How to Elevate Stone Beds

Clear the space where you want your stone bed by removing all grass, roots and other obstacles with a rake or hoe. Smooth the soil and make it as level as possible. Lay down a sheet of plastic to prevent weeds from growing up through the soil and into your stone garden.

Line the cleared space with landscape timbers. When you have the first layer in place, check the timbers to see if they are level. Use a carpenter's level to do this. Dig out any soil that is too high so that your timbers sit level. Check the ends as well as the sides. Replace any timbers that are not completely square, because these may make your walls unstable.

Add layers of timbers up to the height you want. For each level of timbers you add, drill holes in the timbers. Make these holes slightly smaller than your timber spikes. Drive the spikes into the holes with a hammer. Check for any loose timbers and drive extra spikes to secure problem areas. The spikes will connect your timbers and make a solid wall for your stone bed.

Fill the lined space with soil. Stop adding soil when it reaches a height that is 6 inches below the height of your timber walls. Smooth the soil and make it as level as possible. Check for any weeds or seeds that could take root and grow up through the stones that will be on top of the bed.

Add stones on top of the soil. Take care not to heap the stones toward the center because this will create outward pressure that could cause a bulge in your timbers. This pressure can even dislocate timbers completely. Check timbers for any potential bulges and add timber spikes in those locations.