What Are the 10 Best Woods for Raised Garden Beds?
The best wood for raised garden beds is one that is durable, resistant to rot and insects, and doesn't contain harmful chemicals. While the following 10 types of wood have varying levels of these features, they are all known for being a good option. Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of each as well as a list of the types of wood you should avoid when building a raised garden bed.
If you know more about a specific type of wood, use the links below to jump to that section.
Also, if you live in Iowa, Illinois, or Missouri, you may be interested in buying your wood from us at Monk Creek Woodworks. We currently stock black locust, Douglas fir (up to 20’ boards with no chemicals), white oak, and yellow pine.
What Lumber Dimensions Should You Buy for Raised Garden Beds?
The dimensions for raised garden bed lumber can vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. However, a common dimension for raised garden bed lumber is 2 inches thick and 6 inches wide. The length of the lumber will depend on the size of the raised bed you are building.
Another common dimension for raised garden bed lumber is 1 inch thick and 8 inches wide. This size is often used for smaller raised beds or for creating garden borders.
Ultimately, the dimensions you choose will depend on the size of your raised bed, the type of wood you are using, and your personal preferences. It's important to make sure the lumber is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the soil and plants and that the height of the bed is appropriate for the types of plants you want to grow.
What to Consider When Buying Wood for Your Raised Garden Bed
When choosing a wood for raised bed, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:
- Durability: The wood should be able to withstand constant exposure to moisture and soil without rotting or deteriorating quickly.
- Resistance to decay and insects: The wood should have natural resistance to decay and insect damage to prevent the need for frequent maintenance and replacement.
- Safety: The wood should not leach toxic chemicals into the soil that can harm plants or humans.
- Sustainability: The wood should come from sustainable sources and not contribute to deforestation or other negative environmental impacts.
- Cost: The wood should be affordable and within your budget.
- Availability: The wood should be readily available in your area.
- Aesthetics: The wood should be visually appealing and fit with the overall look and feel of your garden.
Considering these factors can help you choose a wood that will not only be functional and safe for your raised garden bed but also sustainable and visually pleasing.
10 Best Types of Wood for Raised Garden Beds
1. Black Locust (the Best Option)
Image Source: landofplentyboston.com
Black locust is the best choice for a raised garden bed due to its durability, sustainability, chemical-free nature, long lifespan, and aesthetics. However, it can be more expensive than other wood species like cedar or hemlock, and may be more difficult to find at lumber yards and home improvement stores.
What Makes Black Locust the Best Choice?
- Durability: Black locust is a very hard and durable wood that is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications like raised garden beds.
- Sustainability: Black locust is a fast-growing species that is native to North America. It is also often grown in managed forests and harvested sustainably, which makes it an environmentally friendly choice for your raised garden bed.
- Chemical-free: Black locust contains natural compounds that make it resistant to decay and insects without the need for chemical treatments. This means that it is a chemical-free option for your garden.
- Long lifespan: Black locust has a long lifespan and can last for several decades with proper maintenance, which makes it a good investment for your raised garden bed.
- Aesthetics: Black locust has a distinctive grain pattern and warm golden color that can add to the overall look and feel of your raised garden bed. It also weathers to a beautiful silver-gray color over time.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Using Black Locust?
- Cost: Black locust is generally more expensive than other wood species like cedar or hemlock. This may make it less accessible for gardeners who are working with a budget.
- Availability: Black locust is not as widely available as other wood species, and may be more difficult to find at lumber yards and home improvement stores.
- Hardness: While black locust's hardness makes it durable, it can also make it difficult to work with using hand tools. This may be a consideration if you plan to build your raised beds yourself.
- Weight: Black locust is a dense wood species that is heavier than other wood species like cedar or hemlock. This may make it more difficult to move or transport your raised beds.
2. Red Cedar
Image Source: realcedar.com
Overall, while red cedar is a popular choice for raised garden beds, it may not be the best option for everyone. It's important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your specific needs and concerns before choosing a wood for your raised beds.
What Makes Red Cedar a Good Choice?
- Durability: Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects, which makes it a durable choice for outdoor use. This means that your cedar raised beds will require less maintenance and will continue to look great for many years to come.
- Stability: Cedar has a low shrinkage rate, which means that it won't warp or twist as much as other types of wood when exposed to changes in temperature and humidity. This helps to maintain the structural integrity of your raised beds over time.
