Elevated raised garden beds on legs

Raised planters on legs with their own floor, compared by the overall height, planting depth and soil capacity their makers publish.

Heights in inches. A dashed outline means the maker does not state the soil depth.

Vego Classic elevated planter: 32 in overall, 12 in of soil
Gardener’s Supply elevated cedar planter: 29 in overall, 10 in of soil
Gardener’s Supply cedar planter with shelf: 35 in overall, 10 in of soil
Gronomics elevated cedar beds: 32 in overall, 14 in of soil
Outdoor Living Today Urban cedar planter: 22.5 in overall, soil depth not stated
VegTrug Classic 1.8 m cedar trough: 31.5 in overall, soil depth not stated
Keter Urban Bloomer resin planter on legs: 30.7 in overall, soil depth not stated
Gardenary elevated cedar planter: 32 in overall, 12 in of soil
Anleolife elevated metal beds: 35 in overall, 12 in of soil
Greenes Fence elevated cedar planters: 31 in overall, 9.75 in of soil
Vego Slim elevated planter: 32 in overall, 12 in of soil
Gardener’s Supply self-watering elevated cedar planter: 29 in overall, 10 in of soil
Gardener’s Supply cedar patio planter with shelf: 33.2 in overall, 5.25 in of soil
Keter Splendor resin planter on legs: 29.8 in overall, soil depth not stated
Veikous cedar planter on legs, 2 × 8 ft: 30.2 in overall, soil depth not stated
Vego Jumbo elevated planter: 32 in overall, 12 in of soil
Keter Darwin resin planter on legs: 31.4 in overall, soil depth not stated
Veikous galvanized steel planter on legs: 31.9 in overall, 11.6 in of soil
Veikous galvanized planter on wheels with a shelf: 33.5 in overall, 11.4 in of soil

The soil sits at the top; the rest of the height is the stand.

Why a planter on legs

Soil at working height: UGA Extension says a bed 36 inches off the ground helps avoid bending.
Planters 10 inches deep on legs or blocks suit wheelchair access, UGA says; the University of Minnesota Extension gives 27 inches as a comfortable height for wheelchair users.

Watch for

Overall height is not planting depth: order soil for the depth.
The whole filled weight comes down through the legs: have a deck or balcony assessed first.
Water drains through the floor: on a balcony, plan where it lands.

The beds

All raised beds

20 beds from 10 makers · 33 sizes and layouts · 19 to 35 in overall · 1.7 to 26.7 ft³ stated

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Shown: 2 × 4 ft, Olive Green, without wheels.

For gardening at standing height

Vego Classic elevated planter

32 in overall · 7.6 to 15 ft³ · 3 sizes and layouts

Steel · Elevated planter · 2-year warranty

Bring a 12-inch planting space up on legs, with a shelf below for supplies. Compare the footprints and wheeled options before choosing a spot.

32 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

12 inPlanting depth

7.6 to 15 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterSteel2-year warranty3 sizes and layouts

Use the 12-inch planting depth for fill calculations. The taller overall stand height includes the legs.

For an elevated wooden planter

Gardener’s Supply elevated cedar planter

29 in overall · 6.7 to 26.7 ft³ · 3 sizes and layouts

Wood · Elevated planter · Lifetime warranty (store credit)

Grow in a cedar planter raised on legs, with a slatted floor below the mix. Compare three sizes for the growing space you need.

29 inOverall height, mid-thigh on an adult

10 inPlanting depth

6.7 to 26.7 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterWoodLifetime warranty (store credit)3 sizes and layouts

Use potting mix. This planter excludes ordinary garden soil, topsoil, sand, clay and rocks, so those are not substitutes for the fill.

Shown: natural cedar planter with shelf, 10-inch planting depth.

A cedar planter with storage below

Gardener’s Supply cedar planter with shelf

35 in overall · capacity not stated · 1 size

Wood · Elevated planter · Lifetime warranty (store credit)

Use a 10-inch planting space above a storage shelf. This planter measures 48 × 24 inches overall and stands 35 inches tall.

35 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

10 inPlanting depth

Not statedStated soil capacity

Elevated planterWoodLifetime warranty (store credit)1 size

The 35-inch height includes the legs. Choose it for the 10-inch growing depth, and measure the inside before calculating fill.

