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Using wood for raised garden beds offers a range of benefits, including improved drainage, soil quality, and pest control. Wood blends in with outdoor surroundings, and is easy to work with, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. However, not all woods are the same. Selecting the right wood for your raised garden bed is essential to ensure its longevity and efficiency.
If you are considering building a raised garden bed, the type of wood you choose is crucial.
As you search for the perfect wood for your raised garden bed, it is necessary to consider factors such as cost, durability, resistance to rot and insects, and environmental impact.
Selecting the right wood for your raised garden bed gives you a sustainable and long-lasting gardening structure that brings beauty and productivity to your outdoor space.
In this blog post, we will explore the 11 best types of wood for raised garden beds, based on factors such as budget, durability, and more.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Wood for Raised Garden Beds

When choosing wood for your garden beds, there are important factors to consider to ensure that you make the best choice for your needs.
Here are three key factors to keep in mind when selecting wood for garden beds:
- Budget: The cost of wood can vary widely depending on the type of wood, its availability, and its quality. Consider your budget and weigh the cost of different types of wood against their benefits and drawbacks.
- Durability, resistance to rot, pests, and weather: The type of wood you choose should be able to resist rot, pests, and weather damage. Certain types of wood, such as cedar and redwood, are naturally resistant to these factors, making them a popular choice for garden beds. Garden beds are exposed to adverse conditions and can be subject to wear and tear over time. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a type of wood that is durable and can withstand exposure to moisture, insects, and weather.
- Sustainability: Many people prefer to choose the wood that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Also consider the source of the wood, whether it is harvested responsibly, and whether it has been treated with chemicals or other harmful substances.
- Mobility: If you plan on moving your raised garden bed around your yard or garden, go for lighter wood.
- Soil Capacity: Heavy wood can support more soil, which can be beneficial for deep-rooted plants. However, if you are not planning on growing plants with deep roots, lighter-weight wood can still support a sufficient amount of soil.
What are the best woods for raised bed garden?

- Cedar
- Redwood
- Douglas Fir
- Hemlock
- Pine
- Spruce
- Oak
- Cypress
- Black Locust wood
- Black Walnut wood
- Juniper
1. Cedar (Best overall wood for raised garden beds)

Cedar is a type of softwood that comes from the family of evergreen trees. It is known for its distinctive aroma, which comes from natural oils that help to preserve the wood.
Cedar is also resistant to decay, insects, and fungal growth, making it a popular choice for outdoor applications.
Benefits (Pros) of using Cedar for Raised Garden Beds
- Durability: Cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insects, which means it can last for many years without needing to be replaced.
- Low Maintenance: Cedar requires very little maintenance, and it doesn’t need to be treated with chemicals to maintain its resistance to decay and insects.
- Aesthetics: Cedar has a natural, rustic look that can complement any garden or landscape.
- Rot-Resistance: Cedar’s natural oils make it highly resistant to rot and decay, which is crucial in a damp environment like a garden.
- Non-Toxic: Cedar is a natural, non-toxic material, making it safe for growing vegetables and other edible plants.
Potential Drawbacks (Cons) of Using Cedar for your raised Garden Bed projects
- Cost: Cedar is generally more expensive than other types of wood, so it may not be the most cost-effective option.
- Availability: Cedar may not be as widely available as other types of wood, which can make it more difficult to source.
Cedar Recommended Uses and Climates
Cedar is an excellent choice for raised garden beds in all climates. Although, it is mostly used in damp environments where rot and decay are more likely to occur. This is because of its strong resistance to decay. It is also a good choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, natural-looking material that is safe for growing edible plants. Cedar is best used for raised garden beds, outdoor furniture, and other outdoor structures.
2. Redwood
Redwood is a type of softwood that is native to the western coast of North America. It is known for its reddish-brown colour and straight, uniform grain. Redwood is also naturally resistant to decay, insects, and fire, making it a popular choice for outdoor applications.
Benefits (Pros) of using Redwood for Raised Garden Beds
- Durability: Redwood is a highly durable wood naturally resistant to decay and insects.
- Low Maintenance: Redwood also needs very little maintenance. Treating with chemicals is good and improves its strength but it can do well without that.
- Aesthetics: Redwood has a warm, natural look that can complement any garden or landscape.
- Rot-Resistance: Redwood’s natural oils make it highly resistant to rot and decay, which is crucial in a damp environment like a garden.
- Eco-Friendly: Redwood is a renewable resource that is harvested from sustainable forests, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Potential (Cons) Drawbacks of Redwood
- Cost: Redwood is also an expensive option but not very expensive.
- Availability: Redwood is not very available as other kinds of wood.
Redwood Recommended Uses and Climates
Redwood is good for raised garden beds in all climates, but it is well-suited to dry and mild environments.
3. Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir, also known as Pseudotsuga menziesii, is a popular choice for constructing raised garden beds due to its numerous benefits. It is a dense, strong, and durable softwood that is native to the western United States and Canada. It has a straight grain and a warm reddish-brown colour that can range from pale yellow to deep red. Douglas Fir wood is known for its resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage.
Benefits (Pros) of using Douglas Fir Wood for raised garden beds
- Durable: One of the main benefits of using Douglas Fir for raised garden beds is its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage. It can withstand moisture and damp soil conditions without deteriorating quickly, making it a long-lasting and durable material for garden beds.
- Affordable: Douglas Fir is relatively affordable and widely available, making it a cost-effective option for gardeners. It is also easy to work with, as it can be cut and shaped easily, making it a popular choice for DIY garden bed projects.
Potential drawbacks (Cons) of Douglas Fir Wood for Raised Garden Beds
- Prone to Scratch: it can dent and scratch easily, and it may not hold up as well as hardwoods in extreme weather conditions.
- Allergic Tendencies: some people may be allergic to the natural oils in Douglas Fir wood, which can cause skin irritation.
Recommended uses and climates
Douglas Fir does very well in most climates, as it can withstand moisture and damp conditions. However, it may not be the best choice for extremely hot or dry climates, as the wood may dry out and become brittle.
4. Cypress Wood
Cypress is a type of wood that is known for its durability and resistance to rot and decay. It is an evergreen conifer tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall and has a reddish-brown colour with a straight grain pattern. Cypress wood is also known for its natural oils that make it resistant to insect infestations and fungal decay.
Benefits (Pros) of using Cypress Wood for Raised Garden Beds
Cypress is a popular choice for raised garden beds because of its many benefits, including:
- Durability: Cypress wood is naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insect damage, making it a durable option for raised garden beds.
- Longevity: Cypress wood can last for many years with proper maintenance, making it a cost-effective choice for gardeners.
- Aesthetics: Cypress has a beautiful reddish-brown colour and a straight grain pattern, which can add an attractive natural look to your garden.
- Sustainability: Cypress is a sustainable wood option since it grows quickly, and it is widely available in many regions.
Potential Drawbacks (Cons) of Cypress
Although cypress has many benefits for raised garden beds, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider, including:
- Cost: Cypress wood can be more expensive than some other types of wood, such as pine or cedar.
- Availability: Cypress may not be available in all areas, which can make it difficult to source.
- Environmental concerns: While cypress is considered a sustainable wood option, there are some concerns about the impact of logging on cypress forests and the ecosystems they support. This highlights the difficulty in its availability.
Cypress Recommended Uses and Climates
Cypress is an excellent choice for raised garden beds, but it may not be the best option for all climates. It is best suited for warm and humid climates, where it can thrive and maintain the natural oils that help protect it from decay and insect damage.
5. Hemlock
Hemlock is a coniferous tree species native to North America. It is known for its attractive red-brown colour, straight grain, and fine texture. Hemlock is a softwood that is easy to work with, making it a popular choice for construction and woodworking projects.
Benefits (Pros) of using hemlock for raised garden beds
- Durability: Hemlock is an excellent choice for raised garden beds due to its natural resistance to rot and decay.
- Affordable and Sustainable: hemlock is an affordable and sustainable choice, as it is a fast-growing species that is abundant in many regions.
Potential drawbacks (Cons) of using hemlock for raised garden beds
- Tendency to splinter: One of the main concerns with hemlock is its tendency to splinter, which can be a hazard for those handling the wood.
Hemlock Recommended uses and climates:
Hemlock is particularly well-suited for use in humid or wet climates, where other woods may be prone to rotting.
6. Pine
Pine is a softwood tree species that is widely distributed throughout the world. It is known for its light colour, straight grain, and knotty appearance. Pine is a lightweight wood that is easy to work with, making it a popular choice for construction and woodworking projects.
Benefits (Pros) of using pine for raised garden beds
- Affordability and availability: Pine is an excellent choice for raised garden beds due to its affordability and availability.
- lightweight: It is also a lightweight wood, making it easy to move and install.
- Durability and Insect Resistant: Pine is also naturally resistant to decay and insects, which makes it a good choice for outdoor applications.
Potential drawbacks (Cons) of Using Pine for Raised Garden Beds
- Warping and Twisitng: One of the main concerns with pine is its tendency to warp and twist over time, which can be problematic for garden bed construction.
Recommended uses and climates
It is better for use in dry climates, where it may be less prone to warping and twisting.
7. Spruce
Spruce is a type of softwood that is commonly found in colder climates such as Canada, Scandinavia, and Russia. It has a light colour with a straight grain pattern and a smooth texture. Spruce is a relatively lightweight wood that is easy to work with, making it a popular choice for a variety of construction projects.
