patios.
The product is ideal for growing various plants at home, especially on patios, decks, or balconies.
The product is ideal for growing herbs and vegetables outdoors in a naturally rot-resistant raised garden bed with sturdy legs.
Ideal for outdoor gardening of vegetables and flowers, with heavy duty design and elevated height for easy access.
This product is ideal for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a customizable large wooden planter box kit for grass, yard, and lawn.
The product is ideal for use as hardware cloth, chicken wire, plant supports, and poultry netting in raised garden beds.
The product is ideal for children's outdoor play areas and can be customized to fit specific preferences.
Ideal for crafting, laser cutting, CNC cutting, and wood burning. Made of high-quality Baltic birch plywood.

1. Natural Wood Raised Garden Bed For Outdoors

Introducing the garden solution designed to last through every season without discoloring or breaking down over the years – the natural Chinese Fir wood garden bed. It provides ample space for plants to grow with an included liner to separate the wood from the soil and keep it in excellent condition. This 8-foot garden bed is perfect for separating and sorting various types of plants, vegetables, fruits, and flowers with the included middle divider. The pre-sanded panels built with dovetail joints slide together and lock in place with screw-fastened posts for a quick, sturdy assembly. The perfect decoration accessory that will complement any front or backyard, grass area, or budding garden; the overall dimensions of this garden bed are 96"(L) x 24"(W) x 10"(H).

Pros

  • Made of natural Chinese Fir wood that is designed to last through every season without discoloring or breaking down over the years
  • Pre-sanded panels built with dovetail joints slide together and lock in place with screw-fastened posts for a quick, sturdy assembly
  • 8-foot garden bed provides ample space for plants to grow with an included liner to separate the wood from the soil and keep it in excellent condition
  • Included middle divider helps in separating and sorting various types of plants, vegetables, fruits, and flowers
  • Perfect decoration accessory that will complement any front or backyard, grass area, or budding garden
  • Easy to assemble

2. Fir Wood Garden Planter – Easy Stack Assembly

This 4x4ft garden bed has three tiers that can be customized according to the user's preferences. It is perfect for separating vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other plants for better organization. The garden bed has a stair-step design with three different depths: 22in, 15in, and 8in. These depths are great for growing plants and vegetables with different root lengths, varying from short to medium and long.

The garden bed can be arranged in different ways, depending on the user's needs. It can be stacked up tall for a three-tier design, or each section can be laid out in a flat line to provide three planting areas of different sizes. The garden bed is made with durable fir wood that resists breakdown, adding a natural appeal to the user's garden.

Setting up this garden bed is easy as no tools are required. The user can seamlessly slide panels into the slots of the sturdy, reinforced corners to build the new garden bed in just a few minutes. The overall dimensions of the garden bed are 48"(L) x 48"(W) x 21"(H).

Pros

  • Customizable tiers for better organization of plants
  • Stair-step design with three different depths for varied root lengths
  • Different arrangements possible to meet the user's needs
  • Easy to assemble without requiring any tools
  • Sturdy build with reinforced corners
  • Durable fir wood that resists breakdown
  • Natural appeal that adds simple charm to the user's garden

3. Divisible Elevated Garden Bed For Outdoor Planting

Introducing the garden bed planter, a must-have for any gardening enthusiast. This planter is made of natural and durable solid wood, without any paint, ensuring a long-lasting solution for your planting needs. The boards are sanded to prevent any injuries caused by wood splinters, making it a safe choice for all.

The practical design of this garden bed planter allows for flexible setout. You can grow two different plants or try different planting methods at the same time. Alternatively, you can remove the middle partition to create a whole box as per your needs.

Unlike other planting beds with several small pieces of wooden plates at the side, our planting raised bed has a single-piece design with a complete side plate at each side, making the structure stable and installation easy.

This garden bed planter is a useful and practical accessory for cultivating plants such as vegetables, flowers, and herbs in your patio, yard, garden, or greenhouse. It simplifies the process of managing your plants, making it more convenient for you.