A cedar growing space raised on legs

Gronomics elevated cedar beds

32 in overall · 6.5 to 8.6 ft³ · 2 sizes and layouts

Wood · Elevated planter · 2-year warranty

Raise a 24 × 48-inch cedar growing space on legs. Compare the two planting depths and overall heights for the position you want to use.

32 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

10.5 to 14 inPlanting depth

6.5 to 8.6 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterWood2-year warranty2 sizes and layouts

The overall height includes the legs. Use the separately listed planting depth when deciding whether the growing space is deep enough.

For a narrow cedar planter with a floor

Outdoor Living Today Urban cedar planter

22.5 in overall · 7.8 ft³ · 1 size

Wood · Elevated planter · 1-year warranty

A Western Red Cedar planter 48 × 18 inches and 22.5 inches tall, with a built-in cedar floor. The maker states 7.8 cubic feet of soil.

22.5 inOverall height, mid-thigh on an adult

WoodWarranty: 1 year

7.8 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterWood1-year warranty1 size

The floor keeps the soil in, so it can stand on a patio if the surface takes the filled weight. Its 3-year rot warranty covers raised beds only when lined with a waterproof membrane.

For working at standing or seated height

VegTrug Classic 1.8 m cedar trough

31.5 in overall · 14.8 ft³ · 1 size

Wood · Elevated planter · 1-year warranty

A V-shaped Inland Red Cedar trough on a frame, 72.2 inches long and 31.5 inches tall, that takes 420 liters (about 14.8 cubic feet) of soil.

31.5 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

WoodWarranty: 1 year

14.8 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterWood1-year warranty1 size

The soil is deepest in the middle of the V, so a length × width × depth estimate overstates it; use the maker’s 420 liters. VegTrug says the working height allows wheelchair access.

For a small planter at standing height

Keter Urban Bloomer resin planter on legs

30.7 in overall · 1.7 ft³ · 1 size

Plastic · Self-watering planter on legs · 2-year warranty

A resin planter on legs, 32.3 × 14.7 inches and 30.7 inches tall, with a water gauge, a drainage tap and a reservoir. Keter states 12.7 gallons of soil.

30.7 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

PlasticWarranty: 2 years

1.7 ft³Stated soil capacity

Self-watering planter on legsPlastic2-year warranty1 size

12.7 gallons is about 1.7 cubic feet, two bags of 1.5 ft³ of potting mix. Keter gives a loading capacity of 105 lb.

For a deep cedar planter at standing height

Veikous cedar planter on legs, 4 × 2 ft, 14 inches deep

Height not stated · 7.3 ft³ · 1 size

Wood · Elevated planter

A 4 × 2 ft cedar planter on legs with a 14-inch planting depth and three drainage holes. Veikous states 7.26 cubic feet of soil.

Not statedOverall height

14 inPlanting depth

7.3 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterWood1 size

7.26 cubic feet takes five bags of 1.5 ft³. Veikous sells two finishes, a sprayed and a roller-applied varnish, with the same size and capacity.

For a cedar planter at waist height

Gardenary elevated cedar planter

32 in overall · capacity not stated · 2 sizes and layouts

Wood · Elevated planter

An untreated cedar planter on legs, 32 inches tall with a 12-inch-deep growing space over a slatted floor, in two sizes: 48 × 24 and 36 × 21 in.

32 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

12 inPlanting depth

Not statedStated soil capacity

Elevated planterWood2 sizes and layouts

Gardenary gives the growing depth, 12 inches, but no inside size or capacity. Filled 12 inches deep, the 48 × 24 in planter holds at most 8 cubic feet (6 bags of 1.5 ft³) and the 36 × 21 in planter 5.25 (4 bags). If those are outside sizes, the 1-inch boards leave about 46 × 22 in inside the larger one: 7 cubic feet, or 5 bags. Gardenary says small gaps between the floor slats let the water drain.

For a steel planter at waist height or on wheels

Anleolife elevated metal beds

22 to 35 in overall · 6 to 8 ft³ · 2 sizes and layouts

Steel · Elevated planter

Galvanized steel planters on legs in two sizes: 4 × 1.5 ft at 35 inches tall, about waist height, and 4 × 2 ft at 22 inches on low wheels. Each plants 1 ft deep. Anleolife states 6 and 8 cubic feet of soil.

