5 Easy and Free DIY Raised Garden Bed Plans

Looking for free DIY plans to build your own raised garden beds?

If so, you've come to the right place! The easy plans I’ll be showing below will help you get started in no time.

While in-ground gardening works for some, raised garden beds offer several advantages that might make them a better choice for your backyard.

Raised beds are practical—they’re easier to work with, help keep weeds at bay, and provide your plants with the ideal environment to grow.

The best part? You can build them yourself with simple materials and a little bit of time (and maybe some time reading through this article too!).

If you're ready to get started, you can jump into the free DIY plans, and before you know it, you'll be growing fresh vegetables and flowers right in your own backyard.

What to Consider Before Building

You’ll also want to keep a few things in mind before you start planning, so you can be better prepared and more organized when building your raised beds.

With that in mind, here are a few important things to consider.

Do you have enough space for the bed? 

It's really important to measure the space where you plan to place your raised bed to ensure it fits. Consider not only the size of the bed itself but also leaving enough room to move around and tend to your plants.

Does the area get 6-8 hours of sunlight a day? 

We all know sunlight is required for many plants, so pick a spot that gets plenty of it. A sunny location will surely help your garden thrive, especially if you're growing vegetables or flowers that need lots of light.

How deep should the bed be for your plants? 

I've come across sources that suggest the standard height for raised beds is about 12 inches, but some plants, like root vegetables, may require deeper beds. If you're growing deep-rooted plants, consider making the bed taller to give their roots plenty of room to grow.

For more detailed information on this, check out our guide on how deep a raised bed should be, which will help you plan the ideal depth for your garden.

What materials work best for you?

Regarding the materials, I would suggest wood, as it's a classic choice for many, but there are other great options too, like bricks or recycled materials.

The right material, though, still depends on your budget, style, and how long you want the bed to last.

Cedar, for example, is durable and naturally resistant to rot, but it can cost a bit more, so consider what fits your needs and your garden's look.

Is your garden area safe from animals?

If you live in an area with rabbits, deer, or other pests, you may want to install fencing or choose a taller raised bed to protect your plants. In that case, consider using mesh or netting for additional protection.

You can also check out our guide on deer-proof raised garden beds if you want to protect your garden from wildlife.

5 Free DIY Raised Garden Bed Plans

Now that you have a good understanding of what to consider when building your raised garden bed, here are five simple and free plans to help you get started.

These options cover different materials and styles, so you can find one that works for your space and needs. You can check them out and see which one feels right for you.

1. Classic Wooden Raised Bed

This is a simple, sturdy raised bed that’s great for beginners. It’s easy to put together, budget-friendly, and works well for most gardens.

Materials Needed
(4) 2″x6″x8′ boards for the sides
(4) 4″x4″x24″ posts for the corners
Wood screws (2.5″ or 3″ length)
Drill with screwdriver bits
Measuring tape
Saw (if you need to cut boards to size)
Level (to ensure the bed is even)
Landscaping fabric (to line the bottom, optional)
Pencil or marker (for marking measurements)
Gloves (for safety while working)
Safety goggles (to protect your eyes while cutting or drilling)

Dimension
4 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 16 inches high (customizable)

HOW TO ASSEMBLE

1. Start by cutting your 2″ x 6″ x 8′ boards to size. You’ll need two 8-foot pieces and two 4-foot pieces. Have your 4″ x 4″ x 24″ corner posts ready for the next step.

2. Lay one of the 8-foot boards flat on the ground. Position a 4″ x 4″ corner post at each end, ensuring the posts are flush with the ends of the board.

Use your drill to secure the posts with wood screws. Repeat this process for the second 8-foot board to create the long sides of your frame.

3. Stand the two long sides upright. Take one of your 4-foot boards and attach it between the two corner posts at one end of the frame, making sure it’s level.

Secure it with screws. Repeat the process for the second 4-foot board on the opposite end to complete the rectangular frame.