The wooden box keeps your plants and flowers organized, ensuring healthy growth and preventing a messy garden. Invest in this necessary gardening accessory today!

Pros

  • Natural and durable solid wood construction
  • Flexible setout allows for growing different plants or planting methods
  • Single-piece design makes the structure stable and easy to install
  • Useful and practical accessory for cultivating plants in various settings
  • Keeps plants and flowers organized and promotes healthy growth

4. Jumbl Elevated Cedar Garden Bed: Grow Fresh At Home

The Elevated Outdoor Planter is the perfect solution for those who want to grow a beautiful herb garden in a limited space. This planter features a practical and stunning design that allows you to grow your favorite herbs, veggies, fruits, flowers, and other vegetation above the ground.

Crafted from 100% red cedar, this planter is built to last season after season. The high-grade cedar wood is resistant to weather-related damage and won't warp, shrink or swell in high humidity. The unique red coloring of the wood adds to the planter's beauty and charm.

The comfortable raised design of the planter makes it easy to tend to your plants without having to bend over or kneel. It also provides excellent drainage, ensuring that your plants get the right amount of water without becoming waterlogged.

Setting up the Elevated Outdoor Planter is super simple and easy. The set includes step-by-step instructions, parts, and hardware, making assembly a breeze. All you need to do is fill it with soil, seeds, or starter plants and place it in a sunny location.

The Standing Garden comes in four different sizes, making it the perfect fit for any small space. You can grow rosemary, mint, cilantro, thyme, parsley, oregano, lavender, and other floral/herbal favorites anywhere, whether it's on your patio or apartment balcony.

With the Elevated Outdoor Planter, you can enjoy a bountiful crop season after season. It's the perfect choice for anyone who wants to grow their own herbs and vegetables in a limited space, and it adds a stunning accompaniment to any small space.

Pros

  • Practical and stunning design
  • Crafted from 100% red cedar for durability
  • Comfortable raised design for easy tending and excellent drainage
  • Super simple assembly and setup with included instructions, parts, and hardware
  • Available in four sizes to fit any small space
  • Perfect for growing a variety of herbs, veggies, fruits, flowers, and other vegetation

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for those with larger gardening needs

5. Cedar Garden Bed Kit – Elevated & Durable

The Natural, Unfinished Wood Elevated Garden Bench Planter is a beautiful addition to any space. It provides a sturdy and heavy-duty design that is sturdier than any of the competition. The planter box is made of strong, rot-resistant yellow cedar that easily supports the weight of soil, water, and plants without breaking. It can even be used as an excellent herb planter. The product dimensions are 48” (L) by 24” (W) x 33” (H) and it holds 5 cubic feet of soil total. The product looks great as-is, but you can also finish the planter box to your own liking. To ensure your satisfaction and the product’s performance, there is a manufacturer’s warranty on the product for one year. This warranty offers a full replacement or refund if your planter fails while in use. It does not cover aging and weathering over time or cracks in the wood, as these are to be expected with all unfinished planters.

Pros

  • Sturdy and heavy-duty design
  • Made of strong, rot-resistant yellow cedar
  • Can be used as an excellent herb planter
  • Product dimensions are 48” (L) by 24” (W) x 33” (H) and holds 5 cubic feet of soil total
  • Manufacturer’s warranty on the product for one year

Cons

  • – Does not cover aging and weathering over time or cracks in the wood

6. Elevated Cedar Planter For Vegetable Gardening.

Create your own organic vegetable, fruit and flower garden with this beautiful planter raised bed. Made from naturally rot-resistant cedar lumber, this raised bed features heavy-duty rustproof aluminum legs and corners, making it sturdy enough to hold approximately 13 cubic feet (340 dry quarts) of container mix. With an ergonomic height of 29 inches, this planter is perfect for easy growing, eliminating the need to stoop, bend, kneel and reach. It has an overall size of 96 inches in length, 24 inches in width, 10 inches in depth and provides 16 square feet of growing space, making it ideal for your deck, patio or backyard. Assembly is a breeze and can be done in just a few minutes with the screws included. It can also be disassembled for off-season storage. Plus, a free planting guide is included for your convenience.

