Free Raised Garden Bed Plans
A simple, square-cut raised bed you can size to your yard — the perfect weekend beginner build.
- $74est. materials
- Beginnerdifficulty
- 12parts
- 2tools
No angles, no joinery to speak of — a raised garden bed is straight cuts and screws, which makes it the ideal first outdoor project. The cut list below is generated from the 3D model at the default size, and it scales the moment you change a dimension.
Make it 4x8 for vegetables or a tall bed you don’t have to bend over for; the editor handles it and re-prices the lumber. The shopping list defaults to rot-resistant material since it’s sitting in wet soil.
What you’ll buy
| Item | Qty | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| 2×2 8' PT | 1 | $4.98 |
| 2×6 12' PT | 4 | $57.92 |
| Deck Screw (1 lb box (~90)) | 1 | $11 |
| Estimated total | $74 |
Prices are a national estimate. Open the plan in the app and set your local lumber prices for an exact figure — the total updates as you type.
Your cut list
| Qty | Stock | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 4× | 2×2 PT | 1' |
| 4× | 2×6 PT | 7' 9" |
| 4× | 2×6 PT | 4' |
Tools you’ll need
- Circular saw (or hand saw)
- Drill/driver
How to build it
- Gather your lumber and hardware. Pick up the boards and fasteners from the shopping list. It’s optimized to minimize offcuts, so buy the counts shown.
- Cut your pieces. Cut each piece to the lengths in the cut list. The app can print a per-piece cut diagram for every board.
- Dry-fit and assemble. Lay the pieces out on a flat surface, check for square, then fasten them with the hardware listed.
- Check it holds, then finish. Confirm the design passes the build checks (sag, fasteners), then sand and finish to taste.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wood for a raised garden bed?
Cedar is the classic rot-resistant choice; untreated pine is cheapest but shorter-lived. Modern pressure-treated lumber is also widely used. Switch materials in the app to compare cost.
How much lumber do I need for a 4x8 raised bed?
Set the bed to 4x8 in the editor and the shopping list gives the exact board count and price — optimized so you don’t over-buy.
How deep should a raised garden bed be?
10–12" suits most vegetables. Change the height in the editor and the cut list updates.