Benefits (Pros) of using spruce for raised garden beds:
- Affordable: Spruce is a cost-effective option for building raised garden beds, making it a great choice for gardeners on a budget.
- Natural resistance to decay: Spruce has a natural resistance to decay, which means that it can last longer than other types of softwoods when used in outdoor settings.
- Easy to work with: Spruce is a relatively lightweight wood that is easy to cut, drill, and shape, making it an ideal material for DIY projects.
- Sustainable: Spruce is a renewable resource that is grown and harvested responsibly, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Potential drawbacks (Cons) of Using spruce
- Not as durable as hardwoods: While spruce is naturally resistant to decay, it is not as durable as hardwoods such as cedar or redwood. This means that it may need to be replaced more frequently than other types of wood.
- Requires maintenance: Like any other type of wood, spruce requires maintenance to keep it in good condition. This may include sealing or staining the wood to protect it from the elements.
Spruce Recommended uses and climates
It is not the best choice for areas with high moisture levels or extreme weather conditions, as it is not as durable as other types of wood.
8. Juniper
Juniper is a type of hardwood that is known for its durability and strength. It is a slow-growing tree that typically grows in dry, rocky environments. Juniper wood is known for its natural resistance to decay and rot, making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture, decks, and raised garden beds.
Benefits of using Juniper for Raised Garden Beds
There are several benefits to using juniper for raised garden beds:
- Durability: Juniper wood is naturally resistant to rot and decay, making it a great choice for outdoor use.
- Aesthetics: Juniper has a beautiful natural grain pattern and a warm, rich colour that looks great in any garden setting.
- Sustainability: Juniper trees are slow-growing, but they are abundant in many regions of the world. Using juniper wood for garden beds is a sustainable choice that reduces the need for more traditional materials, like treated lumber.
- Low Maintenance: Juniper requires very little maintenance, which makes it a great choice for busy gardeners who don’t have time to constantly tend to their beds.
Potential Drawbacks of Juniper
While there are many benefits to using juniper for raised garden beds, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Cost: Juniper is not as widely available as other types of lumber, which can make it more expensive to use.
- Hardness: Juniper wood is very hard, which can make it difficult to work with. This can be a challenge for DIY gardeners who want to build their beds.
Juniper Recommended Uses and Climates
Juniper is a great choice for raised garden beds in a variety of climates, but it is especially well-suited for dry, arid regions where other types of wood might not hold up as well.
9. Oak Wood
Oak is a strong and durable hardwood that is commonly used in construction and furniture making. It is known for its dense, tight grain, which makes it resistant to rot, insects, and weathering. Oak is available in two main varieties: red oak and white oak. White oak is denser and more water-resistant than red oak, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use.
Benefits of using oak for raised garden beds
- durability: Oak can last for decades, even in harsh outdoor conditions, and requires minimal maintenance. This makes it a cost-effective choice in the long run, as you won’t need to replace your garden beds frequently. Additionally, oak is naturally resistant to rot and insects, which can help protect your plants from damage.
- Aesthetics: Oak has a beautiful, natural grain pattern that can add visual interest to your garden. It also ages well, developing a weathered, rustic look over time.
Potential drawbacks of oak
- cost: Oak is a premium hardwood, so it can be more expensive than other options. However, as mentioned above, its durability can make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
- weight: Oak is a dense hardwood, which can make it difficult to move and position your garden beds. If you plan to move your garden beds frequently, consider lighter wood.
Oak Recommended uses and climates
Oak is a versatile wood that can be used in a variety of garden bed designs, including raised beds, planter boxes, and retaining walls. It is well-suited for outdoor use and can withstand a range of climates, from hot and dry to cold and wet.
10. Black Locust wood
The black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a durable and rot-resistant hardwood species native to North America. The wood has a beautiful golden-brown colour and a fine, tight grain. It is known for its strength and durability, making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture, decking, and raised garden beds.
Benefits of using Locust Wood for Raised Garden Beds
- Durability: Black locust wood is naturally rot-resistant and can last up to 50 years, making it an ideal material for raised garden beds that need to withstand outdoor weather conditions.
- Chemical-free: Unlike pressure-treated lumber, which contains chemicals that can leach into the soil, black locust is a natural, chemical-free option for gardeners who want to grow organic produce.
- Aesthetically pleasing: The warm golden-brown colour of black locust wood adds an attractive natural element to any garden.
Potential Drawbacks of Locust
- Hardness: Black locust wood is very hard, making it difficult to work with hand tools. It may require special tools or professional help to cut and shape the wood.
- Availability: Black locust is not as available as other types of wood, which makes them harder to find and expensive.
- Environmental concerns: Although the black locust is a native species, some environmentalists argue that planting it for commercial purposes could lead to it becoming invasive in some regions.