4. Optional: To add height to your raised bed, simply stack another layer of 2″ x 6″ boards on top of the first layer. Align the boards with the lower layer and screw them into the corner posts. For a 16-inch high bed, add a third layer.

5. Once the frame is built, move it to your desired location in the garden. Use a level to make sure it’s sitting evenly on the ground. If needed, adjust the soil under the bed to level it out.

6. To prevent weeds from growing through the bottom of your bed, line it with landscaping fabric. Secure it in place before filling the bed with soil.

2. Cedar Planter Box

A stylish and durable option made from cedar that is great for small spaces or patios.

Materials Needed
Two 2-foot cedar boards (short sides)
Four 4-foot cedar boards (long sides)
Four 4″ x 12″ cedar pieces (for legs)
Plywood or slats (for the bottom)
Landscaping fabric
Screws or brackets
Drill
Kreg jig (optional)
Sandpaper

Dimension
2 feet wide, 4 feet long, and about 24 inches high

HOW TO ASSEMBLE

1. Start by cutting two 2-foot boards for the short sides and four 4-foot boards for the long sides of the planter. You’ll also need four 4″ x 12″ pieces for the legs (you can adjust the leg height depending on how tall you want the planter).

2. Lay the two 2-foot boards next to each other. Attach one of the 4-foot boards to each end to form the short sides.

Repeat this process with the remaining two 4-foot boards to complete the rectangular frame. Use screws or a Kreg jig to secure the boards together.

3. Take the 4″ x 12″ leg pieces and attach them to each corner of the box. Ensure the legs are evenly spaced and securely fastened with screws or brackets. This will give your planter box its height.

4. Cut a piece of plywood or slats to fit the bottom of the planter box. Attach the pieces securely with screws, creating a solid base for the soil.

5. Sand any rough edges on the cedar wood to smooth out the surface and prevent splinters. This will also give the planter a polished look.

6. Optional: Line the inside of the box with landscaping fabric. This will keep the soil in place and help prevent weeds from growing.

3. Metal Raised Bed

A metal raised bed is a great, modern choice for your garden. Made from galvanized steel or aluminum, it's durable, low maintenance, and has a clean, sleek look that fits well in any garden.

Materials Needed
Aluminum roofing sheets (or galvanized metal sheets)
4 pieces of 4×4 lumber (36″ long for corner posts)
4 pieces of 2×6 lumber (8 feet long for long sides)
4 pieces of 2×6 lumber (4 feet long for short sides)
Metal screws (self-tapping for metal sheets)
Wood screws (3″ long for wood frame assembly)
Metal brackets (optional, for extra stability)
Drill and screwdriver (cordless or electric)

Dimension
3 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE

1. Cut the aluminum roofing material to the desired size. Use a metal cutting tool to make the cuts, and smooth any sharp edges with a metal file to avoid injury when handling the material.

2. Bend the aluminum roofing into a rectangular shape. Secure the corners with screws or metal brackets to hold everything in place. Ensure the corners are firmly attached and the shape is stable.

3. Attach the 4×4 wooden posts to each corner of the frame using wood screws. Then, attach the 2×6 boards along the long and short sides to form the rectangular wooden frame. Make sure everything is square and secure.

4. Once the wooden frame is assembled, fasten the aluminum roofing material to the wooden frame using screws. Be sure the metal is securely attached to the wood, with no loose edges.

5. If you'd like to add a bottom to your raised bed, cut plywood or wooden slats to fit the base of the frame. Secure them inside the frame with screws to create a solid bottom.

6. Move the assembled bed to your desired location in the garden. Use a level to ensure the bed sits evenly and flat on the ground. Adjust the soil underneath as needed to make sure the bed is level.

4. Brick Raised Bed

Materials Needed
Bricks (new or reclaimed)
Trowel (for applying mortar, if using)
Stakes or string (for marking the shape)
Soil (topsoil, compost, sand mix)
A shovel (for filling the bed with soil)
Mortar (optional, for securing the bricks if desired)
A level (to make sure the bricks are aligned evenly)

Dimension
12 inches high, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet long (customizable)

HOW TO ASSEMBLE

1. Choose the location for your raised bed and mark the shape on the ground using stakes and string. This will help you visualize the size and ensure that the edges are straight and square.