22 to 35 inOverall height, up to hip height on an adult

12 inPlanting depth

6 to 8 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterSteel2 sizes and layouts

The 35-inch planter takes 4 bags of 1.5 ft³ and the 22-inch one 6, by Anleolife’s capacities. Each page’s dimensions row says 4 × 4 ft, against the 4 × 1.5 and 4 × 2 ft of its title and planting area: measure the box before you order a liner or a cover for it.

For a cedar planter raised off the ground

Greenes Fence elevated cedar planters

19 to 31 in overall · 4.8 to 6.2 ft³ · 4 sizes and layouts

Wood · Elevated planter

Cedar planters on legs, each with a fabric liner: 2 × 4 ft at 31 or 19 inches tall and 16 × 32 inches at 31 inches, 7.5 to 9.75 inches deep inside.

19 to 31 inOverall height, up to hip height on an adult

7.5 to 9.8 inPlanting depth

4.8 to 6.2 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterWood4 sizes and layouts

Greenes gives each planter’s inside size, so the soil answer is exact: the 2 × 4 ft planter holds 6.2 cubic feet at 9.6 inches deep, 5 bags of 1.5 ft³, or 4.8 cubic feet (4 bags) in the original cedar at 7.5 inches. For the 16 × 32 inch planter Greenes states 9.3 cubic feet, but its inside size holds about 2.8: two bags fill it.

Shown: 1.5 × 5.5 ft, Olive Green, without wheels.

For a narrow elevated planter

Vego Slim elevated planter

32 in overall · 5.2 to 8.3 ft³ · 2 sizes and layouts

Steel · Elevated planter · 2-year warranty

Add a long growing space where a wide planter would crowd the path. The narrow bed sits on legs with storage below.

32 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

12 inPlanting depth

5.2 to 8.3 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterSteel2-year warranty2 sizes and layouts

Vego gives conflicting fill capacities. Measure the inside and use the soil calculator before ordering bags.

For a planter at working height that waters itself

Gardener’s Supply self-watering elevated cedar planter

29 in overall · 6 to 12 ft³ · 2 sizes and layouts

Wood · Self-watering planter on legs · Lifetime warranty (store credit)

A cedar planter box on legs, 29 inches tall, with 10 inches of potting mix over reservoirs of 10 gallons (2 × 4 ft) or 20 gallons (2 × 8 ft).

29 inOverall height, mid-thigh on an adult

10 inPlanting depth

6 to 12 ft³Stated soil capacity

Self-watering planter on legsWoodLifetime warranty (store credit)2 sizes and layouts

Gardener’s Supply states 6 cubic feet of potting mix for the 2 × 4 ft box and 12 for the 2 × 8: 4 and 8 bags of 1.5 ft³. Use potting mix only; the maker excludes garden soil, topsoil, sand, clay and rocks.

Shown: natural cedar patio planter with shelf, 5.25-inch planting depth.

A shallow planter for a compact space

Gardener’s Supply cedar patio planter with shelf

33.2 in overall · capacity not stated · 1 size

Wood · Elevated planter · Lifetime warranty (store credit)

Add a shallow growing space and storage shelf in a 46 × 22.7-inch overall footprint. It has 5.25 inches of planting depth.

33.2 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

5.3 inPlanting depth

Not statedStated soil capacity

Elevated planterWoodLifetime warranty (store credit)1 size

The shallow planting space is a different choice from the 10-inch-deep shelf planter. Compare the depth required for your planting plan.

For a planter at standing height with a reservoir

Keter Splendor resin planter on legs

29.8 in overall · 4.2 ft³ · 1 size

Plastic · Self-watering planter on legs · 2-year warranty

A rattan-look resin planter on legs, 44.88 × 19.41 inches and 29.8 inches tall, with a water gauge, a drainage tap and a reservoir. Keter states 31.7 gallons.

29.8 inOverall height, mid-thigh on an adult

PlasticWarranty: 2 years

4.2 ft³Stated soil capacity

Self-watering planter on legsPlastic2-year warranty1 size

31.7 gallons is about 4.2 cubic feet, three bags of 1.5 ft³ of potting mix. Keter gives a loading capacity of 264 lb.

For a long cedar planter at standing height

Veikous cedar planter on legs, 2 × 8 ft

30.2 in overall · 9.8 ft³ · 1 size

Wood · Elevated planter

An 8 ft cedar planter on legs, 30.2 inches tall, with built-in dividers and nine drainage holes. Veikous states 9.8 cubic feet of soil.

