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Best Wood To Use For Raised Beds (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a sustainable and cost-effective way to grow vegetables and herbs, raised beds are the way to go. They not only provide proper drainage and aeration but also keep weed and pests at bay. However, choosing the right wood to build your raised beds is essential.

Before making your purchase, consider factors such as the wood’s durability, toxicity levels, and cost. You want your raised beds to last for several years, so opt for wood that can withstand outdoor elements such as water, wind, and freezing temperatures. Moreover, make sure the wood you choose is not treated with chemicals that can seep into the soil and harm your plants. Lastly, and most importantly, stick to your budget.

Are you unsure of what type of wood to use for your raised beds? Don't worry; you're not alone. Many people are confused about which type of wood is the best fit for their gardening needs. Should you go for cedar, redwood, or rot-resistant wood? How much can you expect to pay? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option? This article will answer all your questions and help you make an informed decision.

10 Best Wood To Use For Raised Beds

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for creating a raised garden bed in outdoor spaces such as backyards, patios, and balconies.
2
The garden bed is ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, and succulents with its capacity of 239 gallons.
3
The product is ideal for elevated gardening and mobility with additional features such as lockable wheels and a storage shelf.
4
Growing herbs and vegetables outdoors with an elevated wood planter box that is naturally rot-resistant and lasts for years.
5
Ideal for growing vegetables, grass and plants in an outdoor environment with a raised garden bed planter made of wood.
6
The product is ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, and fruits in a mobile elevated wooden planter box with storage shelf.
7
It is ideal for growing plants, herbs, and vegetables in an outdoor gardening setting with easy assembly and stackable arrangements.
8
The product is ideal for growing flowers and vegetables in a raised garden bed outdoors.
9
This product is ideal for metalworking and turning various types of metal.
10
This product is ideal for growing herbs and vegetables in your outdoor backyard with its elevated design and galvanized construction.
The product is ideal for creating a raised garden bed in outdoor spaces such as backyards, patios, and balconies.
The garden bed is ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, and succulents with its capacity of 239 gallons.
The product is ideal for elevated gardening and mobility with additional features such as lockable wheels and a storage shelf.
Growing herbs and vegetables outdoors with an elevated wood planter box that is naturally rot-resistant and lasts for years.
Ideal for growing vegetables, grass and plants in an outdoor environment with a raised garden bed planter made of wood.
The product is ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, and fruits in a mobile elevated wooden planter box with storage shelf.
It is ideal for growing plants, herbs, and vegetables in an outdoor gardening setting with easy assembly and stackable arrangements.
The product is ideal for growing flowers and vegetables in a raised garden bed outdoors.
This product is ideal for metalworking and turning various types of metal.
This product is ideal for growing herbs and vegetables in your outdoor backyard with its elevated design and galvanized construction.

1. Elevated Wood Garden Bed – Natural Beauty.

The Large Planting Space Raised Garden Bed is an ideal solution for growing healthy plants and vegetables. The bed offers ample room for plants to breathe and grow, with a long bed space of 5 cubic feet. It is designed to provide proper drainage, which allows excess water to drain out and keeps the soil fresh. This feature protects plants from waterlogging or mineral buildup, ensuring their healthy growth. The all-wood construction of the garden bed is made from naturally durable Chinese fir wood, which provides a water- and weather-resistant structure. The optional foot caps discourage absorption and breakdown, making it even more durable. The ergonomic height of 30 inches reduces excessive bending and kneeling, helping to preserve your back and knees while tending to your balcony, deck, or patio garden. The raised garden bed liner separates wood from soil, keeping the wooden garden planter in excellent condition. It also discourages weeds and animals from interfering with plant growth, ensuring healthy and fruitful growth for your plants.

