Side by side
| Measure | Cedar | Composite |
|---|---|---|
| In our catalogue | 11 families, 29 sizes (Gronomics, Greenes Fence, Gardener's Supply, Outdoor Living Today, VegTrug) | 2 families, 6 sizes (Gardener's Supply, Frame It All) |
| Published heights | 7.3 to 35 in | 5.5 to 22 in |
| Stated soil capacity | 3.5 to 60 cubic feet | 7.3 to 29.3 cubic feet |
| Material, as published | Cedar heartwood, decay-resistant above ground (USDA Forest Products Laboratory) | Recycled plastic and reclaimed sawdust with aluminum corners (Gardener’s Supply); 38% HDPE plastic and 62% wood fibers (Frame It All) |
| Lifespan, as published | 10 years or more for cedar (UNH Extension); untreated wood can begin to decay within a few years (WSU Extension) | No extension service figure; compare the makers’ warranties |
| Building your own | Yes, from lumber; see the 4 × 8 plan | Sold as kits in our catalogue |
See the beds
Cedar beds
- Gronomics Cedar Raised Garden Beds
- Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Bed 4 × 8 ft
- Gardener’s Supply Cedar Raised Beds, 4 ft Wide
- Gardener’s Supply Deep Root Cedar Raised Beds
- Gardener’s Supply Farmstead Cedar Raised Beds
- Gardener’s Supply Elevated Cedar Raised Beds
- Gardener’s Supply Elevated Cedar Planter Box with Shelf
- Gronomics 24 × 48 Elevated Cedar Garden Bed
- Outdoor Living Today Urban Cedar Raised Bed
- VegTrug Classic 1.8 m Cedar Planter
- Gardener’s Supply Elevated Cedar Patio Garden with Shelf
References
- Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material (FPL-GTR-282), chapter 14: Biodeterioration of Wood, USDA Forest Products Laboratory
- How to Utilize Raised Beds for Small Space Gardening, University of New Hampshire Extension
- Raised Beds: Will They Benefit Your Vegetable Garden? (FS075E), Washington State University Extension
- 4' x 4' Raised Garden Bed - GardenBLOX Classic, Frame It All
- Sustainable Raised Beds, Gardener's Supply