- Aesthetics: Cedar has a beautiful natural color that will complement any garden. It can also be left unfinished or can be stained or painted to match your outdoor decor.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Using Red Cedar?
- Cost: Cedar is typically more expensive than other types of wood, which may make it less accessible for some gardeners.
- Availability: Depending on where you live, cedar may be more difficult to find in your local hardware or home improvement store.
- Sustainability: Some people may be concerned about the sustainability of using cedar for raised garden beds. While cedar is a renewable resource, it takes many years for cedar trees to mature and be ready for harvesting.
- Soil pH: Cedar contains natural oils that can make the soil more acidic over time, which may not be ideal for some plants. However, this can be mitigated by adding lime or other pH-balancing amendments to the soil.
- Toxicity: Red cedar is a good choice for raised garden beds, however the heartwood (the inner part of the tree) can contain toxins that can harm plants and soil.
- Chemical sensitivity: Some people may be sensitive to the natural oils in cedar, which can cause skin irritation or other allergic reactions. If you are sensitive to cedar, it may not be the best choice for your raised garden bed.
Which Cedar Is Better: Eastern Red Cedar or Western Red Cedar?
While both eastern and western red cedar can be used for raised garden beds, western red cedar is the better choice due to its superior durability, availability, stability, aesthetics, and lower soil acidity.
3. Redwood
Image Source: wildcatfarmers.wordpress.com
Overall, redwood is a great choice for raised garden beds due to its durability, stability, aesthetics, sustainability, and soil pH neutrality. However, like cedar, it may be more expensive than other types of wood, so it's important to weigh the cost against the benefits when deciding which wood to use for your raised beds.
What Makes Redwood a Good Choice?
- Durability: Like cedar, redwood is naturally resistant to rot and insects, which makes it a durable option for outdoor use. This means that redwood raised beds will last longer than those made from other types of wood.
- Stability: Redwood has a high level of dimensional stability, which means that it won't warp, twist, or shrink as much as other types of wood when exposed to changes in temperature and humidity. This helps to maintain the structural integrity of your raised beds over time.
- Aesthetics: Redwood has a beautiful reddish color that will complement any garden. It can also be left unfinished or can be stained or painted to match your outdoor decor.
- Sustainability: Redwood is a sustainable choice for raised garden beds, as it is harvested from managed forests and is a renewable resource. Additionally, redwood has a relatively short growth cycle, which means that it can be harvested and regrown relatively quickly.
- Soil pH: Redwood has a neutral pH, which means that it won't significantly affect the pH of your soil like cedar can.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Using Redwood?
- Cost: Like cedar, redwood is typically more expensive than other types of wood, which may make it less accessible for some gardeners.
- Availability: Depending on where you live, redwood may be more difficult to find in your local hardware or home improvement store.
- Soil pH: While redwood has a neutral pH and won't significantly affect the pH of your soil, it may not be ideal for plants that prefer more acidic soil.
- Toxicity: Like red cedar heartwood, redwood heartwood can contain toxins that can harm plants and soil.
- Chemical sensitivity: Some people may be sensitive to the natural oils in redwood, which can cause skin irritation or other allergic reactions. If you are sensitive to redwood, it may not be the best choice for your raised garden bed.
4. Cypress
Image Source: leafrootfruit.com.au
Cypress is a great choice for raised garden beds due to its durability, stability, aesthetics, sustainability, and soil pH neutrality. Additionally, cypress is often less expensive than cedar or redwood, which can make it a more accessible option for some gardeners.
What Makes Cypress a Good Choice?
- Durability: Cypress is a dense, durable wood that is resistant to rot, insects, and decay, making it a long-lasting choice for outdoor use.
- Stability: Cypress has a high level of dimensional stability, which means that it won't warp or shrink as much as other types of wood when exposed to changes in temperature and humidity. This helps to maintain the structural integrity of your raised beds over time.
- Aesthetics: Cypress has a light, golden color that will complement any garden. It can also be left unfinished or can be stained or painted to match your outdoor decor.
- Sustainability: Cypress is a sustainable choice for raised garden beds, as it is harvested from managed forests and is a renewable resource.
- Soil pH: Cypress has a neutral pH, which means that it won't significantly affect the pH of your soil like cedar can.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Using Cypress?
