Best raised beds

Robmarston · May 2019

I want to build some raised beds and I’ve been looking online at packs for ease and also at sleepers and boards to self-build. It all seems very expensive to build the 5 beds I want. What is the best and cheapest way to make raised beds and what’s the best material to use? As these will also be in the garden I don’t want them to be too unsightly. I would also like them to be over a foot deep. Comments, ideas and advice all greatly appreciated.

Mr. Vine Eye · May 2019

When we moved in to our house, the previous owners had left raised beds made using pre-treated decking boards. You can get those quite cheap from places like The Range and B&M.

I think they looked fine - If I'd intended to keep them I would have painted the outside of the boards to brighten them up a bit.

barry island · May 2019

I haven't priced it up but I always wonder if concrete blocks might make a good material for raised beds, they would last much longer than any wood could and be stronger. I don't know how many blocks it would take but they can be purchased for less than £2 each.

DampGardenMan · May 2019

barry island said:

I haven't priced it up but I always wonder if concrete blocks might make a good material for raised beds, they would last much longer than any wood could and be stronger. I don't know how many blocks it would take but they can be purchased for less than £2 each.

Get a pallet load and you can probably get them for around a pound each. But I think wood frames look better, though definitely not as durable. I'm still humming and hahing about how to make a raised bed for OH's herbs. It'll probably be tanalised wood, though I do worry slightly about the chemicals despite some organic organisation saying "it's OK". Given more money I'd do it with untreated oak sleepers.

Best raised beds

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