It offers a better amount of bed depth than most plans I see, and requires very few tools.
But the biggest problem is that people generally get lumber that’s too thin and/or small.
The answer is to go large: I use 2x12s or 2x10s.
This means that you need fewer planks of wood stacked vertically.
Using pine or redwood, in planks of wood this beefy, will still last eight years or longer.
As a result, you get longer cuts for the same price, while supporting someone local.
For the purpose of building raised beds, neither of these issues is a problem.
The raised beds will live outside under constant watering, and really doesnt require the smooth sides.
I actually prefer the rough cuts; I think it makes the beds less inviting to pests.
Determining the size of your beds
A raised bed is a rectangle.
check that you allow at least three feet between beds, but four feet is better.
This will allow you to maneuver a wheelbarrow through the aisles, which youll find really helpful.
Sketch out the entire space, laying out the final dimensions of the beds.
This is going to help you visualize the wood you need.
Youll place these in every corner, and then every four feet of length along the long side.
For an eight-foot-long bed, you need one additional vertical support in the middle.
For a twelve-foot bed, you need two additional supports.
This support is just a 2x4 that is 20 tall (roughly the same height as the beds).
Add up the lengths to determine how much vertical plank you need.
This helps stop the bed from bowing in the middle over time.
The brace is just additional 2x12s, stacked vertically, the entire width of the bed.
The tools youll need
The beauty of this design is that you need very few tools.
Youll benefit from a chop saw, but a circular saw will do in a pinch.
The sander is used on corners to round sharp edges.
In an eight-foot bed, rather than the long pieces of wood being 96, youd make them 93.
When they butt up against the short sides of the bed, they end up being 96 total length.
Start on a flat surface, and build the first level of the bed.
Use wood glue between the two pieces of wood.
Using your drill, screw through the shorter piece of wood into the longer piece of wood.
Continue going around the bed screwing the corners together until you have a complete rectangle.
Do this a second time, so now you have two rectangles.
Next, put in your vertical supports.
Place a 2x4 cut to 20 in each corner vertically.
Put the longer side of the 2x4 along the longer side of the bed.
Go around and do this in all four corners, and then every four feet along the length.
The vertical support wont be as tall as the bedit should be a little bit shorter.
This will hide the supports after you grab soil in the bed, for a cleaner look.
Now, move the bed into place.
Lift the bed, dig it out a bit, and put it back down.
You dont need to be precise about pre-leveling the space.
Fill the beds with good soil, and youre ready to go.
However, there are whey-based stains that are okay to use in this instance.