Pros

  • Large planting space for ample room to breathe and grow healthy plants and vegetables
  • Proper drainage prevents waterlogging and mineral buildup in soil
  • All-wood construction made from naturally durable Chinese fir wood
  • Optional foot caps discourage absorption and breakdown
  • Ergonomic height reduces excessive bending and kneeling for back and knee preservation
  • Raised garden bed liner keeps wooden garden planter in excellent condition
  • Discourages weeds and animals from interfering with plant growth

2. Outdoor Metal Raised Garden Bed – Wood Grain

The 2FT Growing Depth Raised Garden Bed offers 24 inches of depth which can hold up to 239 gallons of soil, making it ideal for medium to deep rooting plants and vegetables like broccoli and beans. Please note that this product does not include a bottom panel. Its open base drainage system promotes effective drainage to prevent water and salt buildup while also allowing your plants' roots to access nutrients with ease.

Assembling this garden bed is easy and tool-free. The beveled steel panels come together with the help of the included wingnuts and bolts, which have rubber edging for added protection. Built from powder-coated steel panels, this garden bed has a non-corrosive finish and comes with four ground stakes and eight stabilizing rods to keep your bed looking great for years to come.

With 32 cubic feet of planting space, this garden bed is perfect for setting up a self-contained micro-environment for unique and non-native plants. The overall dimensions of this raised garden bed are 96 inches in length, 24 inches in width, and 24 inches in height.

Pros

  • 2FT growing depth is ideal for medium to deep rooting plants and vegetables
  • Open base drainage system promotes effective drainage and nutrient access
  • Easy and tool-free assembly with included wingnuts and bolts
  • Made from powder-coated steel panels with a non-corrosive finish
  • Comes with four ground stakes and eight stabilizing rods to keep the garden bed stable
  • 32 cubic feet of planting space for a self-contained micro-environment for unique and non-native plants

Cons

  • – Does not include a bottom panel

3. Mobile Elevated Garden Bed With Storage Shelf

The Easy Mobility garden planter is designed to provide convenience to gardeners with locking wheels that allow them to move it to capture the right amount of sun and shade. With an ergonomic structure standing 32 inches tall, it is perfect for those who struggle to bend down or lean over while gardening. This garden planter is built with a garden bed liner that separates wood from the soil, keeping the planter in excellent condition and preventing weeds and other invasive species from interfering with plant growth.

Maximize your planting and storage space with the large bed that comes with a built-in storage shelf for your favorite garden accessories. The four drainage holes in the garden planter allow excess water to drain out, preventing root breakdown and oversaturation while keeping the soil fresh. Overall, the garden planter has dimensions of 48 inches in length, 23.25 inches in width, and 32 inches in height. It has a weight capacity of 100 lbs.

Pros

  • Easy to move around with locking wheels
  • Ergonomic structure that is perfect for those who struggle to bend down or lean over while gardening
  • Built-in garden bed liner that separates wood from the soil, preventing weeds and other invasive species from interfering with plant growth
  • Large bed with a built-in storage shelf that maximizes planting and storage space
  • Four drainage holes that prevent root breakdown and oversaturation while keeping the soil fresh

4. Cedar Raised Garden Bed Kit – Elevated Planter Box

Introducing a natural and sturdy elevated garden bench planter, perfect for any outdoor space. The product is made of strong, rot-resistant yellow cedar that can easily support the weight of soil, water, and plants without breaking. The planter box has a dimension of 48” (L) by 24” (W) x 33” (H) and holds 5 cubic feet of soil total. This beautiful elevated garden bench planter has a sleek, unfinished wood design that looks great as-is or can be finished to your own liking.

This elevated garden bench planter is sturdier than any other competition, making it an excellent herb planter. Additionally, the manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty to ensure your satisfaction and the product’s performance. The warranty offers a full replacement or refund if your planter fails while in use. However, it does not cover aging and weathering over time or cracks in the wood, which are to be expected with all unfinished planters.

