Top 8 Materials To Create Attractive and Productive Raised Beds

Introduction

In this post, you’ll find the top eight most popular materials for building raised beds.

Seeing as you’re here, I am assuming that you’re thinking about constructing some raised beds for your garden.

This article should help you to figure out which materials would best suit your budget, taste and skill set.

Maybe you’d like instant results that can be planted up the same day, or perhaps you’re happy to take on a project.

Read on to clarify your thinking and make your choices.

Either way, I am excited to see what you create!

If you’re unsure about the benefits of this kind of gardening, then have a read through my post: 

Use Raised Beds To Easily Grow More In Your Garden

I will also include some suggested reading for you at the end of this article. 

Here’s a list of the Top Eight Materials for Building Raised Beds: 

• Pallets:
  • Cost-effective: Often available for free or at a low cost.
  • Easy to assemble: Can be disassembled and reconfigured to fit desired dimensions.
  • Recycled: Environmentally friendly option

• Wood:
  • Versatility: Available in various types (cedar, redwood, etc.) offering different aesthetics and durability.
  • Natural look: Blends well with garden surroundings.
  • DIY-friendly: Easy to cut and shape

Credit for image to Pixabay

• Galvanized Steel:
  • Durability: Resistant to rust and corrosion, providing a long lifespan.
  • Sleek appearance: Adds a modern or industrial look to the garden.
  • Strength: Suitable for larger or heavier structures

• Railway Sleepers:
  • Sturdy: Made of hardwoods like oak or tropical wood, providing durability.
  • Large size: Allows for the creation of robust and long-lasting beds.
  • Aesthetically appealing: Rustic appearance adds character to the garden

Credit for image to markus-spiske-71uUjIt3cIs on Unsplash

• Breeze Blocks:
  • Stability: Offers strong support for raised beds.
  • Heat retention: Helps regulate soil temperature.
  • Minimal maintenance: Requires little upkeep once in place

• Plastic:
  • Affordability: Generally cheaper compared to other materials.
  • Lightweight: Easy to transport and handle during construction.
  • Low maintenance: Resistant to rot and deterioration

• Recycled Materials:
  • Environmentally friendly: Reduces waste by repurposing materials like tyres, barrels, etc.
  • Creative design: Allows for unique and customizable raised bed structures.
  • Cost-effective: Often available at low or no cost

• Bricks:
  • Stability: Provides a solid structure for raised beds.
  • Heat retention: Helps regulate soil temperature.
  • Aesthetic appeal: Offers a classic and timeless look to the garden

Consider Your Options in Greater Detail

So, there are your choices of materials for the top eight materials commonly used for building raised beds.

But which is the best for your project?

Here’s a closer look at the choices: 

Constructing Raised Beds Using Pallets

Pallets are an excellent choice for creating raised beds, and guess what? They’re often free!

According to this article.

You can get your hands on pallets cheaply, or even for free, here are five places where you can find free wooden pallets:

• Industrial areas
• Supermarkets and department stores
• Construction sites
• Wholesalers
• Small businesses

Pallets are an awesome free resource- everyone seems to be making something out of pallets these days!

If you like the idea of recycling and up-cycling, well, pallets are the material of choice for your raised beds. 

Just look out for the ‘HT’ symbol. That means that the pallets have been heat treated, so should last longer.

As you know, wood needs to be treated to last the ravages of the weather.

Heat treated is better than using chemical preservatives, which could make their way into your food if you’re growing veggies in your raised beds.

If you’re just growing flowers, then no worries!

Here are some useful tips for making your own raised bed using pallets:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Pallet(s)
• Screws or nails
• Saw or crowbar (for disassembly)
• Landscape fabric or weed barrier (optional)

Steps:

• Choose Your Pallets: Look for pallets marked with the “HT” stamp, indicating they’ve been heat-treated and are safe for gardening. Avoid those treated with chemicals.
• Disassemble (if needed): Use a crowbar or saw to carefully dismantle the pallet. Save the usable wooden planks and discard any damaged ones.
• Measure and Plan:

Decide on the size and height of your raised bed.

Lay out the pallet planks according to your chosen dimensions.

Common dimensions for raised beds tend to be 3-4 metres wide by 6-8 metres long.  

  How deep should Raised Beds be?

The depth depends on what you’re intending to grow in your raised beds.

For perennials, creeping veg or fruits, or shrubs you’ll need your soil to be at least 30 cms in depth.

You only need around half that for plants with shallow root systems.

• Assembly: Start building the frame by attaching the planks together at the corners. You can use screws or nails for this. Ensure the corners are square for a stable structure.
• Optional Lining: Consider lining the inside of the bed with a weed barrier to prevent soil from escaping between the planks.
• Place in Position: Put the assembled frame in the desired location for your garden. Ensure the ground is level before placing the bed.

A frequently asked question is: What Do You Put in the Bottom of Raised Beds?

