Raised beds are a favorite among backyard gardeners and homesteaders – for good reason. They give you control over soil, drainage, and layout, all while looking tidy and keeping weeds at bay.

And while you can build a bed from scratch with lumber and screws, hardware kits make it way easier to get clean corners, solid sides, and a bed that lasts more than a season or two.

Below is a list of 9 highly-rated raised-bed components that DIY homesteaders often use to create sturdy, custom garden beds. We’ve included a mix of metal brackets, composite boards, and connector systems.

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1. Plow & Hearth Steel Raised Bed Corner Brackets (Set of 4) – Steel corner brackets. 

If you want solid, straight corners without breaking out the power tools, these heavy-duty L-shaped brackets make it easy.

They’re made from galvanized steel and finished with a sleek black powder coating, so they hold up beautifully against rust, rain, and whatever else the seasons throw at them.

Each bracket stands 10.5″ tall and comes pre-drilled with screws included.

They’re designed to fit standard lumber sizes – anything from 2×6s to 2×12s – so you can build a simple 10–12″ tall bed or stack boards if you’re going for more depth (great for root veggies or deeper soil layers).

You don’t need carpentry skills. Just line up your boards, bolt them through the holes, and you’ve got a neat, square garden bed that stays put.

These are especially handy for first-timers or anyone who wants to skip the hassle and still end up with a bed that looks like a pro built it.

2. Gardener’s Supply Company Aluminum Raised Bed Corners (12″ or 23″) – Rustproof aluminum corner brackets. 

Looking to build a bed that’ll outlast the wood itself?

These rustproof aluminum corners are built to go the distance. Made from durable, powder-coated aluminum, they won’t rust, warp, or wear down over time – even if you leave them out year-round.

You’ve got two size options here: the 12-inch version works well for standard one-board-high beds, while the 23-inch version is perfect if you’re stacking boards for a deeper bed (great for carrots, potatoes, or no-dig layering).

The added height means more support and less bowing when the bed is filled with heavy, wet soil.

Each bracket also comes with a plastic cap to keep water out, which helps them last even longer.

They’re definitely on the higher end in terms of price, but if you’re building a large or long-lasting garden setup, these are a strong (literally) and stylish investment.

A solid choice if you want to “build it once and forget it.”

3. WLLEYAY 8-Pack Rust-Resistant Corner Brackets – Bulk steel L-brackets for tall beds. 

This is a budget-friendly set of eight metal corner brackets (each about 11″×3″×3″) with a black rust-resistant coating. The pack includes both long and short screws for assembly.

With two brackets per corner, you can reinforce 20″–24″ tall raised beds (or build two separate shorter beds).

These are ideal if you plan to stack two 2×10’s or 2×12’s high – the dual brackets securely tie the lumber together for a deep bed.

It’s an affordable way to get strong corners on multiple beds or an extra-tall planter without breaking the bank (great for homesteaders with big plans!). 

4. Frame It All Composite Boards (Recycled Plastic Lumber) – Composite modular boards.

Frame It All’s composite timbers are popular among DIY gardeners looking for wood alternatives.

These boards are made from a mix of sustainably-sourced wood fiber and recycled HDPE plastic, so they look like wood but won’t warp, rot, or leach chemicals.

The boards come in standard lengths (typically 4′ and 8′ panels, 1″ or 2″ thick profiles) and have an open-channel design that traps air for insulation – helping protect soil temps.

Ideal for organic gardens or anywhere you want long-lasting raised beds without the upkeep of real wood.

They slot into Frame It All’s brackets (sold separately) or you can drill and use them with your own corner posts.

These composite boards are a bit of an investment, but they’re “low maintenance” and often outlive regular lumber. 

5. Frame It All Tool-Free Connector Joints (Anchor & Stacking) – Modular plastic connector system. 

This is the snap-lock system that pairs with Frame It All boards (or any 1″-thick lumber) to create custom shapes and tiers.

The system has two types of ABS plastic brackets: Anchor Joints that stake into the ground (about 11.5″ deep) to secure your base layer and prevent frost heave and Stacking Joints that simply slide on to add additional levels.

Uniquely, these brackets can pivot up to 270, allowing for more than just rectangles – you can form polygons, curves, even round-ish beds. They’re UV-stabilized and designed to be re-used season after season.

Use anchor joints for your first tier (especially on long runs or in cold climates to avoid shifting), then stack as high as you want.

Garden tinkerers love this system because it’s super flexible – you can unleash your creativity and easily reconfigure or expand your beds over time.

6. Gardener’s Supply In-Line Connectors (Reinforcing Brackets) – Mid-span “U” connectors for long sides. 

These powder-coated aluminum in-line brackets are the secret to building long raised beds that won’t bulge out in the middle.

Each set comes with two 8″–10″ tall U-shaped brackets that screw onto the center of your bed’s long side boards.

They effectively join two lengths of lumber end-to-end and pin them to the ground, preventing the dreaded bowing when your bed is filled with heavy soil.

The connectors are sized for standard 2× lumber widths and include all screws needed.

Ideal use case: if you’re making a run longer than 8 feet, or connecting multiple bed kits together, pop these in for stability.

It’s a “lifesaver for long beds,” keeping your garden boxes straight and rigid over many seasons. 

7. Gardener’s Supply Pivoting Corner Connectors – Adjustable-angle corner brackets.

Want to get creative with your bed shape?

These pivoting connectors let you form angles anywhere from 90° to 180°, opening up possibilities for hexagons, octagons, zig-zags – you name it.

Each connector is a sturdy aluminum hinge with a handsome powder-coated finish and a plastic end cap to keep moisture out.

Just slide your boards into the bracket grooves and secure with the included screws – the hinge design locks them in whatever angle you choose.

They’re made in the USA (Vermont) and built to last. The ideal use here is when a standard rectangular bed won’t do: corner these around a tree, make a geometric garden, or tackle sloped/uneven layouts.

These connectors make otherwise tricky designs doable for a DIYer. It’s a “fun option” for adventurous gardeners who want uniquely shaped beds that still have rock-solid corners. 

8. Starby COR-Ten Steel Brackets (Weathering Steel) – Heavy-duty steel corner brackets.

If you love the rustic look (and serious strength), check out these COR-Ten steel corner braces.

The set of four 8″ brackets is made from premium weathering steel that intentionally develops a protective rust patina over time.

In other words, they’ll turn that lovely earthy brown color and actually get tougher as they weather.

Each bracket has pre-drilled holes and is built from thick gauge steel – practically bomb-proof for outdoor use. Ideal for one-board-high beds (around 6–8″ deep) or as top-support on taller beds.

Homesteaders use COR-Ten hardware for long-term installations: you can leave these corners out year-round through all weather with zero issues.

They add a vintage, homestead charm to your garden borders. While a bit pricier, they are “tough as nails” and blend beautifully into natural landscapes, making them worth it for the durability and style.

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So there you have it – some of the most-loved bits and pieces for building raised beds that actually hold up.

Whether you're going for simple corners or a creative shape around that stubborn tree in the yard, there’s something here that’ll make the job easier (and sturdier).

Pick what fits your style, grab your lumber, and get planting.

Your future garden is gonna look real good!