Pros

  • Made of strong and rot-resistant yellow cedar
  • Can easily support the weight of soil, water, and plants without breaking
  • Sleek, unfinished wood design that looks great as-is or can be finished to your own liking
  • Sturdier than any other competition
  • Excellent herb planter
  • Comes with a 1-year warranty for your satisfaction and the product’s performance

Cons

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

5. 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

6. Rolling Garden Box With Greenhouse Cover

Create a thriving garden with the Wood Raised Garden Bed. Measuring 48”L x 24”W x 55”H, this garden bed is made of 100% natural wood that provides an ample space to grow your plants. It comes with a storage shelf that allows you to keep your favorite garden accessories within easy reach. The garden bed does not have a drainage hole, so it is recommended to put a layer of gravel at the bottom to prevent water from accumulating and causing root rot.

The Greenhouse Cover is a perfect addition to the garden bed. It features a zipper that allows you to create a microclimate that protects your plants from insects, flies, birds, freeze, frost, and other elements that can impact plant growth. The cover is also easy to install and remove.

In addition to the greenhouse cover, the Fabric Liner is also included. It is designed to separate the wood from the soil, keeping the planter in excellent condition and preventing weeds and pests from interfering with plant growth.

The garden bed comes with 4 lockable wheels that make it easy to move from place to place. You can capture the right amounts of sun and shade by moving the planter to different locations throughout the day.

This Wood Raised Garden Bed is ideal for planting vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, and succulents. It provides ample space for your plants to grow and is perfect for use in gardens, patios, lawns, and other planting places.

Pros

  • Ample space to grow plants
  • Comes with a storage shelf for garden accessories
  • Greenhouse cover protects plants from various elements
  • Fabric liner prevents weeds and pests from interfering with plant growth
  • Easy mobility with lockable wheels
  • Ideal for various types of plants and planting places

Cons

  • – No drainage hole, needs layer of gravel to prevent root rot

7. 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

8. Elevated Grow Kit For Backyard Gardening

The garden bed is a perfect addition to your patio, yard, garden, or greenhouse to cultivate healthy plants. It is made of solid wood without paint, making it a safe choice for your plants. The boards are well-sanded to prevent any undesired injuries caused by wood splinters. The 1.5cm/0.6'' thick solid wood boards are joined and fixed by screws, making it a durable piece for your long-term use.

The 3-tier design of this elevated planter provides three growing areas for different plants or planting methods. Each tier is connected with wood plugs, which allows the 3-tier garden bed to be easily transformed into three separate growing beds in different sizes if needed. The divider boasts ample space for soil and plants. With adequate amounts of soil, plants will have spacious space to develop their roots and grow lush.

This garden bed is useful and practical as it allows you to cultivate plants like vegetables, flowers, and herbs. You can easily manage your plants in this helpful planter, making it a great addition to your gardening tools. The garden bed is built in a simple yet stable structure, making it easy and quick to set up. Necessary hardware and instructions are included for your convenience.

Pros

  • The garden bed is made of solid wood without paint, making it safe for your plants.
  • The 3-tier design provides ample space for different plants or planting methods.
  • The ample space for soil and plants allows for healthy plant growth.
  • It is a useful and practical addition to your gardening tools.
  • The garden bed is easy and quick to set up, and necessary hardware and instructions are included.

9. Precision Mini Metal Lathe & Milling Machine

The mini lathe is a reliable and sturdy tool that is made of high-quality cast iron that can withstand wear and tear. It is equipped with a powerful 650W motor that delivers a high level of energy to make your work easier. This lathe is perfect for model makers and professionals who require precision work. It has precise metric graduations and metal gears, making it a punctilious assistant.

The mini lathe machine comes with infinitely variable speeds that range from 50-2250±10%. It allows you to work on both forward and reverse of any possible speed, and the feeding rate can be adjusted manually or automatically. Additionally, an emergency button is easily accessible in case of any mishaps.

The metal working lathe is pre-installed with a 3-jaw chuck that is 3.9"/100 mm in diameter, which clamps raw materials tight. It also comes with a backsplash guard that ensures your safety during operation. The lathe produces precision work with its Spindle Bore of 0.8"/21 mm.