Here’s a useful guide for you to check out.

It’s a good idea to line the bottom of your raised beds to control weeds and keep out burrowing animals. Always remember to consider drainage holes too.

• Fill with Soil: Add your preferred soil mix into the bed, leaving some space at the top for planting.
• You could refer to my post: Use raised beds to easily grow more in your garden. 

Read on to the end of this article to find my volume calculator, so that you can figure out how much soil you’ll need to fill your beds according to their size.

• Planting: Now, the fun part! Start planting your favorite veggies, herbs, or flowers in your new raised bed.

• Maintenance: Regularly check the condition of the pallet wood. If it starts to degrade, reinforce or replace the damaged parts as needed.

Constructing Raised Beds Using Wood

Let’s dive into creating raised beds using wood—a classic choice for gardeners seeking durability and a natural look. Here’s your guide:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Wood planks (cedar, redwood, or treated wood)
• Screws or nails
• Saw
• Drill or hammer
• Corner brackets (optional)

Steps:

• Select Your Wood: Choose durable wood like cedar or redwood that’s naturally resistant to rot. Pressure-treated wood is another option but be cautious with chemicals in the treatment.

Just bear in mind that if you’re growing veggies in your raised bed chemicals could leach into your food.

Not what you want! Boiled linseed is a good, safe treatment.

• Measure and Cut: Decide on the size and height of your bed. Measure and cut the wood planks accordingly. A standard size is 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, but tailor it to your garden space.
• Assemble the Frame: Lay out the cut planks to form the bed’s frame. Use screws or nails to attach the planks at the corners. Consider using corner brackets for added stability.
• Prevent Rot: To prolong the life of your wood, line the inside of the bed with a waterproof barrier or landscape fabric to shield the wood from direct contact with the soil.

Where should you site raised beds?

• You are looking for a flat spot which gets at least 8 hours of sunshine each day. Avoid positioning under trees. Raised beds can be positioned on grass or concrete if required. 
• Fill with Soil: Fill the bed with a nutrient-rich soil mix, leaving some space at the top for planting. Organic matter is the key to producing a high yield. Many gardeners use the lasagne method: stacking compostable materials; and layering compost, newspaper, straw and grass clippings. Over time, all that rots down to create a nutrient-rich environment for your plants.
• Planting: Time to get your hands dirty! Plant your desired vegetables, herbs, or flowers in the raised bed.

Use Galvanized Steel

Ready to add a touch of modern durability to your garden?

Galvanized steel can be used to create extremely attractive raised beds.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting raised beds with galvanized steel:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Galvanized steel sheets or panels
• Bolts or screws
• Drill or screwdriver
• Metal corner brackets (optional)
• Gloves (for handling sharp edges)

Steps:

• Choose Your Steel: Opt for galvanized steel sheets or panels available at hardware stores. Measure and have them cut to your desired dimensions at the store, if possible.
• Design Your Bed: Decide on the size and shape of your raised bed. Consider the dimensions of the steel panels and plan accordingly.
• Assemble Panels: Lay out the steel panels to form the sides of your bed. Use bolts or screws to attach the panels together at the corners. Metal corner brackets can add extra stability.
• Prepare for Safety: Wear gloves while handling the steel to avoid cuts from sharp edges.
• Position the Bed: Move the assembled steel bed to its designated location in the garden. Ensure the ground is level before placing the bed.

• Secure the Bed: If desired, anchor the steel bed by burying the bottom edges slightly or using stakes to prevent shifting.
• Fill with Soil: Fill the bed with a suitable soil mix, leaving space at the top for planting.
• Planting: Now comes the fun part! Plant your favorite flowers, herbs, or vegetables in the raised bed.
• Maintenance: Galvanized steel is highly durable, but check for any signs of rust or corrosion over time. If needed, sand down any rough spots and repaint with a galvanized metal paint. You can expect these raised beds to last upwards of thirty years.

Galvanized steel beds offer a contemporary aesthetic and remarkable durability, making them a fantastic choice for long-term gardening projects. 

Constructing Raised Beds Using Railway Sleepers

All aboard for a sturdy and rustic raised bed! Railway sleepers offer durability and character. Here’s how to create your raised bed using these robust materials:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Railway sleepers (hardwood like oak or tropical wood)
• Screws or bolts
• Drill or screwdriver
• Saw (if needed for cutting sleepers)
• Gloves (for handling rough surfaces)

Steps:

• Select Your Sleepers: Choose hardwood railway sleepers for longevity. Consider used sleepers for a weathered, rustic look or new ones for a cleaner appearance.
• Plan Your Design: Decide on the size and shape of your raised bed. If you’re in need of inspiration, then check out this post for lots of creative ideas: Raised beds with railway sleeper

*Remember, You Can Use the Volume Calculator To Calculate the Volume of Your Raised Bed“

•  Measure and cut the sleepers if necessary to fit your design.
• Lay Out the Base: Lay the sleepers on the ground in the chosen configuration to form the base of your raised bed.
• Assembly: Stack the sleepers to form the walls of your bed, securing them together at the corners with screws or bolts. Ensure the corners are aligned for stability.
• Safety First: Wear gloves while handling the sleepers, as they might have rough surfaces or splinters.
• Position the Bed: Move the assembled sleeper bed to its designated spot in the garden. Ensure the ground is level before placing the bed.