2. Start by laying the first layer of bricks along the marked-out shape. For a square bed, arrange the bricks in a square pattern.

Use a level to ensure the bricks are even and straight. If you'd like extra stability, apply mortar between the bricks to help hold them in place.

3. Stack additional layers of bricks on top of the first. Make sure each layer is level and aligned with the layer below.

If you're using reclaimed bricks, they may not be perfectly uniform, so adjust them as needed to ensure a stable structure.

4. Continue stacking bricks until the bed reaches your desired height, typically around 12 inches. If using mortar, apply it between each layer to securely bond the bricks together and prevent shifting.

5. Once the brick walls are stable, fill the bed with a mix of soil, compost, and sand. Leave a few inches of space from the top of the bricks to avoid overflow when watering.

5. L-Shaped Raised Bed

An L-shaped raised bed is a great way to make use of corner spaces in your garden. It's ideal for creating separate planting areas or adding a bit of structure to your backyard.

Materials Needed
(4) 2″x6″x8′ wooden boards (or any material of your choice like composite or reclaimed wood)
(4) 2″x4″ boards for the short sides
Screws (preferably 3″ deck screws for outdoor use)
Drill and screwdriver
Measuring tape
Saw (if you need to cut the wood to size)
Wood corner brackets (optional for additional stability)
Level (to ensure the bed is straight and even)

Dimension
24 inches high, 3 feet wide, and 6 feet long (customizable, with two sections forming an L-shape)

HOW TO ASSEMBLE

1. Start by cutting the wooden boards to the required sizes.

For the two longer sides of the L-shaped bed, cut two boards to 6 feet in length. For the shorter sides, cut the other two boards to 3 feet in length. You’ll need four total pieces (two long, two short).

2. Take two of the 6-foot boards and lay them parallel to each other. Attach the 3-foot boards to both ends using screws to form a rectangular frame.

3. Using the remaining 6-foot and 3-foot boards, repeat the process to create the second rectangular frame. This will form the other section of the L-shaped bed.

4. Place the two frames in an L-shape by aligning the long sides of each frame at a 90-degree angle. Ensure the frames connect neatly at the corner.

If necessary, drill pilot holes, then secure the frames together with screws or corner brackets.

5. Once the frames are connected, use a level to ensure the bed sits evenly on the ground. Adjust as needed to make sure the frames are aligned and flat.

6. To stabilize the structure, screw through the corners of the lower frame into the base of the upper frame. This will help secure the two frames together and ensure the bed is sturdy.

Customizing Your Raised Bed

Now that you have an idea of what type of DIY raised garden bed you want (if you've figured it out already), you might also want to customize it to suit your preferences.

There are plenty of easy ways to personalize your raised garden bed.

You could add a simple border using bricks or stones, or even create a tiered design for something a little different. For a more creative touch, consider using recycled materials like pallets or metal.

If you're growing climbing plants like tomatoes or beans, a trellis can be a handy addition. And if you enjoy color, painting or staining the wood will give your bed a more personalized look.

If watering is something you'd rather not worry about, you can always install an irrigation system to make things easier.

Eco-Friendly Tips for Your Raised Bed

To make your raised bed more eco-friendly, start by using reclaimed or recycled materials, such as old wood or bricks, to help reduce waste.

Choosing untreated wood instead of pressure-treated wood is also a great idea, as it keeps harmful chemicals out of your soil.

If you have the space, consider composting food scraps and yard waste. It’s an easy way to improve soil health while reducing waste.

For a faster composting method, check out our guide on the Berkeley composting method for quick and efficient results.

Another eco-friendly tip is to collect rainwater to irrigate your plants. It’s both environmentally conscious and cost-effective.

By incorporating these small steps, you can create a more sustainable garden that’s easier to maintain.

Happy building and gardening!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)