Wood raised garden bed

What to expect from a wood raised garden bed

There are 13 wood raised garden beds in stock right now. That count covers the full range of styles and sizes we carry, from compact elevated planters to tall trellis-backed beds. The range spans $63.28 to $136.05, so you can match a bed to your budget without leaving the category. Most are made from fir or pine, with one fabric option for a softer, more flexible structure. The dimensions we list run from 22 inches to 72 inches, but only 4 of the 13 products have published measurements, so check the individual product page for exact sizes. Features vary: 5 have a shelf, 4 include storage, 1 is lockable, 1 folds, and 1 rolls. That mix means you can prioritise what matters most, whether that is mobility, extra workspace, or a simple open frame.

Measure the wall run and the reach before you buy

Start by measuring the length of wall or fence where the bed will sit. A raised bed needs clearance on all sides for air movement and for you to reach the centre without stepping on the soil. As a general rule, keep the bed no wider than 4 feet so you can reach the middle from either side. If the bed goes against a wall, 2 feet is a practical maximum width. Also check the height: most elevated beds put the growing surface between 30 and 36 inches, which suits standing work. The tallest option here is 72 inches, so confirm you can still reach the top tier comfortably. Leave space for any trellis or roof, and allow for the swing of a door or gate if the bed is near a path.

Choose the right material for your climate

Fir and pine are the two woods used across our stock. Both are softwoods that take stain or paint well, but they need protection from constant wetness to last. If you live in a rainy area, raise the bed on feet or a gravel base so water drains away from the timber. A fabric bed, the one non-wood option we carry, is lighter and easier to move, but it will not support climbing plants without a separate frame. For a natural look that ages to grey, leave the wood untreated; for a longer life, apply a non-toxic sealant every year or two. Avoid treated timber unless it is rated safe for food crops. The product page will state the exact material and any finish, so read it before you commit.

Match the bed to what you want to grow

Root vegetables need depth; leafy greens and herbs need less. A bed that is 10 to 12 inches deep suits lettuce, radishes, and most herbs. For carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, aim for at least 12 inches of soil, and more if you want long varieties. Climbing plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans need vertical support. Several beds in our range include a trellis or lattice, which saves you adding canes or netting. If you plan to grow a mix, choose a bed with a trellis at one end and open space at the other. The 70-inch and 72-inch models both have trellis structures, so they suit climbing crops. For a low-maintenance herb garden, a simple open bed with no roof is easier to reach into and costs less.

Consider access, mobility, and storage

If you rent or like to rearrange your garden, a bed with wheels makes a difference. One product in our current stock has lockable wheels, so you can move it into position and then secure it. Another folds, which helps if you need to store it away between seasons. Storage and shelves are more common: 4 products include storage, and 5 have a shelf. A shelf gives you a place to set tools, seed trays, or a cup while you work, and it keeps things off the soil. Storage is useful for keeping secateurs, twine, and gloves close by, but it adds bulk. Check the footprint with any shelf or storage extended, because those parts can increase the space needed. If you have a small balcony, a compact elevated bed with a shelf may be the best fit.

Plan for drainage and soil volume

Every raised bed needs drainage. Without it, roots sit in water and rot. Look for drainage holes or an open base; several beds in our range have drainage holes, and one has an open-ended base. If you line the bed with fabric, use a permeable liner, not plastic. Soil volume matters too: a bed that is 47 by 22 by 33 inches holds roughly 19 cubic feet of soil, but you will not fill it to the brim. Leave 2 to 3 inches of space below the rim for watering and mulch. For a bed with a roof, allow extra room for air circulation. Buying bagged soil can add up, so calculate the volume first. You can also mix your own using topsoil, compost, and a little sand for drainage.

What is in stock right now

Our current wood raised garden bed range has 13 products. By material, 14 are wood and 1 is fabric; note that the material count includes one product listed with both wood and fabric, so the total exceeds the product count. Features break down as follows: 5 have a shelf, 4 have storage, 1 is lockable, 1 is foldable, and 1 has rolling wheels. Prices run from $63.28 to $136.05. Only 4 of the 13 products have published dimensions, with values of 22, 33, 47, 70, and 72 inches. One product has 3 tiers. The titles show a mix of natural wood, fir, and pine, with some including trellis, roof, or drainage holes. Use these counts to narrow your shortlist, then open the product page for specifics.

Limits of this guide

This guide describes the range as a whole, not individual products. Two beds may share the same material and features but differ in joinery, thickness, or finish. The product page is the only place to confirm exact dimensions, weight capacity, and assembly requirements. We do not name manufacturers or suppliers, and we cannot guarantee that a feature listed here applies to every item in a category. For example, a bed described as having a shelf may have a different shelf size or position than another. Always read the full product description and check the measurements before you buy. If a detail matters to you, such as the spacing of drainage holes or the type of wood treatment, look for it on the product page or ask before ordering.