Building Raised Beds
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(1) 4’x8′ 1/2″ or 3/8″ Plywood. Cut in half. (10$)
1/2″ is cheaper, but 3/8 will last longer. May depend on if you want to move it or simply provide a barrier for weeds.
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(8) 8′ long 4″ Cedar Decking. Cut into 4’1″ and 3’11” sections. (3.50$ x 8 = 28$)
These are 1″ x 3 1/2″. This allows you to use a complete section across the front of the box for aesthetics.Note: In my experience, 8′ long cedar decking is between 1/2 and 3/4″ longer than 8′. I don’t cut off the extra, I just make sure that one board is 2″ longer than the other. (ex: ~4′ 1 1/4″, ~3′ 11 1/4″)
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(1) 8′ long 2×2 Cedar. Cut into 8 5 1/2″ sections. (4$)
These are used to reinforce the corners. You could make them the full 7″ tall, but this would not allow you to stack modular risers on your bed. I will talk about these later.
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(1) 1lb box of 2″ outdoor rated wood screws. (8$)
For attaching cedar to the corner braces.
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(1) 1lb box of 1 3/4″ outdoor wood screws. (8$)
For attaching the plywood base, and for the corners.
- Total: 58$, with plenty of screws left over for atleast two more beds.
Hi, Tom, I hope you don’t mind- I used one of your photographs on my blog: http://www.worldfoodgarden.org/viewGardenerBlog.asp?r=292
I linked it back to you of course. If its a problem, let me know and I’ll find a different photo
Thanks,
Eve
Btw, cool site and projects!