Raised Garden Bed
Learn how to build a raised garden bed out of 2x4 and 2x6 boards. The garden bed is about 2 feet tall so you will be able to garden comfortably without getting on your knees. This is a quick weekend project that will spruce up any yard.
Directions
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Gather Materials
Gather materials. Redwood or cedar are both good choices for outdoor projects. You'll need 2x4 and 2x6 boards.
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Make Cuts
Use a miter saw or circular saw to make each cut according to the cut list. Feel free to modify the size as needed to best fit your needs.
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Create pocket holes
Use a pocket hole jig to attach the two boards that form each leg. Drill pocket holes into the 2x4 board. I'd recommend creating 4 pocket holes for each leg.
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Connect legs
Use 2 1/2 inch Kreg screws to attach the leg boards.
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Layout boards
Layout the legs and long side boards.
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Attach side boards to legs
Use 2 1/2 inch wood screws to attach each 2x6 board to each leg. Use 2 screws on the end of each board.
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Prepare to add short side board
Here is a photo showing the two longer sections prior to adding the other 2 sections.
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Connect short side boards
Use 2 1/2 inch wood screws to attach the shorter 2x6 side boards to the leg.
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Sides added
Here is a photo showing the sides connected.
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Connect the last side
Complete the four sided box by attaching the remaining side with 2 1/2 inch wood screws.
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Create cap boards frame
Form the frame for the top cap out of 2x4 boards. Connect at each corner from the underside using 2 1/2 inch Kreg screws.
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Create pocket holes
Drill pocket holes to enable the top caps to be connected from the underside using 2 1/2 inch Kreg screws.
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Add center 2x4 supports
Center the 2x4 middle supports on the outside of the planter and then attach with 2 1/2 inch screws from the inside.
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Prior to cap
Here is the planter prior to the 2x4 cap frame being attached.
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Attach cap from underside
Attach the top cap to the sidewalls from the underside using 2 1/2 inch Kreg screws.
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Level
Determine where the planter will go. Create a level surface.
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Weed cloth
Add weed cloth to prevent unwanted vegetation from growing into your planter. Use chicken wire to keep gophers out if needed.
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Add soil
Add soil to the planter. It will take approximately 19 cubic feet. Plants some flowers, herbs, or vegetables!
Be sure to check out our top 9 garden bed plans for all skill levels: