Wooden Raised Plant Bed

Grow flowers or vegetables in style with this new take on an old classic.

Photography by Brian Francis

Wooden Raised Plant Bed
General Instructions

Cut and label the parts as needed, using the Cut List and Cutting Diagram as guides and adjusting for fit.

Step-by-Step
  1. Create the end and side board assemblies.
    • Apply construction adhesive to the face of two (01) end boards, and attach them using 1 1/4-inch screws. Repeat for the remaining (01) end boards to create a total of four end board assemblies.
    • Follow Step 1a using the (02) side boards to create a total of four side board assemblies.
  2. Build the end/post assemblies.
    • Using 2 1/2-inch screws, attach one end board assembly to two (03) posts, 3 inches down from the top and flush with the outside edge of the (03) posts (see Figure 1).
    • Position a second set end board assembly directly beneath the first, and attach it to the (03) posts with 2 1/2-inch screws.
    • Repeat Steps 2a–b to create a second end/post assembly.
  3. Attach the side board assemblies and trim.
    • Using 2 1/2-inch screws, attach one side board assembly to two (03) posts, 3 inches down from the top of the (03) posts. Make sure the end of the side board assembly is flush with the outside face of the end board assembly. Then, using the same method, attach a second side board assembly directly beneath the first (see Figure 2).
    • Repeat Step 3a for the remaining side board assemblies.
    • Scribe to fit and position the (04) end trim on top of the end board assemblies (see Figure 3). Mark the (04) end trim where it meets the corner of each (03) post. Miter cut the (04) end trim pieces, and attach them to the tops of the end board assemblies with construction adhesive and 1 1/4-inch screws.
    • Scribe to fit, position, and attach the (05) side trim on top of the side board assemblies following the method outlined in Step 3c.
  4. Apply finishing touches.
    • Sand, and apply a solid-color stain.
    • Attach post caps to the tops of the (03) posts with construction adhesive (see Figure 4). Allow to cure.
  5. Position the plant bed.
    • Place the completed project in the desired location, and mark the position of the (03) posts in the soil.
    • Using a posthole digger, create 6-inch-deep holes for the (03) posts.
    • Place the (03) posts in the holes, adjusting the depth as needed.
  6. Add landscape cloth and soil.
    • Cut landscape cloth to size for the inside of the planter, making notches for the (03) posts.
    • Fill the planter with soil.
Illustration

Wooden Raised Plant Bed

Cut List
Part Material Size (in inches) Quantity
(01) end boards 1 x 6 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 46 1/2 8
(02) side boards 1 x 6 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 92 8
(03) posts ChoiceDek post 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 20 4
(04) end trim 1 x 6 3/4 x 2 x 49* 2
(05) side trim 1 x 6 3/4 x 2 x 93* 2

*Length from long point to long point.

Finished Dimensions

Height: 22 3/8 inches
Width: 49 inches
Length: 93 inches

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Project Details
Skillset: Intermediate
Lumber *
  • 14 Boards, 1 X 6 X 8
  • 2 Choicedek Posts, 4 1/2- X 4 1/2- X 54-Inch
Hardware and Supplies
  • 4 Copper Post Caps, 5- X 5-Inch
  • 1 Box (1 1/4-Inch) Coated Screws
  • 1 Box (2 1/2-Inch) Composite Screws
  • Construction Adhesive (Power Grab)
  • Landscape Fabric
  • 1 Gallon Of Stain (Cabot Pro.V.T. Solid Color Acrylic Stain, Redwood)
Tools
  • Circular Saw With A Straightedge Guide
  • Circular Saw With A Straightedge Guide
  • Miter Saw (Or Handsaw With Miter Box)
  • Power Sander And Various Grits Of Sandpaper
  • Drill/Driver With Bits
  • Posthole Digger
  • Tape Measure
  • Paintbrush Or Roller
  • Scissors
  • Pencil

*Availability varies by market.

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