The small metal lathe features a turret post for quick tool change and a cross slide for free blade moving, making internal cutting, face cutting, and bevel cutting possible. It has a Swing Over Bed of 8.3"/210 mm and Swing Over Cross Slide of 13.8"/350 mm, making it faster and more effective.

This lathe is perfect for making bushings, spindles, prototypes, models, and more. It produces precision work without taking up a lot of room in your shop or garage. It is a versatile tool that can help you achieve the best results in your projects.

Pros

  • Sturdy and durable construction made of high-quality cast iron
  • Equipped with a powerful 650W motor that delivers a high level of energy
  • Infinitely variable speeds range from 50-2250±10%
  • Pre-installed with a 3-jaw chuck that is 3.9"/100 mm in diameter
  • Features a turret post for quick tool change and a cross slide for free blade moving
  • Produces precision work without taking up a lot of room in your shop or garage
  • Perfect for making bushings, spindles, prototypes, models, and more

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for heavy-duty projects

10. Olle Raised Garden Bed: Grow More Outdoors

OLLE's 12-in-1 modular kit is the perfect solution for those looking to customize their garden. With the ability to assemble 12 possible sizes and shapes, you can easily find the configuration that fits your unique home garden space. The planter box comes with 4 corner panels, 4 short side panels, and 4 long panels, allowing you to choose your optimal configuration based on the layout of your gardening area.

The assembly process is made easy with the included bolts, nuts, washers (72 pieces), and wrench tool. The bed only requires less than one hour of assembly time and no additional tools are needed. The rubber safety strip protects elders and children from sharp edges, ensuring a safe and enjoyable gardening experience.

Durably made of corrugated steel with Zinc-Aluminum coating, OLLE garden bed is 5 times more durable than plastic planter boxes or wood raised garden beds. The extra thick 0.8mm corner steel panel and 0.6mm side panel make this oval raised garden bed solid and sturdy, lasting for more than 20 years. The 17-inch tall design provides better drainage and root growth, making it perfect for planting deep-root fruits and vegetables like watermelon, sweet potato, pumpkins, and more. The height also requires less bending down and protects plants from rabbits, pets, and animals.

OLLE raised garden bed planter is weather-resistant and rust-resistant, made of corrugated steel and coated with a Zinc-Aluminum shield to prevent rust and keep your garden bed looking new for many years to come. The galvanized steel material reflects high heat, protecting the plants and maintaining stable cool temperature soil and moisture. The garden bed material is eco-friendly and 100% recyclable.

OLLE metal garden beds come in various sizes and configurations, including top options like 96inch x 24inch (12 pieces) and 60inch x 60inch (12 pieces), and more options like 76inch x 40inch (12 pieces), 64inch x 40inch (10 pieces), 80inch x 24inch (10 pieces), 60inch x 44inch (10 pieces), and 64inch x 24inch (8 pieces). With these options, OLLE garden beds will fit any space in your garden and are designed for space efficiency, allowing you to grow all your vegetables, fruits, herbs, and seasonal flowers.

Pros

  • 12-in-1 modular kit allows for 12 possible sizes and shapes to fit your unique garden space
  • Easy to assemble with safety edge and no additional tools required
  • Durably made of corrugated steel with Zinc-Aluminum coating, lasting for more than 20 years
  • 17-inch tall design provides better drainage and root growth, and requires less bending down
  • Weather-resistant and rust-resistant, made of eco-friendly and 100% recyclable materials
  • Various sizes and configurations to fit any space in your garden and grow all your favorite plants

Cons

  • – May be more expensive than other options on the market

Best Wood To Use For Raised Beds FAQs

Can reclaimed or salvaged wood be used for raised beds?

Yes, reclaimed or salvaged wood can be used for raised beds. In fact, it is a great way to repurpose old wood and reduce waste. However, it is important to ensure that the wood is safe for use in a garden setting. Reclaimed wood may have been treated with chemicals or exposed to contaminants that could be harmful to plants or humans. It is important to know the source of the wood and whether it has been treated or painted. If the wood has been treated or painted, it should not be used for a raised bed. Additionally, it is important to avoid using pressure-treated wood, as it contains chemicals that can leach into the soil and harm plants. Overall, using reclaimed or salvaged wood for raised beds can be a sustainable and cost-effective option, but it is important to do your research and ensure that the wood is safe for use in a garden setting.

