If you want to start your own garden, a raised garden bed might be the perfect option for you. But what is the best wood for raised garden beds?
Choosing the best wood for your raised garden bed can affect its overall durability and performance in your garden. Finding a material that has the best qualities and fits your price point is important for any project.
Whether you are making a raised garden bed to create your ideal mix of soil, or you are renting and choosing to place a garden bed on your patio or avoid digging the ground up, a raised garden bed can be beneficial to your crops in many ways.
You may choose to buy wood yourself and DIY your own raised garden bed, or you may be researching pre-built options and are overwhelmed by the different options.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will receive a portion of what is purchased through the links on this blog at no additional cost to you and this does not affect the products I choose to share or my opinions on them. Read more at my full disclosure.
What makes wood good for a raised garden bed?
Ensure the wood you choose is untreated or has only been treated with toxic-free chemicals. If you plan to grow edible vegetables, herbs, or fruits in this garden you don’t want any chemicals from the wood to affect your soil.
Consider which species of wood are the most durable. The wood you choose should properly withstand the elements of your environment. Also, keep in mind they will be in constant contact with soil and moisture, ensuring the wood you choose is resistant to decay.
Some woods have a natural repellent to insects, making them a great option for your raised garden bed. Some hardwoods may be more expensive, but there are plenty of more affordable softwood options available
There are many affordable options that fit all the needs of a raised garden bed.
You can also consider buying a ready to build kit! There are many options available that are of great quality. Do you research and read reviews to ensure you’re getting quality material.
Also Read: 8 secrets to being more successful with your apartment garden
What woods to Avoid in your Raised Garden Bed
It can also be important to look out for what to avoid. You don’t want to use any woods that you don’t know the origin of when building a raised garden bed.
Using unknown recycled woods can be damaging to your garden, You will not be sure of lingering chemicals from being stained or treated that could leech into your soil and then into your plants.
It is best to avoid any woods you don’t know the full story of when looking for wood for your garden.
The Top 6 Best Wood for a Raised Garden Beds
- Cedar
- Redwood
- Pine
- Cypress
- Douglas Fir
- Locust
These 6 top wood choices were put in no particular order on this list, but they are some of the best and most common types of wood chosen to complete this project.
They made the list by affordability, availability, natural resistance to decay and insects and other factors. If you’re looking into building your own raised garden bed, consider what is most important to you.
Softwoods are generally the choice for these projects and similar, they are more lightweight and generally easier to work with. However, hardwood can offer many additional benefits such as durability and longevity making it worth the investment.
Also Read: 8 Secrets to Being More Successful with your Apartment Garden
- Cedar
A popular choice when it comes to raised garden beds. A lightweight softwood with an aesthetic appeal, cedar comes with many benefits you want for a raised garden bed. Cedar can be a more expensive option, but its durability can make it worth the cost in the long run.
Pros:
Natural resistance to decay
Natural Insect Repelling Properties
Safe for edible gardens
- Redwood
Redwood has many similar properties to Cedar, making it another great option for a raised garden bed. It is also a softwood but comes in a little more expensive on average than cedar wood. Some prefer its red hue for its aesthetic purposes.
Pros:
Natural resistance to decay
Natural Insect Repelling Properties
Safe for edible gardens
- Pine
Pine wood can be an option for your raised garden bed. It is much more affordable than the previous option, however, it does not have all the same benefits and may not be as durable. Many Pine woods can be treated with chemicals, it is important to ensure they are safe for your garden if you are growing edible plants.
Pros:
Affordability
Availability
- Douglas Fir
Another more affordable option for your raised garden bed. While not as decay-resistant or insect-repellent as Cedar or Redwood, Douglas Fir does have some durability qualities making it a good option for your garden.
Pros:
Affordability
Availability
Strength and Durability
- Cypress
Cypress wood can be one of the best options for a raised garden bed. It has many important qualities and can be an easily available and sustainably sourced option. With a beautiful light tone, important qualities and a good price point, cypress is an option to look into.
Pros:
Natural resistance to decay
Natural Insect Repelling Properties
Safe for edible gardens
- Locust
Black locust is our only hardwood on this list. A great option for your raised garden bed, due to its natural properties and availability. Black Locust is a very strong wood, making it a nice, durable long-term option. An eco-friendly option is known for its fast growth.
Pros:
Natural resistance to decay
Natural Insect Repelling Properties
Safe for edible gardens
Strength and Durability
Whether you are looking for a pre built above ground raised garden bed, or looking into options to build your own. There are many options for everyone.
Consider the different options and what it is you are looking for when making your final decision. Are you wanting to save some money, or would you rather find the best option for the long-term to get the most out of your investment.
Very cool. I like the Cypress because of its natural resistance to decay