Raised Garden Bed

By DIY Pete
done
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flowers
Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

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.

Difficulty moderate

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Drill (cordless)
    Drill (cordless)
  • Stapler
    Stapler
  • Sander
    Sander

Materials

Wood Products

  • 3 Board , 2x4 , 120"
  • 7 Board , 2x6 , 120"

Hardware & Supplies

  • 1 Box of 2 1/2 inch blue Kreg Screws
  • 1 Box 2 1/2 inch wood screws
  • 1 Outdoor stain / Sealer
  • 1 1 roll of weed barrier
  • 1 Soil to fill planter - Approximately 19.1 cubic feet
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 6 Leg and center support , 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 22"
  • 4 Leg , 1 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 22"
  • 8 Long side boards , 1 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 54"
  • 8 Short side boards , 1 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 28"
  • 2 Long top cap board , 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 58"
  • 2 Short top cap board , 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 28"
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See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • Gather Materials

    Gather materials. Redwood or cedar are both good choices for outdoor projects. You'll need 2x4 and 2x6 boards.

    Step 1

  • 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.

    Step 2

  • 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.

    Step 3

  • Connect legs

    Use 2 1/2 inch Kreg screws to attach the leg boards.

    Step 4

  • Layout boards

    Layout the legs and long side boards.

    Step 5

  • 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.

    Step 6

  • Prepare to add short side board

    Here is a photo showing the two longer sections prior to adding the other 2 sections.

    Step 7

  • Connect short side boards

    Use 2 1/2 inch wood screws to attach the shorter 2x6 side boards to the leg.

    Step 8

  • Sides added

    Here is a photo showing the sides connected.

    Step 9

  • Connect the last side

    Complete the four sided box by attaching the remaining side with 2 1/2 inch wood screws.

    Step 10

  • 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.

    Step 11

  • Create pocket holes

    Drill pocket holes to enable the top caps to be connected from the underside using 2 1/2 inch Kreg screws.

    Step 12

  • 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.

    Step 13

  • Prior to cap

    Here is the planter prior to the 2x4 cap frame being attached.

    Step 14

  • Attach cap from underside

    Attach the top cap to the sidewalls from the underside using 2 1/2 inch Kreg screws.

    Step 15

  • Level

    Determine where the planter will go. Create a level surface.

    Step 16

  • Weed cloth

    Add weed cloth to prevent unwanted vegetation from growing into your planter. Use chicken wire to keep gophers out if needed.

    Step 17

  • Add soil

    Add soil to the planter. It will take approximately 19 cubic feet. Plants some flowers, herbs, or vegetables!

    Step 18