What is the process for building a raised bed on legs?

What is the process for building a raised bed on legs?

Building a raised bed on legs is a great way to elevate your garden and make it more accessible, especially for those who have difficulty bending or kneeling. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of building a raised bed on legs, highlighting two different methods from reliable sources.

Method 1: Angela Marie Made

Angela Marie Made provides a detailed guide on how to build a raised garden bed with legs. Here are the steps:

1. Make initial lumber cuts: Start by cutting the cedar boards to the required lengths. You will need four pieces of 1×6 cedar boards measuring 36″ in length, four pieces measuring 16.5″ in length, eight pieces of 1×4 cedar boards measuring 30″ in length, and two pieces of 1×2 cedar boards measuring 34.25″ in length.
2. Attach the 1×2 boards to the bottom of two 1x6s: Take one of the 34.25″ 1×2 boards and attach it to the bottom edge of one of the 36″ boards using self-tapping deck screws. Repeat this step for the other 36″ board.
3. Assemble raised planter boxes: Mark 3/8″ in from both edges of the 16.5″ 1×6 boards and pre-drill two pilot holes on each mark. Attach one of the 16.5″ boards perpendicular to the end of one of the 36″ boards with the ledge using deck screws. Repeat this step on the opposite side with the other 36″ board with a ledge.
4. Attach wood legs to the raised garden bed: Attach one of the 30″ 1×4 pieces to another 30″ 1×4 board using wood glue and brad nails to create one of the raised garden bed legs. Repeat this step for the other three legs. Attach the top planter box to the top of two legs using deck screws. Stack the bottom planter box under the top planter box and attach with screws to the wood legs. Repeat these steps on the opposite side with the remaining two wood legs.
5. Add bottom wood slats and top trim to the planter box: Cut six 1×6 boards to the inside width of the planter box minus 1/4″. Lay the boards on top of the ledge, spaced out about 3/4″, and secure each board in place with brad nails. Finish off the top of the planter box with the remaining 1×2 boards cut to size and attach with brad nails.
6. Prepare the raised garden bed for planting: Lay weed barrier in the bottom of the planter box, fill it with soil suitable for raised garden beds, and start planting.

Remember, the dimensions and materials used in this tutorial are specific to the instructions provided. Adjustments can be made to suit your preferences and available materials.

Method 2: WikiHow

WikiHow also offers a guide on how to build a raised garden bed with legs. Here are the steps:

1. Purchase cedar wood planks: Buy ten 8 ft. 1 in. by 4 in. planks and four 8 ft. 2 in. by 4 in. planks.
2. Cut the cedar wood planks to size: Using a saw or other cutting tool, cut ten 4 ft. long side planks, ten 2 ft. short side planks, and four 30 in. legs.
3. Secure the short sides to the legs: Drill 2 holes into each end of the short planks and attach them to the legs with screws.
4. Fasten the long sides to the legs: Drill 2 holes on each end of the long planks and attach them to the short sides with screws.
5. Attach support pieces along the bottom of the garden bed: Use wood glue to affix support pieces to ensure the stability of the raised bed.
6. Cut wooden slats to line the bottom of the box: Measure the length between the two long sides and cut cedar plank scraps to that size to create a bottom lining for the raised bed.

It’s important to note that the WikiHow tutorial does not provide specific measurements or detailed instructions for attaching the support pieces and bottom slats, so additional information may be needed for a complete construction guide.

Raised Bed on Legs vs Traditional Raised Beds

While the process of building a raised bed on legs is now clear, it’s worth considering the pros and cons of this approach compared to traditional raised beds. Unfortunately, the third source provided does not specifically mention these comparisons.

However, raised beds on legs offer several advantages:

• Easier access for gardening: With the bed raised at a comfortable height, there is less bending or kneeling required, making it ideal for individuals with physical limitations.
• Better drainage: Raised beds on legs tend to drain better than traditional beds, which can help prevent waterlogging and provide optimal growing conditions for plants.
• Protection from pests: Elevated beds can be more challenging for pests to access, reducing the risk of damage from ground-dwelling critters.

On the other hand, traditional raised beds have their own advantages, including:

• Cost-effectiveness: Traditional raised beds can often be built using less expensive materials, such as untreated lumber or recycled materials.
• Flexibility in size and shape: Traditional beds can be easily customized to fit any space or gardening preference, allowing for more creativity and versatility.
• Longevity: When built with durable materials, traditional raised beds can potentially last for many years without the need for major repairs or replacements.

In conclusion, the process of building a raised bed on legs involves cutting and assembling the necessary materials according to the provided instructions. Both the Angela Marie Made and WikiHow tutorials offer step-by-step guidance on constructing raised beds on legs. While raised beds on legs have certain advantages, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of this approach compared to traditional raised beds to determine which option best suits your gardening needs.

Related Websites:

• How to Build a Raised Garden Bed with Legs – Angela Marie Made
• How to Build a Raised Garden Bed with Legs – WikiHow
• Raised Bed Gardens vs In-Ground – Gardening Channel