• Secure in Place: If desired, anchor the bed by partially burying the bottom layers or using stakes for stability.
• Fill with Soil: Fill the bed with nutrient-rich soil, leaving some space at the top for planting.
• Planting: Get your greenery ready! Plant your favorite flowers, herbs, or veggies in the raised bed.
• Maintenance: Railway sleepers are robust, but inspect them occasionally for wear. Sand down any rough surfaces or treat them to maintain their appearance.

Railway sleeper beds offer durability and a distinctive look that adds character to any garden. Experiment with stacking patterns or orientations to create a unique design that suits your style. 

Constructing Raised Beds Using Breeze Blocks

Creating raised beds with breeze blocks offers stability and functionality.

They are a great cheap option and provide excellent heat retention.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to constructing a durable raised bed using these blocks:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Breeze blocks
• Mortar 
• Level
• Soil
• Render and masonry paint ( optional)
• Spray paint for marking out on the ground
• Finishing Touches: If you’re not keen on the look of the breeze blocks, you can make them look more attractive by covering the outside with render and then painting with masonry paint. 

Constructing Raised Beds Using Plastic

Creating raised beds with plastic is a cost-effective and lightweight option. If you choose the products I recommend, you will find they are quick, versatile and easy to assemble. No string or mortar required!

It’s smart, it’s hard-wearing and can be stacked up to reach any height you may wish- so ideal for wheelchair users or people like me with dodgy backs.

Assembly is super simple, and the instructions are all in the pack.

Recycled Plastic: If you’re unhappy about using plastic, then there are recycled plastic options for raised beds.

Use Recycled Materials

Let’s get creative and eco-friendly with recycled materials for your raised bed! 

Need some inspiration?

Here’s a video for you with 15 ideas for creating raised beds from recycled materials: 15 Recycled DIY Raised Garden Bed Ideas That Are Super Budget-Friendly

Materials You Might Use:

• Tyres
• Barrels
• Wooden crates
• Bathtubs or sinks
• Stock tanks ( tanks for feeding animals)

Steps:

Well, you’re free-styling here, so I’ll let your creative juices go wild! Just a few tips to consider: 

• Make sure whatever containers you choose are clean and free from contaminants- especially tyres. I wouldn’t recommend growing food in tyres because of possible toxins.
• If you’re using barrels, you may wish to cut them in half lengthwise.

Adequate Drainage is Essential

• Ensure adequate drainage by drilling holes in the bottom of containers to prevent waterlogging.
• Lining (if necessary): Consider using a barrier-like landscape fabric inside the containers to prevent soil from escaping through gaps.
• Fill with Soil: Fill your repurposed containers or structures with a nutrient-rich soil mix, leaving room at the top for planting.

Constructing Raised Beds Using Bricks

Bricks are a popular and excellent material to use for constructing raised beds.

Not only are they hard-wearing and long-lasting, but they can add real character to your garden hard-landscaping.

 Building materials can work out pretty expensive these days.

However, if you’ve set your heart on creating raised beds using bricks but are worried about the cost, don’t rule out the idea.

There are several options available where you can find cheap, or even free, bricks for your project.

Try reclamation yards, Facebook Marketplace, or Gumtree.

Building a raised bed using bricks is more than a weekend job!

You’ll need to lay hardcore, ensure it’s level, install drainage, and concrete your level base before you so much as lay a brick. 

If you are a handy sort of person, then go ahead with the project and create beautiful and hard-wearing raised beds.

They will need very little maintenance and will make a very attractive and productive feature in your garden. 

If you’re not daunted by the idea of some hard manual labour, then I would recommend watching this video to guide you through the process of using bricks to construct your raised beds.

Raised Bed Soil Volume Calculator

Here’s that volume calculator I promised you.

Just enter the dimensions of your raised bed and it will calculate how much soil you will need to fill it:

Further Reading

Here are some other posts that you may want to check out on the topic of raised beds:

–What is the Best Soil for Raised Beds?

–How To Prepare Your Raised Beds for Spring

–Use Raised Beds To Easily Grow More In Your Garden

Conclusion

I hope that you’ve found my article helpful in clarifying your thoughts about the best materials to create raised beds.

I’d love to think that I have gone some way to creating some attractive and productive raised beds in your garden.

Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains links to affiliate products. Should you click on any of my links and make a purchase, then I will receive a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you but will go some way towards funding my expensive coffee habit, for which I will be forever in your debt.