30.2 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

WoodWarranty not stated

9.8 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterWood1 size

9.8 cubic feet takes seven bags of 1.5 ft³. Veikous gives no planting depth, so measure the inside before choosing deep-rooted crops.

Shown: 3 × 8 ft, Olive Green, with wheels.

For a long elevated planter

Vego Jumbo elevated planter

32 in overall · 22.6 to 23.3 ft³ · 2 sizes and layouts

Steel · Elevated planter · 2-year warranty

Choose a long planter on legs with 12 inches of planting depth. Compare the different footprints and caster options for your garden.

32 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

12 inPlanting depth

22.6 to 23.3 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterSteel2-year warranty2 sizes and layouts

The wheeled and fixed options have different footprints. Choose the version first, then mark its space and access paths.

For a planter at standing height with a tool shelf

Keter Darwin resin planter on legs

31.4 in overall · 3.9 ft³ · 1 size

Plastic · Self-watering planter on legs · 2-year warranty

A resin planter on legs, 44.5 × 18.7 inches and 31.4 inches tall, with a drainage and self-watering system and a tool shelf. Keter states 29 gallons of soil.

31.4 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

PlasticWarranty: 2 years

3.9 ft³Stated soil capacity

Self-watering planter on legsPlastic2-year warranty1 size

29 gallons is about 3.9 cubic feet, three bags of 1.5 ft³ of potting mix. Keter’s Signature planter is the same size and capacity in another finish.

For a steel planter at standing height

Veikous galvanized steel planter on legs

31.9 in overall · 7.5 ft³ · 1 size

Steel · Elevated planter

A galvanized steel planter on legs, 47.8 × 23.5 inches and 31.9 inches tall, 11.6 inches deep, with a liner and drainage. Veikous states 7.5 cubic feet of soil.

31.9 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

11.6 inPlanting depth

7.5 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterSteel1 size

7.5 cubic feet takes five bags of 1.5 ft³. The hardware is 304 stainless steel and the edges are rolled, Veikous says.

For a planter you can roll into the sun

Veikous galvanized planter on wheels with a shelf

33.5 in overall · 7.8 ft³ · 1 size

Steel · Elevated planter

A galvanized steel planter on four braking wheels, 47.8 × 24.7 inches and 33.5 inches tall, 11.4 inches deep, with a storage shelf. Veikous states 7.8 cubic feet.

33.5 inOverall height, hip height on an adult

11.4 inPlanting depth

7.8 ft³Stated soil capacity

Elevated planterSteel1 size

7.8 cubic feet takes six bags of 1.5 ft³. The wheels brake, so the planter can be rolled into sun or shade and held there.

Stand height is not planting depth

An elevated bed has a floor under the soil, and most stand on legs. The overall height includes any stand: the planters below are 19 to 35 in tall overall, with planting depths of 5.3 to 14 in where the maker states one. Order soil for the planting depth, not the height.

Who they suit

They put the soil at working height. UGA Extension says a bed 36 inches off the ground helps avoid bending, and describes planters 10 inches deep raised on legs or blocks as ideal for wheelchair access. The University of Minnesota Extension says 27 inches is generally a comfortable height for wheelchair users. The accessible beds guide has the reach and clearance figures.

Weight and water on a deck or balcony

A floored planter brings its whole filled weight down through its legs or wheels. Watered potting mix weighs about 40 to 84 lb per cubic foot, so a planter holding 8 cubic feet carries roughly 320 to 670 lb of it before the planter and plants are counted; Vego says its Jumbo bed weighs up to 2,100 to 2,200 lb filled with soil and water. What to plant in a raised bed with legs estimates each planter listed here.

That is an estimate, not a load approval, and neither is a planter’s own rating, which says what the planter holds rather than what the surface can carry. Have a deck, balcony or roof assessed for the filled weight first; the hard-surface guide gives the weight per square foot at each depth. Water drains out through the floor, so on a balcony, plan where it lands.

References

Raised Garden Bed Dimensions (Circular 1027-4), University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.
Raised bed gardens, University of Minnesota Extension.
Growing Vegetables in Containers and Salad Tables, University of Maryland Extension.
Healthy Substrates Need Physicals Too! (HortTechnology 15(4), 2005), USDA Agricultural Research Service and NC State University.
Vego Jumbo Elevated Garden Bed, Vego Garden.