How to build a wood-framed raised bed. Part 4 of our new YouTube series, “Building a raised bed vegetable garden”, is all about raised bed construction. Learn how to choose lumber, design your beds and make them beautiful and long-lasting.

The following is the cut list for the 4’x8’x16” raised beds we build in the series:

One 4’x8’x16.5” raised bed =

Buy list:

-(9) 8’ long 2”x6”

-(1) 8’ long 2”x4”

-(1) 8’ long 4”x4”

Cut list:

-(6) 2”x6” @ 8’ (or 7’11” if needed to make them all even) - long sides

-(6) 2”x6” @ 4’ (you’ll cut an 8’ in half, so each is actually about 1/8” short of 4’. If you cut them to 7’11'“ first, they’ll be 5/8” short of 4’) - short sides

-(2) 2”x4” @ 15.5” - verticals for cross brace

-(1) 2”x4” @ 46.5” - horizontal cross brace

-(4) 4”x4” @ 15.5” - corner posts

We want you to love your garden.

We’ve managed hundreds of gardens, from urban rooftop sites, to backyard beds, to multi-acre farms. In our books, we share the tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way, so you can grow a more beautiful, productive and efficient garden, and have fun doing it!