- Cost: Cypress can be more expensive than some other types of wood, which may make it less accessible for some gardeners.
- Availability: Depending on where you live, cypress may be less readily available than other types of wood, which may make it more difficult to find in your local hardware or home improvement store.
- Chemical sensitivity: Some people may be sensitive to the natural oils in cypress, which can cause skin irritation or other allergic reactions. If you are sensitive to cypress, it may not be the best choice for your raised garden bed.
- Environmental impact: While cypress is a renewable resource, some types of cypress are harvested from wetlands, which can have negative impacts on local ecosystems. It's important to choose cypress that is sustainably harvested.
Which Species of Cypress Is Best for Raised Garden Beds?
Bald cypress is a great choice for raised garden beds due to its durability, stability, sustainability, soil pH neutrality, and availability. Additionally, depending on where you live, other species of cypress, such as pond cypress or Montezuma cypress, may be more readily available and may also be suitable for raised garden beds.
5. Douglas Fir
Image Source: my100yearoldhome.com
Douglas fir is a great choice for raised garden beds due to its durability, availability, affordability, aesthetics, and sustainability. However, it's important to note that Douglas fir may not be as rot-resistant as other wood species like cedar or redwood, so it may require more maintenance over time to keep your raised beds in good condition.
What Makes Douglas Fir a Good Choice?
- Durability: Douglas fir is a strong and durable wood that resists warping, twisting, and splitting. It also holds up well against rot, decay, and insect damage, which makes it a good choice for outdoor applications like raised garden beds.
- Availability: Douglas fir is a commonly available wood species. This makes it easy to find and purchase for your raised garden bed project.
- Cost: Douglas fir is an affordable wood species, which makes it a great option for gardeners who are working with a budget.
- Aesthetics: Douglas fir has a natural beauty and warmth that can add to the overall look and feel of your raised garden bed. It also stains and finishes well, which allows you to customize the appearance of your raised beds.
- Sustainability: Douglas fir is a fast-growing species that is abundant in North America. It is also often grown in managed forests and harvested sustainably, which makes it an environmentally friendly choice for your raised garden bed.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Douglas Fir?
- Rot resistance: While Douglas fir is a strong and durable wood, it is not as naturally rot-resistant as some other wood species on our list, such as cedar or redwood. This means that it may require more maintenance over time to prevent rot and decay.
- Chemical treatments: Some Douglas fir lumber may be treated with chemicals to increase its resistance to decay and insects. If you prefer to avoid chemical treatments in your garden, you'll want to look for untreated Douglas fir lumber.
- Splinters: Douglas fir can be prone to splintering, which can be a concern if you have children or pets who will be playing in or around your raised beds.
- Soil pH: Like other softwood species, Douglas fir has a slightly acidic pH, which can lower the pH of your soil over time. This may be a concern if you're growing plants that prefer neutral or alkaline soil.
6. Hemlock
Image Source: agardenforthehouse.com
Hemlock is a good choice for raised garden beds due to its durability, availability, affordability, aesthetics, and sustainability. However, like Douglas fir, hemlock may not be as rot-resistant as other wood species like cedar or redwood, so it may require more maintenance over time to keep your raised beds in good condition.
What Makes Hemlock a Good Choice?
- Durability: Hemlock is a strong and durable wood that resists warping, twisting, and splitting. It also holds up well against rot, decay, and insect damage, which makes it a good choice for outdoor applications like raised garden beds.
- Availability: Hemlock is a commonly available wood species. This makes it easy to find and purchase for your raised garden bed project.
- Cost: Hemlock is a moderately priced wood species, which makes it an affordable option for gardeners who are working with a budget.
- Aesthetics: Hemlock has a natural beauty and warmth that can add to the overall look and feel of your raised garden bed. It also stains and finishes well, which allows you to customize the appearance of your raised beds.
- Sustainability: Hemlock is a fast-growing species that is abundant in North America. It is also often grown in managed forests and harvested sustainably, which makes it an environmentally friendly choice for your raised garden bed.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Hemlock?
- Rot resistance: Hemlock is not as naturally rot-resistant as some other wood species, such as cedar or redwood. This means that it may require more maintenance over time to prevent rot and decay.
- Chemical treatments: Some hemlock lumber may be treated with chemicals to increase its resistance to decay and insects. If you prefer to avoid chemical treatments in your garden, you'll want to look for untreated hemlock lumber.
