Best Wood to use for Raised Garden Beds

You’ve got perfect soil, a level yard, consistent rainfall, and everything grows beautifully, right?

Ok. No.

Every garden has challenges and raised beds can resolve many of them.

But what kind of wood should you use? Are some types of wood harmful for the garden?

Here’s what you need to know.

There’s plenty of obstacles to creating a great garden. Slopes cause erosion. Bad soil is expensive to amend. Tree roots prohibit digging. Plus knee and back problems can make it difficult to get in the garden (or get back up!).

Raised beds can solve all of these problems and more. Wood is a popular choice for building plant boxes because it’s fairly inexpensive, readily available, and lasts quite a few years. But you do have to choose carefully to avoid contaminating the soil and find a eco-friendly source.

What I use in my garden

• I use 1″ pine boards and never apply paints or stains (to ensure food-growing safety). The wood gets a lovely, rustic barn board patina after just one season.

What is the best wood for raised garden beds?

Locally-sourced, FSC-certified, untreated wood.

Keep in mind that wood selections vary greatly by region. I admit the suggestions (below) are quite idealistic, but why not do what’s best for the health of your garden and the environment if you can?

Local & Sustainable

• The best choice (and often the lowest cost) is locally-sourced wood, coming from sustainably-managed tree farms (as opposed to decimating old-growth forest by clear-cutting).

FSC Certified

• If you can, use wood with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification. The FSC is an international, not for-profit organization that promotes the responsible management of forests.

Safe

• Do not use pressure-treated wood or old railway ties. The chemical preservatives can migrate into both the soil and plants.

Durable

• My raised beds are made from 1″ untreated pine and last approximately 10 years.
• Other naturally rot-resistant woods (listed below) will last even longer.

Types of Wood
Here’s a few popular ones:

• Naturally rot-resistant, long-lasting
  Cedar, yew, redwood, juniper (has a very rustic look)
• Dense woodsBlack walnut, white oak, locust wood
• Other Options
  Spruce, pine, Douglas fir

Avoid

• Recycled or reclaimed wood if you do not know the origin or wood that has been stained or painted.
• Pressure-treated wood. ACQ lumber is a better alternative.

Wood Alternatives for Building Raised Beds

• Recycled composite plastic lumber
• Composite lumber – made from recycled wood shavings.
• Cinderblocks or bricks – can get quite hot in the sun.
• Rocks
• Concrete
• Metal stock tanks – can rust over time.
• Galvanized culvert
• Steel – not sure if this is food safe.
• ACQ lumber – water-based alternative to pressure-treated lumber.
• Felled logs
• Old doors – cut lengthwise – be cautious with old paints or stains.
• Shutters – be cautious with paints or stains.

Avoid

• Railway ties – creosote-soaked ones are not safe.
• Tires – I know this is fairly popular but I am not convinced it is a soil-safe idea.
• Paints, stains, finishes – you don’t want them leeching into the soil.

Good luck with your raised beds! Now go grow something wonderful

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