Cedar Fence Picket Raised Garden Beds
Build your own raised garden beds using cedar fence pickets! Fence pickets are cheap and make a great raised bed. Here's a great, step by step plan that optimizes materials and makes it easy to build. This cedar bed is 6 feet long and 3 feet wide, perfect for two rows of plantings, all easily accessible. Ten years ago, I made these exact cedar garden beds out of inexpensive cedar fence pickets for under $20 each. They are holding up well! You can also find the single width cedar garden bed plans here.
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
What you need
- 6 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets (prefer not dogeared, but can use dogeared)
- 6 feet of 2x4 board, cedar or can be treated lumber
- 40 - 1-1/2" long self tapping exterior construction screws like these
- 6 - Cedar 2x4 @ 12" - longest point measurement, one end cut at 30 degrees off square bevel (see step 1 for more information)
- 4 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 70" if dogeared, if NOT dogeared, no need to cut
- 4 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 35" if dogeared, in NOT dogeared, simply cut in half
- 6 - Cedar 2x4 @ about 11" - measure the width of a cedar fence picket and multiply by two (see step 1 for more information)
- 4 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 70" if dogeared, if NOT dogeared, no need to cut
- 4 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets @ 35" if dogeared, in NOT dogeared, simply cut in half
For installation on soft surfaces like soil, gravel or lawn (includes staking system)
For installation on hard surfaces like concrete, decks, or pavement or hard compacted gravel (no staking system)
- measuring tape
- pencil
- safety glasses
- hearing protection
- drill
- circular saw
Step by step
Cut boards according to the cut list with a compound miter saw (preferred) or a circular saw.
Attach long fence pickets to the 2x4s, all outside edges flush (with exception of staking end), with 1-1/2" screws, two screws per joint. Build two identical.
Step 2
Attach shorter fence picket pieces to the project with two screws per joint, all edges flush on outside and to the top. On installation, adjust project to make sure it is square by taking opposite diagonal measurements and making sure the measurements match. Check cedar bed area for level. Use a hammer to pound the stakes into the ground to secure the garden box.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