How long will different types of wood last in raised beds?

Different types of wood have varying degrees of durability when used in raised beds. Some hardwoods such as oak, cedar, and redwood can last for more than 20 years, while softer woods like pine and spruce may only last between 3-5 years. The lifespan of the wood also depends on the environment it is placed in, as exposure to moisture and insects can significantly decrease its lifespan.

To increase the longevity of wooden raised beds, it is recommended to use untreated wood, as chemicals used in treated wood can leach into the soil and harm plants. Additionally, lining the inside of the bed with a barrier such as plastic can help prevent moisture from penetrating the wood.

Ultimately, the lifespan of the wood used in raised beds will depend on various factors, but proper maintenance and care can extend the life of the wood and the overall lifespan of the raised bed.

Is pressure-treated wood safe for use in raised beds?

Pressure-treated wood is commonly used in outdoor construction projects, including raised beds. However, there has been some concern about the safety of using pressure-treated wood in garden beds as it contains chemicals that can leach into the soil and potentially harm plants and people.

The chemicals used in pressure-treated wood, specifically chromated copper arsenate (CCA), have been linked to cancer and other health issues. However, CCA has not been used in pressure-treated wood since 2003. Today, most pressure-treated wood is treated with alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) or copper azole (CA), which are deemed safer for use in garden beds.

To ensure the safety of using pressure-treated wood in raised beds, it is recommended to use only wood treated with ACQ or CA, which are labeled as safe for use in garden beds. Additionally, it is essential to line the interior of the raised bed with a barrier, such as heavy-duty plastic or landscape fabric, to prevent the soil from coming in direct contact with the wood.

Overall, pressure-treated wood can be safe for use in raised beds if the proper precautions and safety measures are taken. As with any construction project, it is crucial to research and choose the appropriate materials for the intended use.

What are the pros and cons of using cedar vs. pine for raised beds?

Cedar and pine are both popular choices for raised garden beds due to their natural resistance to decay and insect damage. However, there are some differences to consider when choosing between the two.

Pros of using cedar for raised beds include its natural resistance to rot, insect damage, and fungal growth. Cedar also contains natural oils that act as a deterrent to termites and other wood-boring insects. Additionally, cedar has a pleasant scent and attractive color that can add to the aesthetic appeal of a garden.

On the other hand, pine is a more affordable option for raised beds and is readily available in many areas. Pine is also easier to work with than cedar, as it is less dense and easier to cut and shape. However, pine is not as naturally resistant to decay and insect damage as cedar, meaning it may require more maintenance and replacement over time.

One potential downside to using cedar for raised beds is its cost, as it is typically more expensive than pine. Additionally, some people may have allergic reactions to cedar, so it may not be the best choice for those with sensitivities.

Overall, the choice between cedar and pine for raised beds will depend on factors such as budget, availability, and personal preference. Both woods have their benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to weigh these factors carefully before making a decision.

What type of wood is best for building raised beds?

When it comes to building raised beds, choosing the right type of wood is crucial. The wood should be durable, rot-resistant, and safe for growing food. Cedar is one of the most popular choices for raised beds. It is naturally resistant to rot, pests, and decay, making it a long-lasting option. It also has a pleasant aroma and a beautiful color that blends well with any garden design. Redwood is another great option for raised beds as it is also naturally resistant to decay and insects. It is a bit more expensive than cedar but is known for its durability and strength. Pine and fir are cheaper options, but they are not as durable as cedar or redwood, and they may not last as long. It is important to avoid using pressure-treated wood as it contains harmful chemicals that can leach into the soil and affect plant growth. In conclusion, cedar and redwood are the best options for building raised beds due to their natural resistance to decay and insects.

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