What Materials Should One Use to Make Raised Flower Beds?

Wood

• Wood has the advantage of being easy to work. In addition, you can create taller beds by simply adding another row of timbers until you reach the desired height. Wood is also limiting, because bed borders must be straight. Cedar and redwood are the most common choices for building raised beds, because they withstand moisture better than many other types of wood.

Brick

• Raised bed borders made of brick have a neat and attractive appearance. A single row of bricks suffices to enclose a bed that is only slightly raised; create tall sides for a higher bed by staggering rows of bricks. Older, used bricks give your raised bed a more rustic look.

Old Railroad Ties

• Old railroad ties make good sides for raised beds because they are thick enough to sit on while tending the bed. For higher sides, add a second row. Use old ties that are no longer oozing a black, sticky substance called creosote, because this substance is detrimental to plants.

Logs

• Sides made with cut logs also provide a ledge for sitting and lend the bed an Old West or log cabin look. Cut logs are available in varying lengths and diameters, but all are rounded. Use logs with larger diameter for deeper beds, because they stack better than thin logs.

Rock

• Use rock to make sides on raised beds of just about any shape, accommodating curves in the bed design. Dry-stack rocks for higher raised beds. Raised beds with rock sides have a more natural look, enhanced by filling gaps with sphagnum moss or small plants, which will also prevent soil loss.

Concrete Blocks

• Concrete block sides require reinforcement with rebar to hold them in place, and the center holes are filled with crushed rock. Stack concrete blocks to create higher sides; get creative and make terraced beds; or build the back side higher than the front for a corner bed. Place flat stones across the top row for a smooth, naturally finished appearance.