DIY: How to Build a Raised Garden Bed

Cultivate your inner green thumb and create a symphony of tastes and colors in your backyard. This raised garden bed is the perfect place to nurture fruits, vegetables or your favorite flowers. Even better, this raised structure allows you to optimize your plants’ growth by choosing your preferred soil and controlling its moisture levels. Build one or more of these stylish raised garden beds to add to the beauty and productivity of your outdoor space.

Karissa of the Strong-Tie Blog Team
July 29, 2021

Simpson Strong-Tie® Strong-Drive® SDWS Timber screws make it quick and easy to build this simple but strong raised bed in just one day. Use cedar, redwood or non-treated lumber with your favorite stain, sealant or paint color to protect and personalize it.

Download the plans for this DIY Raised Garden Bed here.

Tools Needed

Saw/ miter saw
Drill/ screw gun
#2 Phillips-head bit
Tape measure
Framing square
Straightedge or chalk line
Clamps
Bit holder (optional)
Paint brush (for sealing or painting)

Installation Instructions

Measure and cut lumber to size. Wait to cut top lip until the frame is assembled.
Connect 2×6 short sides to 4×4 end posts. Use a clamp to help hold the wood to the posts, making sure the seam is flush with the outside edge of the posts. Attach with 3″ Strong-Drive SDWS Timber screws.
Attach 2×4 short inside support boards. Clamp the short support 2x4s between the vertical end posts to the inside top of the short side boards and attach from the outside with the 3″ screws.
Connect long sides to the end posts. Clamp the 2×6 long sides to the corner posts, making sure the seams are flush to the short sides. Attach with the 3″ screws.
Attach 2×4 long inside support boards. Clamp the long support 2x4s to the inside top of the long side boards and attach from the outside with the 3″ screws.
Attach 2×4 center support boards. Attach the center supports to the inside of the long side boards with the 3″ screws from the inside, placing one screw on either side of the seam.
Measure, cut, assemble and install top lip. Assemble the top lip, making sure the mitered corners fit snugly and fasten together with the 2″Deck-Drive™ DSV Wood screws. Attach to the top of the frame with two 3″ screws in the short lips and three into the long lips.