- Splinters: Hemlock can be prone to splintering, which can be a concern if you have children or pets who will be playing in or around your raised beds.
- Soil pH: Like other softwood species, hemlock has a slightly acidic pH, which can lower the pH of your soil over time. This may be a concern if you're growing plants that prefer neutral or alkaline soil.
7. White Oak
While white oak can be a bit more expensive than other wood species, its durability, aesthetics, and resistance to decay make it a good long-term investment for raised garden beds.
What Makes White Oak a Good Choice?
Durability: White oak is known for its strength and durability, which makes it a long-lasting choice for raised garden beds. It resists rot and decay naturally and can withstand weathering and wear and tear for many years. This also means it requires minimal maintenance and does not need to be treated with chemicals or preservatives to prevent decay.
Aesthetics: White oak has a beautiful, natural appearance, with a pale brown color and a prominent grain pattern. It can add a touch of elegance to your garden space.
Availability: White oak is a readily available wood species in many regions, which makes it a convenient option for gardeners.
Environmental sustainability: White oak is a hardwood species that is harvested from sustainable forests in many regions.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of White Oak?
- Cost: White oak can be more expensive than other wood species commonly used for raised garden beds, such as cedar or pine.
- Weight: White oak is a dense, heavy wood, which can make it difficult to work with and move around. This may be a consideration if you plan to build large raised beds or move your beds around your garden.
- Splitting: White oak can be prone to splitting or cracking, particularly if it is not properly seasoned or if it is exposed to extreme changes in temperature or moisture levels.
8. White Cedar
Image Source: eartheasy.com/
White cedar is a good choice for raised garden beds for its natural resistance to decay and insects, lightweight construction, and natural aesthetic qualities.
What Makes White Cedar a Good Choice?
- Resistance to decay: White cedar contains natural oils and resins that make it resistant to decay and insect damage, without the need for chemical treatment. This makes it a low-maintenance option for raised garden beds that will last for many years.
- Lightweight: White cedar is a lightweight wood, which makes it easy to work with and move around. This can be especially useful if you plan to build larger or taller raised beds, or if you need to move your beds around your garden.
- Aesthetics: White cedar has a light, creamy color with a subtle grain pattern that can add a natural, rustic look to your garden space.
- Availability: White cedar is readily available in many regions, which makes it a convenient option for gardeners.
- Environmental sustainability: White cedar is a native species in many parts of North America and can be harvested sustainably from well-managed forests.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of White Cedar?
Softness: White cedar is a relatively soft wood, which can make it more prone to dents, scratches, and other damage. This may be a consideration if you plan to build raised beds that will be subject to a lot of wear and tear, or if you have children or pets that may climb on or scratch the beds.
Cost: White cedar may be more expensive than other wood species commonly used for raised garden beds, such as pine or spruce.
Limited durability: While white cedar is resistant to decay and insect damage, it may not be as durable as some other wood species over the long term. This may be a consideration if you plan to build raised beds that will be subject to a lot of moisture, temperature changes, or other environmental stresses.
9. Pine
Image Source: heritagefarm.com.au
Pine is a good choice for raised garden beds for its affordability, availability, natural aesthetics, and ease of use. However, pine may not be as durable or long-lasting as some other wood species, and may require more maintenance over time to prevent decay and insect damage.
What Makes Pine a Good Choice?
- Affordability: Pine is a relatively inexpensive wood, making it an accessible option for gardeners on a budget.
- Availability: Pine is widely available in many regions, which makes it a convenient option for gardeners who may not have access to more specialized wood species.
- Lightweight: Pine is a relatively lightweight wood, which makes it easy to work with and move around. This can be especially useful if you plan to build larger or taller raised beds, or if you need to move your beds around your garden.
- Aesthetics: Pine has a warm, natural look that can add a rustic, natural touch to your garden space.
- Easy to work with: Pine is a softwood, which makes it easy to cut, shape, and join using standard woodworking tools.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Pine?
- Durability: Pine is a softwood, which means it may not be as durable or long-lasting as some other wood species. Pine is prone to decay and insect damage over time, especially if it is not treated or sealed properly.
- Chemical treatments: Some pine wood products may be treated with chemicals to prevent rot and insect damage, which can be harmful to plants and soil in a raised garden bed.