This raised bed is not only functional, but also stylish with its attractive design. It is built to last with high-quality cedar wood and heavy-duty rustproof metal stand and corner, making it perfect for your greenhouse and garden. Every purchase is 100% guaranteed, ensuring your satisfaction with the product.

Overall, this planter raised bed is a great investment for anyone who wants to start their own organic garden. It is easy to use, sturdy, stylish and comes with a free planting guide. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this raised bed will help you grow your favorite plants, herbs and vegetables organically.

Pros

  • Made from naturally rot-resistant cedar lumber
  • Heavy-duty rustproof aluminum legs and corners
  • Can hold approximately 13 cubic feet (340 dry quarts) of container mix
  • Ergonomic height of 29 inches, perfect for easy growing
  • Provides 16 square feet of growing space
  • Stylish and attractive design
  • Built to last with high-quality materials
  • Easy to assemble and disassemble for off-season storage
  • Comes with a free planting guide
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for larger gardens or commercial use

7. Lakeside Customizable Garden Box Kit- Vegetables, Herbs, Flowers!

Upgrade your gardening game with this all-weather premium polypropylene garden box kit, designed to withstand intense sun, heavy rain, and cold snow. Its durable panels won't discolor or break down even after years of use. Its open bottom provides essential drainage, keeping weeds and pests out of your soil, and protects your plants. This garden box kit is perfect for growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or succulents like a pro. You can easily sort and organize your seedlings, and it looks great below a decorative trellis. You can choose to use it as one large garden box or two smaller raised beds. The included 8 stakes ensure that this garden kit stays securely planted into the ground, while its collapsible design makes it easy to move from the yard to your patio or greenhouse in just a few minutes. With a 45-3/8" sq. x 5-5/8"H overall size, this versatile kit is perfect for any gardener who wants to enhance the look of their outdoor space.

Pros

  • Durable all-weather premium polypropylene panels provide a simple solution for gardening during all seasons.
  • Open bottom provides essential drainage and protects plants from weeds and pests.
  • Easy to assemble and customize into any shape or design that fits landscaping needs.
  • Collapsible design makes it easy to move from the yard to your patio or greenhouse in just a few minutes.
  • Perfect for growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or succulents like a pro.

Cons

  • – May require additional stakes or support if used in an area with high wind or heavy soil.

8. Garden Netting – Galvanized Hardware Cloth Roll

The Half-Inch Hardware Cloth is made of high-quality black annealed steel wire material that has been galvanized to ensure super anti-corrosion and anti-rust properties. The galvanized mesh is well-packaged and transported to ensure that it is delivered to you in good condition. This hardware cloth roll is manufactured using environmentally friendly methods that meet global uniform standards. It is designed to last underground for many years, eliminating the need to replace it annually.

This galvanized wire mesh has 1/2 inch square openings and measures 48 inches by 100 feet, making it perfect for a variety of applications such as gopher guard, chicken coop cover, critter netting, welded cage wire, wire fence, garden mesh, rabbit wire fence, rodent wire, rodent mesh, chicken wire mesh, and more.

Please note that the length and mesh size are critical when purchasing this product, as choosing the wrong size may waste your time and money. The Half-Inch Hardware Cloth is a well-known global brand of metal wire mesh, produced by LAN JIA, that has provided high-quality products to over 5 million individuals and businesses worldwide. The mesh may have sharp edges, so it is recommended to wear gloves when handling it to avoid injury.

The Half-Inch Hardware Cloth comes with an 8-year quality guarantee, which is a rare feature in the market. Additionally, LAN JIA provides 24/7 customer support to ensure that you enjoy your ideal product with ease and peace of mind.