Recommended Uses and Climates
Black locust wood is a great choice for raised garden beds, it can also be used for outdoor furniture, decking, and other outdoor projects. It is best suited for temperate climates with moderate rainfall. It may not be the best choice for areas with extreme temperature fluctuations or high humidity.
11. Black Walnut Wood
Black Walnut wood is a hardwood with a rich, dark brown colour that varies in hue from light to chocolate brown. It has a tight grain pattern and a smooth texture, making it an attractive option for outdoor furniture, decking, and garden beds.
Benefits of using Black Walnut wood for raised garden beds
- Durability: One of the main benefits of using Black Walnut wood for raised garden beds is its natural resistance to decay and insects. The wood can withstand harsh outdoor elements without the need for chemical treatments.
- Aesthetics: The rich colour and unique grain patterns of this wood can add an attractive, rustic look to your garden. Black Walnut wood is also a dense and heavy material, which provides excellent stability and support for raised garden beds.
Potential drawbacks of Black Walnut wood
- Cost: One of the main drawbacks is its cost. Black Walnut wood is a premium hardwood that can be more expensive than other types of wood.
- Availability: It can be difficult to find Black Walnut wood in certain areas, which can make it harder to obtain.
- Toxicity: Another potential drawback of Black Walnut wood is its natural toxicity. The wood contains a chemical called juglone, which can be toxic to some plants. This means that Black Walnut wood should not be used to make garden beds for plants that are sensitive to juglone, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers.
Recommended uses and climates
Black Walnut wood is recommended for raised garden beds in areas with moderate to high rainfall and humidity. Black Walnut wood is also a good choice for areas with harsh winters, as it can withstand freezing temperatures and snow.
Conclusion: Best Wood Choice for Raised Garden Beds.
Picking the right wood for your raised bed gardening DIY project ensures a long-lasting and successful garden. These 11 kinds of wood offer a variety of options for budget, durability, and more for raised garden beds. From the affordable and sustainable option of hemlock to the classic choice of cedar, each wood has its unique qualities to offer.
No matter which wood you choose, consider factors such as rot resistance, insect resistance, and overall durability when making your selection. Take into account your local climate and environmental conditions to ensure the best possible outcome for your garden.
Overall, we recommend Cedar as the right wood for raised bed gardening. We’ve now equipped you with the knowledge you need. This will help you make decisions and create a beautiful and productive garden using the best wood for raised bed gardening.
How thick should the wood be for a raised garden bed?
The thickness of the wood for a raised garden bed depends on some factors. The type of wood you are using, the height of the raised bed, and the weight of the soil.
Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- For most types of wood, a thickness of 1 inch (2.5 cm) is sufficient for raised garden beds that are 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) high.
- If you are using heavier wood such as cedar or redwood, you can use a slightly thinner thickness of ¾ inch (1.9 cm) for the same height as the raised bed.
- For a raised garden bed higher than 18 inches (45 cm), consider using thicker wood to provide more stability and support.
- If you are using pressure-treated wood, which can release chemicals into the soil, it is recommended to use a thickness of at least 2 inches (5 cm) to help prevent the chemicals from leaching into the soil.
Can you use treated wood for raised garden beds?
Chemically treated wood to resist rot, insects, and decay, should not be used for raised garden beds. Chemicals in the treated wood can leach into the soil and potentially harm the plants and the people consuming them.
What is the best material for the bottom of a raised garden bed?
The best material for the bottom of a raised garden bed depends on the type of soil in your garden and the drainage needs of your plants.
- Landscape Fabric: A layer of landscape fabric can be placed at the bottom of a raised garden bed to prevent weeds from growing up into the bed. However, landscape fabric can impede drainage if it is too tightly woven.
- Gravel or Rocks: Placing a layer of gravel or rocks at the bottom of the raised garden bed helps improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. This is helpful if your soil has a high clay content.
- Fine Sand: Sand can also be used at the bottom of a raised garden bed to improve drainage, but it should be mixed with the soil above it to prevent it from forming a clump that impedes water movement.
- Nothing: Some gardeners prefer to leave the bottom of their raised garden beds open to the ground to allow for natural drainage and the infiltration of beneficial microorganisms.
What is the cheapest wood for raised garden beds?
Pine is the cheapest type of wood used for building raised garden beds. It is readily available, lightweight, and easy to work with.
Although, pine is not as durable as other types of wood such as cedar or redwood, and it may need to be replaced more frequently. Pine can also be more prone to rot and decay over time, especially if it is in contact with moist soil.
What is the safest material to use for raised garden beds?
The safest wood material to use for raised garden beds is untreated natural cedar, redwood and pine. These types of wood are free from chemical treatments that can leach into the soil.