Looking to build a raised garden bed that lasts? Cedar is the most recommended wood due to its natural rot resistance, safety for vegetables, and long lifespan. It’s not the only wood for raised garden bed construction, though. While cedar is the top choice, it may also be helpful to compare other woods to find what works best for your garden bed based on your budget and other factors.
The following guide offers tons of helpful info on the best wood for raised garden beds, including what your options are and their pros and cons. We’ll also make sure you know which wood types to avoid completely and how to make your raised bed last longer for years of enjoyment!
What to Consider When Choosing Wood for Raised Beds
Wondering what kind of wood should I use for a raised garden bed? The answer depends on several factors, from how long it lasts to what your local climate is like. Let’s go through the most important factors to think about when choosing the best wood for raised beds.
Rot Resistance and Durability
Wooden raised garden beds are exposed to all kinds of hazards — bugs, rain, heat and cold, etc. Some types of wood, especially when they’re untreated, might develop wood rot or other problems that lead to a short lifespan.
Durable woods can last for a decade or more, making them a great long-term investment for your garden. The most durable are hardy enough to handle rainy weather and other elements.
Safety for Vegetable Gardening
Planning to grow vegetables? Choosing the best wood for planter box or raised garden means taking toxicity concerns into consideration. You’ll want to pick a wood type that’s food-safe, so you can enjoy the vegetables you harvest.
Appearance and Cost
Aesthetics play a role in selecting the right wood. Some types of untreated wood might have a dull look, while others have a rich appearance that gives your garden added appeal.
Working with a budget? Different kinds of wood vary widely in how much they cost, but note that cheaper wood can come with drawbacks, like a shorter lifespan.
Availability
Many wood types used for raised beds are readily available, like pine and cedar. Other types aren’t as easy to come by, such as mahogany and certain kinds of oak. Lower availability tends to come with higher costs.
Sustainability
Looking for eco-friendly options for your garden? Recycled wood is sustainable — but for safety reasons, make sure you know its source. Look for wood that’s FSC-certified, indicating that it meets the Forest Stewardship Council’s environmental standards.
Regional Considerations and Climate
Consider climate and weather factors in your area, such as how humid it gets and how much temperatures fluctuate throughout the year. More humid climates require wood that’s rot-resistant.
Top Wood Types for Raised Garden Beds (Pros and Cons)
When building a raised garden bed, these are some of the common wood types used.
| Wood Type | Durability | Cost | Safety |
| Cedar | Long-lasting, rot-resistant | High | No chemicals if untreated |
| Redwood | Long-lasting, rot-resistant | High | No chemicals if untreated |
| Douglas fir | Moderate lifespan | Low | No chemicals if untreated |
| Pine | Shorter lifespan | Low | Safe if untreated, leaching concerns if pressure-treated |
| Composite/recycled wood | Long-lasting, rot-resistant | Low | Depends on recycled wood source, composite wood contains plastic that can break down |
Cedar
As the best wood for garden beds, cedar offers a great combination of aesthetic appeal and durability. It’s also a non-toxic wood for growing vegetables.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Naturally resistant to rot and bugs
- Food-safe due to non-toxicity
Cons:
- Higher prices
- Less durable in humid climates due to lower density
- Might affect soil pH, making it more acidic
Redwood
This naturally beautiful wood gives raised bed gardens a lot of visual appeal. It’s also known for lasting decades with proper care.
Pros:
- Durable
- Aesthetic appeal
- Resistant to insects and rot
Cons:
- Higher prices
- More limited availability in the eastern U.S.
- Sustainability concerns
Douglas Fir
Douglas fir is a great option if you’re looking to keep costs low for your garden bed materials. It doesn’t have the lifespan and durability of more expensive woods, though.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Good for short-term use
- Food-safe if untreated
Cons:
- Turns grayish, affecting aesthetic appeal
- Less resistant to wood rot
- Shorter lifespan
Pine
Pine can be a good lumber for raised beds where cost is a main concern. Its widespread availability and ease of use also make it a commonly used type for gardening beds.
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Easy to handle
- Widely available
- Food-safe if untreated
Cons:
- Short lifespan unless treated
- Toxicity concerns if treated
- More prone to wood rot
Composite/recycled wood
Composite wood made from recycled wood and plastics or other materials offers an eco-friendly option for raised garden beds. However, there are some concerns about its food safety.
Pros:
- Low-maintenance
- Good weather resistance
- Long-lasting and durable
Cons:
- Not always food-safe
- May buckle
- Sometimes higher priced
We’ve gone over some common woods that are used for raised garden beds. Now let’s see what experienced gardeners have to say!
What Real Gardeners Recommend
Gardeners with firsthand experience building raised garden beds have plenty to say about which types of wood to use. They overwhelmingly recommend using untreated cedar if possible and avoiding pressure-treated wood.
Go with untreated cedar. My local lumbar yard sells “ugly” cedar planks for cheap just for this occasion. My cedar beds are going on 7 years (in the rainy PNW) and they still work great.
I would avoid pressure treated wood just on principle. White Cedar, Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar are naturally rot resistant and readily available, but def higher in price than ‘regular lumber’ spruce/pine/fir. The latter will only last a few years but will be significantly less cost up front.
