With Earth Day fast approaching, now is the time to start thinking about how we can celebrate the planet and give back to Mother Nature. There’s no better way to do this than by planting some flowers! Why not take it one step further and build your very own raised flower bed? It’s a perfect weekend project that offers long-term benefits in terms of sustainability and adding a nice touch to your landscape.
To build a strong and durable raised flower bed we recommend using SUNBELT® professional grade pressure treated lumber. This lumber is perfect for gardeners who are looking to create a long-lasting and eco-friendly flower bed. By opting for pressure treated lumber, your raised flower bed will hold up against harsh weather conditions and be resistant to insects and fungal decay.
In this post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to build a raised flower bed using SUNBELT® professional grade pressure treated lumber. Although this project plan includes dimensions and instructions for building two different-sized beds, it can be easily customized to suit your purpose and space by changing the measurements. Not only will you gain the satisfaction of creating your own flower bed, but you’ll also help the planet in a small way.
SUNBELT® is proud to manufacture these quality pressure-treated lumber products: ProWood®, Severe Weather®, EcoLife®, Preserve®, TimberSaver® and MicroPro®. To find out which would be best for your project, check out our resources page.
Click here to download a free PDF version of these plans.
Instructions
Materials
For one 36″ x 60″ x 15″ raised flower bed:
- Four 2″ x 8″ x 8′ SUNBELT® pressure-treated boards
- One 4″ x 4″ x 8′ SUNBELT® pressure-treated post
For one 48″ x 96″ x 15″ raised flower bed:
- Six 2″ x 8″ x 8′ SUNBELT® pressure-treated boards
- One 4″ x 4″ x 8″ SUNBELT® pressure-treated post
For either raised flower bed:
- One box of 3″ #8 galvanized all-purpose screws
- Exterior wood glue
Basic Tools
- Circular or table saw
- Drill and 1/8″ drill bit
- Countersink bit
- Screwdriver (or power drill
- with screwdriving bit)
- Tape measure
- Carpenter’s square
General Assembly Advice
- Establish a screw pattern to enhance the overall look and feel of the final assembled product.
- Predrill all screw holes to ease their insertion into the wood and prevent splitting.
- Countersink all screws so the head of a countersunk screw, when screwed into the hole, will sit flush with or below the surface of the surrounding material.
Cut Lumber to Size
Caution: Always wear gloves, a dust mask and eye protection when sawing, sanding or machining wood.
Using a circular or table saw on a clean, flat, level surface, cut the SUNBELT® Professional Grade PT lumber for the components of the raised flower bed as follows:
For one 36″ x 60″ x 15″ raised flower bed:
- Sides: Four 2″ x 8″ x 60″
- Ends: Four 2″ x 8″ x 36″
- Posts: Six 4″ x 4″ x 15″
For one 48″ x 96″ x 15″ raised flower bed:
- Sides: Four 2″ x 8″ x 96″
- Ends: Four 2″ x 8″ x 48″
- Posts: Six 4″ x 4″ x 15″
Attach Sides
- Select two side boards and two end posts and lay the boards on the posts. Make sure the side boards are flush and square with the top and the ends of the posts.
- Attach two side boards to two end posts using 3″ #8 galvanized all-purpose screws and wood glue.
- Measure and mark the inside center of the side boards and one side of what will be your center post.
- Align the center post with the inside of the two side boards.
- Attach the two boards to the center post using 3″ #8 galvanized all-purpose screws and wood glue. Make sure the top and bottom of the side boards are flush with the top and bottom of the center post.
- Repeat the above directions to build the second side.
Attach Ends
- Make sure the end boards are flush and square with the top and bottom of the posts, as well as with the outside of each of the four side boards.
- Attach the boards using 3″ #8 galvanized all-purpose screws and wood glue.
- Repeat the above directions to build the second end.
Install Flower Bed
Move the raised flower bed to its desired location.
- Consider a level area with the right amount of sunlight. If needed, the bed may be bermed or cut into an unlevel yard so it can maintain sufficient drainage.
- If desired, or if the raised flower bed will be placed on a patio, attach landscape fabric to the bottom of the bed using galvanized staples.Trim away excess. Fabric will help prevent soil from seeping out the bottom, yet allow for proper drainage. The fabric should be attached somewhat loosely so that it may settle over the underlying surface, as well as accommodate the heavy soil mix.
- Before final flower bed placement, break up and loosen 6-8″ of underlying earth with a shovel or flower rake until it’s no longer hard or compacted. This will help maximize drainage.
- Fill the bed with your preferred potting soil mix, sow seeds or transplant accordingly, and tend to your flowers as needed.
Build your dream garden today! Click below to download the PDF version of our raised flower bed plans and get started on creating a beautiful and sustainable garden. With easy access to the plans, you can start building right away.