Pros

  • Super anti-corrosion and anti-rust properties
  • Environmentally friendly manufacturing methods
  • Long-lasting underground performance
  • Suitable for a variety of applications
  • 8-year quality guarantee
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • – May have sharp edges, requiring gloves for safe handling

9. Little Cottage Company Victorian Diy Playhouse Kit, 4' X 6'

Add a touch of Amish craftsmanship to your backyard with this beautiful shed. Made in the USA, it features LP Smartside Siding and trim that is primed and ready for paint, along with hardware included for assembly such as screws, latches, handles, and nails. The panelized wall sections save time in assembly, and the fully illustrated manual makes it easy to put together. It also comes with a floor kit included, so you won't have to worry about laying a foundation. Simply provide your own shingles, drip-edge, and paint to customize the look to your liking.

Crafted with attention to detail and quality, this shed is a great addition to any outdoor space. The LP Smartside Siding and trim offer durability and protection against the elements, while the included hardware and panelized walls make assembly a breeze. The fully illustrated manual ensures that even those new to DIY projects can put it together with ease. And with the included floor kit, you can save time and money on additional materials. Simply add your own shingles, drip-edge, and paint to create a personalized look that matches your style and taste.

Pros

  • Amish-made in the USA for quality craftsmanship
  • LP Smartside Siding and trim offer durability and protection
  • Hardware included for easy assembly
  • Panelized wall sections save time
  • Fully illustrated manual for easy-to-follow instructions
  • Floor kit included for convenience

Cons

  • – Customer must provide shingles, drip-edge, and paint

10. Baltic Birch Craft Sheets: Precision Cuts & Burning

Woodpeckers Baltic Birch Plywood is a strong and durable craft wood, perfect for all your woodworking needs. The multi-coated plywood offers exceptional rigidity and stability, with surfaces that provide excellent holding power for both glue and screws. The birch edges create clean joinery, making it a great choice for any woodworking project.

This beautiful wood is prized by woodworkers everywhere. Manufactured using the latest methods in wood production, the hardwood from the snowy forests of the north is extremely durable and creep-resistant. The lengthwise grain of the Baltic birch plywood is stunning, and it takes stain well, making it an ideal choice for any woodworking project.

The true size of each sheet of Baltic Birch Plywood is 11-7/8" x 23-7/8", making it easy to work with. The layers of the plywood are designed to smoothly glide through laser cutters and scroll saws, making it the ideal thin wood sheet for efficient woodcutting.

Graded as B/BB, this hardwood has a single piece face and a back veneer. The face veneer has a smooth surface with a light uniform color, while the back surface typically has 1-2 small color-matched patches. This thick face veneer provides a smoother surface for CNC routers or engraving machines to glide on the birch wood.

Woodpeckers is dedicated to partnering with business owners, home crafters, and woodwork artisans. Their customer care agents are thoroughly familiar with their products and will be happy to assist you with any concerns and inquiries. Woodpeckers also offers a large selection of plywood squares in both 1/4" and 1/8" thicknesses on their storefront for your convenience.

Pros

  • Strong and durable for all woodworking needs
  • Baltic-grown birch plywood is beautiful and takes stain well
  • True size of 11-7/8" x 23-7/8" for easy working
  • Designed to smoothly glide through laser cutters and scroll saws
  • Graded as B/BB with a single piece face and a back veneer
  • Customer care agents are knowledgeable and happy to help
  • Large selection of plywood squares in 1/4" and 1/8" thicknesses on their storefront

Best Lumber For Raised Beds FAQs

Are there any treatments or coatings that should be applied to the lumber for longevity?

Yes, there are several treatments and coatings that can be applied to lumber to increase its longevity. One of the most common treatments is pressure treatment, where the lumber is treated with preservatives under high pressure to prevent decay and insect infestation. Another treatment is heat treatment, where the lumber is heated to a high temperature to kill any insects and fungi present in the wood. Additionally, coatings such as paint, stain, or sealant can be applied to the surface of the lumber to protect it from moisture and UV rays.