- Soil pH: Pine has a slightly acidic nature, which can affect the pH levels of the soil in a raised garden bed. This may not be a problem for some plants, but others may not thrive in an acidic environment.
- Warping and cracking: Pine may be prone to warping and cracking over time, especially if it is exposed to moisture or temperature changes.
Which Pine Is Better: White Pine or Yellow Pine?
Both white pine and yellow pine can be good choices for raised garden beds, but there are some differences to consider.
White pine is a softer wood than yellow pine, but it is also lightweight and easy to work with. White pine has a pale color and a natural, rustic look that can complement a garden's aesthetic. It also contains natural oils that make it more resistant to decay and insect damage.
Yellow pine, on the other hand, is a harder and more durable wood than white pine. It is more resistant to decay and insect damage than white pine, making it a good choice for raised garden beds that will be exposed to moisture and pests. However, yellow pine can be more difficult to work with than white pine, and it may not have the same natural aesthetic qualities.
If you value ease of use and natural aesthetics, white pine may be a good choice. If you prioritize durability and resistance to decay and pests, yellow pine may be a better option.
10. Juniper
Image Source: habitatgardenspdx.com
juniper is a good choice for raised garden beds because of its durability, natural properties, aesthetic qualities, and sustainability. It is a popular choice among gardeners who want a long-lasting, low-maintenance, and visually appealing option for their raised beds.
What Makes Juniper a Good Choice?
- Durability: Juniper is a dense and durable wood that is resistant to rot and insect damage, making it a long-lasting option for raised garden beds.
- Natural properties: Juniper has natural antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms in the soil. This can be beneficial for plant growth and health.
- Aesthetics: Juniper has a distinctive, rustic look with a reddish-brown color that can add visual interest and texture to a garden.
- Sustainability: Juniper is a native species in many regions and is often harvested sustainably, making it an environmentally-friendly choice for raised garden beds.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Juniper?
- Cost: Juniper is often more expensive than other wood species, which can be a consideration if you are on a tight budget.
- Availability: Depending on your location, juniper may not be readily available or may be difficult to find in the quantities you need.
- Splinters: Juniper is a dense and hard wood, which can make it prone to splintering. This can be a concern if you are working with the wood or have young children who may come into contact with it.
- Chemical sensitivity: Some people may have allergies to juniper wood or its natural oils, which can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues.
10 Worst Types of Wood for Raised Garden Beds
- Pressure-treated lumber: This type of wood is treated with chemicals that can leach into the soil and harm plants and microorganisms. It is not recommended for use in food gardens.
- Railroad ties: These are often treated with creosote, a toxic chemical that can contaminate the soil and pose health risks.
- Plywood: Plywood is often made with adhesives and chemicals that can be harmful to plants and soil.
- Particleboard: Like plywood, particleboard can contain adhesives and chemicals that can harm plants and soil.
- Medium-density fiberboard (MDF): This type of wood product is made with adhesives and chemicals that can leach into the soil and harm plants.
- Black cherry: This type of wood contains toxins that can harm plants and soil.
- Hickory: This type of wood contains juglone, a toxin that can harm other plants in the same area.
- Osage orange: This type of wood contains toxins that can harm plants and soil. It is also very hard and difficult to work with.
- Yew: This type of wood contains toxins that can severely harm plants, animals, and even humans if ingested.
- Black Walnut: Like hickory, walnut contains juglone, a toxin that can harm other plants in the same area.
Final Advice on Buying Wood for Your Raised Garden Bed?
While we highly suggest using black locust, any of the 10 best types of wood listed above should provide you with years of satisfaction while working in your raised garden bed.
If there is a particular type of wood that you want to use but you can’t find it at a home improvement store or your local lumber yard, we highly suggest taking a few minutes to search online for an independent hardwood lumber seller in your region as they often carry a greater variety of wood species and may have exactly what you need at a competitive price.
Another option for buying a specific type of wood is to search online for a local sawmill (or sawyer), who can possibly source whole logs that can then be cut to your custom dimensions. This can often be a cheaper option, however, you do run the risk of getting a bad log that does not provide a good yield.
Finally, whatever wood you choose for your raised garden bed, be sure to avoid treated lumber or any wood that has been treated with chemicals as they may contain harmful toxins that can leach into your soil and plants.