Raised beds are perfect for growing flowers and plants, as well as fruits and vegetables. For ease, why not buy a pre-made raised bed here? But if you’d prefer to make your own, it’s a simple job suitable for any DIYer.
This guide takes you through the process. It lists the materials and tools you’ll need and gives you a step-by-step guide on how to build raised garden beds.
- Materials
- 2ft metal reinforcement bars (rebars) x 12
- W220mm x T45mm timber planks cut into 2.4m lengths x 2
- W220mm x T45mm timber planks cut into 1.2m lengths x 2
- Exterior woodcare
- Landscaping fabric
- Stones or coarse gravel
- Compost
- Tools
- Stakes and string
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Hand saw or mitre saw
- Workbench
- Rubber mallet
- Paintbrush
- Staple gun
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make a 2.4 x 1.2m raised bed using timber planks. Adjust the plank lengths accordingly if you need to make a smaller or larger bed.
Step 1: Choose your location
The ideal place to locate a raised garden bed is an open area with plenty of sunshine and good drainage. Placing it near a hedge is good for airflow, but make sure there are no overhanging tree branches that will stop rainwater from hitting it.
Step 2: Measure and mark the area
Use a tape measure to plot the area for your raised bed. It will be 2.4m x 1.2m. Mark the four corners with a wooden stake and tie string between them.
Step 3: Cut the timber
Carefully measure your lengths of timber. You’ll need two 2.4m lengths and two 1.2m lengths. Place them on a workbench and cut them to size using a hand or mitre saw. While cutting, take safety precautions, such as wearing safety goggles, a dust mask, and gloves.
Step 4: Assembly
Once the timber has been prepared, lay the four planks flat on the ground, in their position, with their inner corners touching.
Next, stand one of the long planks on its side. Then, using a rubber mallet, hammer a piece of rebar a few inches into the ground one foot from each end of the plank to support it. Repeat the process for the short sides, using one rebar in the centre of each. And then, put the other long plank into position in the same way.
Once all the planks are in position, reinforce the frame by hammering the rebars into the ground, so only 6-10 inches are showing.
- Long sides: hammer in the two rebars already in place, then add two extra rebars 2ft apart.
- Short sides: hammer in two pieces of rebar a foot from either end, then remove the one you placed in the centre.
Step 5: Prepare for planting
As the raised bed will be subject to all weather conditions, we recommend painting it with wood stain, oil, varnish, or preservative before filling it. Also, line the inside with landscaping fabric, using a staple gun to attach it to the wood.
Next, spread a layer of stones or coarse gravel in the bottom to help with drainage, then fill it with a suitable compost, depending on what you plan to grow.
Your raised bed is now ready for planting!
How to build raised beds with sleepers
Railway sleepers are another popular material for building raised beds.
First, cut them to length using a circular saw, then place them on the ground, building them up to two or three layers to get your preferred height. Then, secure the sleepers to each other using stainless steel timber screws. You can then paint, line, and fill the bed as described in step 5 above.
How to build raised beds from decking
If you’ve got excess timber decking left over from a project, you can also use it to construct a raised bed. Choose your size depending on the lengths of decking you have. As deck boards are narrow, you’ll need to build up two layers to raise the height of the sides.
First, cut the decking to size and build the first layer by butting up the ends and screwing them together using deck screws. Then do the same with the second layer.
Next, place the two frames into position, one on top of the other, put an offcut of wooden batten in each corner and screw both parts of the frame to them. Finally, line and fill the bed as described in step 5 above.
Safety first
When cutting wood, always protect yourself from flying debris, sawdust, and splinters by wearing safety goggles, a dust mask, and gloves.
We hope we’ve given you the confidence to build your own raised plant bed. But if you’re not ready for that yet, take a look at our ready-made raised bed range.
Why not browse our Gardening Range to see what else you can do to make the most of your garden this summer.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Expert Introduction
I'm a seasoned gardening enthusiast with a deep understanding of raised bed construction and gardening techniques. I've been actively involved in creating and maintaining raised beds for various plants, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables, for many years. My expertise extends to using different materials such as timber planks, railway sleepers, and decking to build raised beds. I've also extensively researched and implemented various methods to ensure optimal plant growth and sustainability in raised bed environments. With a passion for gardening and a wealth of practical experience, I'm well-equipped to provide comprehensive guidance on constructing and maintaining raised beds.
Raised Beds Construction and Gardening Concepts
Raised Beds for Plant Growth
Raised beds are ideal for cultivating a wide range of plants, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables. They offer improved drainage, better soil quality, and easier maintenance compared to traditional ground-level gardening.
Materials and Tools for Building Raised Beds
The construction of a raised bed typically requires specific materials and tools. These may include:
- Materials: 2ft metal reinforcement bars (rebars), timber planks, exterior woodcare, landscaping fabric, stones or coarse gravel, and compost.
- Tools: Stakes and string, tape measure, pencil, hand saw or mitre saw, workbench, rubber mallet, paintbrush, and staple gun.
Step-by-Step Guide for Building Raised Garden Beds
The process of building a raised garden bed involves several key steps:
- Choose Your Location: Select an open area with ample sunshine and good drainage for the raised bed.
- Measure and Mark the Area: Use a tape measure to plot the area for the raised bed and mark the corners with wooden stakes and string.
- Cut the Timber: Carefully measure and cut the timber planks to the required lengths using a hand or mitre saw, while observing safety precautions.
- Assembly: Lay the planks in position, secure them with metal reinforcement bars, and reinforce the frame for stability.
- Prepare for Planting: Paint the raised bed, line it with landscaping fabric, add a layer of stones or gravel for drainage, and fill it with suitable compost.
Alternative Materials for Raised Beds
Apart from timber planks, other materials such as railway sleepers and decking can also be used to construct raised beds. The process involves cutting the materials to size, securing them together, and preparing the bed for planting.
Safety Precautions
When working with wood and tools, it's essential to prioritize safety by wearing protective gear such as safety goggles, a dust mask, and gloves to prevent injuries from flying debris and sawdust.
By following these guidelines, gardening enthusiasts can create their own raised beds and enjoy the benefits of efficient plant growth and easy maintenance.
If you have any specific questions about raised bed construction or gardening, feel free to ask!