It is important to note that the type of treatment or coating applied to the lumber will depend on its intended use and location. For example, lumber used for outdoor construction may require different treatments than lumber used for indoor furniture. It is also important to follow manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines when applying any treatments or coatings to lumber.

Can recycled or salvaged lumber be used for raised beds, and what are the implications of doing so?

Yes, recycled or salvaged lumber can be used for raised beds. In fact, it is a sustainable and environmentally friendly option as it reduces the demand for new lumber and prevents waste. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before using salvaged lumber for raised beds.

Firstly, make sure the lumber is not treated with any harmful chemicals such as arsenic or creosote, which can leach into the soil and contaminate your plants. You can check the type of treatment by looking for markings on the lumber or asking the supplier.

Secondly, check the condition of the lumber. Salvaged lumber may have nails, screws, or other metal pieces embedded in it, which can rust and corrode over time. This can affect the stability and durability of the raised bed.

Lastly, consider the aesthetic and design aspect of using salvaged lumber. It may have some imperfections or variations in color and size, which can add character and uniqueness to your raised bed but may also make it harder to achieve a uniform look.

Overall, using salvaged lumber for raised beds is a great way to be eco-friendly, but make sure to consider the above factors before making your decision.

How much lumber is needed to build a raised bed of a certain size?

The amount of lumber needed to build a raised bed of a certain size depends on the dimensions of the bed. For example, if you want to build a raised bed that measures 4 feet by 8 feet, you will need four pieces of lumber that are 8 feet long and four pieces that are 4 feet long. This will give you a total of 32 feet of lumber.

However, you also need to consider the height of the raised bed. If you want your raised bed to be 12 inches high, you will need to add an additional 12 inches to the length of each piece of lumber. This means that you will need four pieces of lumber that are 8 feet 12 inches long and four pieces that are 4 feet 12 inches long.

It's always a good idea to add a little extra lumber to your calculations in case of mistakes or if you need to make adjustments during the building process. Overall, the amount of lumber needed for a raised bed will vary depending on the size and height of the bed.

What are the pros and cons of using pressure-treated lumber for raised beds?

Pressure-treated lumber is a popular material for constructing raised garden beds. While it has its benefits, it also has some drawbacks that should be considered before deciding to use it.

Pros:

1. Durability: Pressure-treated lumber is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting material for garden beds.

2. Affordability: It is relatively inexpensive compared to other materials such as cedar or redwood.

3. Availability: Pressure-treated lumber is readily available at most home improvement stores.

Cons:

1. Chemicals: Pressure-treated lumber is treated with chemicals such as arsenic, copper, and chromium to prevent decay and insect damage. These chemicals can leach into the soil and potentially harm plants and humans.

2. Health hazards: The chemicals used in pressure-treated lumber can pose health hazards if ingested or breathed in during construction.

3. Unsustainability: Pressure-treated lumber is not an eco-friendly option as it is made from non-renewable resources and requires energy-intensive processes for production.

In conclusion, while pressure-treated lumber has its benefits, the potential health hazards and environmental impact should be considered before using it for raised garden beds. It is recommended to use untreated or naturally rot-resistant materials such as cedar, redwood, or stone for a safer and more sustainable option.

What type of lumber is best for building raised beds?

The best type of lumber for building raised beds is one that is naturally resistant to rot and decay, as it will be in constant contact with soil and moisture. Cedar, redwood, and cypress are popular choices due to their durability and resistance to decay. These types of lumber are also known for their aesthetic appeal and natural beauty, making them a great addition to any garden or outdoor space. It is important to avoid pressure-treated lumber, as it contains chemicals that can leach into the soil and potentially harm plants. When selecting lumber for raised beds, it is also important to consider the thickness and width of the boards, as well as any potential chemical treatments that may have been applied. By choosing the right type of lumber, you can ensure that your raised beds will be a long-lasting and healthy addition to your garden.

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