Now, let’s take some time to discuss the use of pressure-treated wood for raised beds.
Should You Use Pressure-Treated Wood for Raised Garden Beds?
Is treated lumber ok for raised garden beds? Some types can be used safely for building a pressure-treated wood vegetable garden. Others shouldn’t be used due to chemical leaching.
Old vs. New Chemicals
Older pieces of pressure-treated wood may contain creosote and wood preservatives with arsenic, making them unsafe to use when you’re growing food. Newer applications for this wood contain low levels of copper. The main concern with treated wood for raised beds is that chemicals might leach into the soil and contaminate crops.
Organic Gardening
The USDA hasn’t approved pressure-treated wood for use in growing certified organic foods, but this wood is considered safe in general for vegetable gardens. If you’re planning an organic raised bed wood garden, choose untreated wood rather than pressure-treated.
Safety When Using Pressure-Treated Wood
You can use treated lumber for raised beds if you take a couple of precautions:
- Never use older pressure-treated wood that might have creosote or arsenic
- Place a liner in your bed as a barrier between your soil and the surrounding wood
So, it’s sometimes ok to use pressure-treated wood for raised vegetable gardens. We’ll now go over which wood types to never use.
Wood Types to Avoid in Raised Beds
What wood should not be used in a raised garden bed? Avoid using any of the following when building your bed:
- Railroad ties, creosote-treated wood, and other toxic woods
- Pallets with an MB stamp
- Untreated, rot-prone pine in wet climates
You know which woods to avoid now, so let’s focus on ways you can make your raised garden bed last a long time.
How to Make Your Raised Bed Last Longer
How do you keep a wood raised bed from rotting? Ideally, go with cedar, redwood, or another wood type that’s naturally resistant to rot. But if you’re planning to use wood that’s more budget-friendly, like untreated pine or Douglas fir, follow these tips:
- Use a liner or apply food-safe sealant
- Place cardboard or gravel at the bottom for proper drainage
- Elevate the frame slightly to keep it away from damp or wet ground
How long will untreated wood last in raised beds? Pine and other softwood types might only last a few years. But redwood, cedar, and other hardwoods can last for more than a decade. Other factors can affect lifespan, too, like climate and moisture.
Now that you’ve learned how to make the most of your raised bed, it’s time to think about dimensions.
What Size and Thickness Should the Wood Be?
What size wood for raised garden bed should you get?
- 2×6 or 2×8 for standard garden beds
- 2×4 for shorter garden beds
- 4×4 for square beds
- 4×4 for corner posts to improve stability and support the sides of your garden
Recommended dimensions for your raised garden bed include:
- Depth: 12-inch minimum, 16 to 18 inches for some plants
- Width: 3 to 4 feet for beds with access on all sides, 2 to 2.5 feet for beds with access on one side
How thick should the wood be for a raised garden bed?
- 1-inch boards: Cost less and are usually easier to work with but not as sturdy
- 2-inch boards: Offer better stability but cost more and may be harder to work with
Now that we’ve gone over recommended dimensions, it’s time to wrap things up so you can choose a wood type and start building your garden!
Summary: What Wood Should You Choose?
While experts recommend cedar overall, the best wood choice for you may depend on other factors, like aesthetics or your budget. Here’s a breakdown of which wood to choose for different features and factors.
| Feature | Best Wood Type | Tips |
| Best Overall | Cedar | Safe, long-lasting, naturally rot-resistant |
| Best for Your Budget | Pine, Douglas Fir | Use lining or seal for longer life, untreated is food-safe |
| Longest Lifespan | Redwood | Rich tones, high durability, but costs more |
| Do Not Use | Creosote-treated wood, railroad ties, MB-stamped pallets, recycled wood from unknown sources | Might leach toxic chemicals into soil, not food-safe |
| Treated Wood Safety | Modern pressure-treated wood | Avoid or use barrier if unknown, check local building codes |
| Ideal Thickness per Board | 2 inches | Offers long-term usage, more stable |
| Recommended Height | 12 to 24 inches | Easier accessibility and root crops need deeper beds |
| Pro Tip | Place gravel or liner in bed to prevent wood rot and ensure good drainage | Extends lifespan by 1 to 2 years |
Bonus tip: Sometimes, the best wood is what you already have. Just make sure it’s untreated, rot-resistant, and safe for growing food.
Whether you prefer cedar’s durability, redwood’s beauty, or pine’s affordability, choose the type that works best for building your ideal raised bed garden.
FAQs: Wood for Raised Beds
- What is the cheapest wood for raised garden beds?
Pine typically has the lowest prices, though it’s important to consider its drawbacks. - What is the safest material for raised garden beds?
Cedar and redwood both offer food-safe, non-toxic options for vegetable gardens. - Is it cheaper to build or buy a raised bed?
Building your own is often more cost-effective, depending on the type of wood you choose. - How deep should a garden bed be?
It should be at least 12 inches deep, but you might want to aim for 16 to 18 inches for growing root vegetables. - What should you not put in a raised bed?
Don’t plant vegetables that will end up getting too big for your garden bed, such as corn. Avoid invasive plants, too. - What is the longest lasting wood for raised garden beds?
Redwood has a long lifespan, making it a great choice for gardening beds.
