Metal raised garden beds

Galvanized and coated steel raised beds compared by the sizes, wall heights and soil capacity their makers publish, with what extension services say about zinc, lead and lifespan.

Steel walls are thin, so almost the whole footprint is soil. Panels bolt together at the corners; Birdies’ and Vego’s are coated steel; Birdies’ is 24-gauge, 0.50 mm before its coating.

Why metal

Thin walls: almost the whole footprint is soil.
One kit can often be built in several layouts, long and narrow or wide.
Steel lasts: Virginia Cooperative Extension cites 35 to 50 years for 14-gauge galvanized steel, though most beds are thinner, 20 to 24 gauge.

Watch for

Zinc from the coating may leach into the soil, but only in very acidic soil, below pH 5, the University of Minnesota Extension says.
Some metal beds sold online have been found to contain lead, the same extension service warns.
Tall walls are not soil depth: most crops need 10 inches, UGA Extension says.

The beds

All raised beds

49 beds from 15 makers · 284 sizes and layouts · 11 to 36 in tall · 3 to 96 ft³ stated

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Shown: 2 × 8 ft layout in Modern Gray.

For changing the layout of one bed

Vego 9-in-1 raised bed, 17-inch

17 in tall · 6 to 35 ft³ · 9 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 2-year warranty

Arrange the metal panels into a long, narrow bed or a wider growing space. One kit offers nine layouts with 17-inch walls.

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 2 years

6 to 35 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel2-year warranty9 sizes and layouts

Choose one layout before ordering soil: the nine arrangements use the same set of panels.

For compact modular layouts

Birdies Medium modular steel bed

15 to 29 in tall · 4.8 to 28.8 ft³ · 12 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · Limited lifetime warranty

A Birdies steel kit that assembles in six layouts from 2 × 2 ft to 3 × 4 ft, 15 or 29 inches tall. Birdies sold it as the Small bed before renaming its sizes.

15 to 29 inHeight, up to mid-thigh on an adult

SteelWarranty: Limited lifetime

4.8 to 28.8 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteelLimited lifetime warranty12 sizes and layouts

Choose the layout before measuring paths or buying soil. The six shapes are alternative layouts of one kit.

For a long, narrow steel bed in a fixed size

Metal Garden Beds CUADRA, EXACTO and FRESA

17 in tall · 18 to 70 ft³ · 3 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed

Three fixed sizes of one 17-inch galvanized steel bed: 3 ft 4 in square, 8 ft 6 in long and 13 ft 4 in long, all 3 ft 4 in wide.

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty not stated

18 to 70 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel3 sizes and layouts

Choose by length; all three are 3 ft 4 in wide and 17 inches tall. Each stated capacity is larger than the published length × width × height, so measure the inside before ordering soil.

For a small bed with no assembly

Tarter 4 ft oval galvanized planter

12 in tall · 8 ft³ · 1 size

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 1-year warranty

A one-piece galvanized oval with no bottom, 48 × 24 inches and 12 inches tall, which Tarter says holds 8 cubic feet. No tools or assembly are needed.

12 inHeight, below the knee on an adult

SteelWarranty: 1 year

8 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel1-year warranty1 size

It arrives ready to place. Length and width can vary by up to 4 inches, the maker says, so measure it before planning paths.

For a tall steel bed in one size

Best Choice 6 × 3 ft metal bed, 24 inches tall

24 in tall · 36 ft³ · 1 size

Steel · Open-bottom bed

A powder-coated steel bed 72 × 36 inches and 24 inches tall, with no bottom panel. The maker states 36 cubic feet, or 269 gallons, of soil.

24 inHeight, mid-thigh on an adult

24 inPlanting depth

36 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel1 size

The 24-inch walls hold 36 cubic feet when full. You do not have to fill all 24 inches; choose your fill depth first.

For changing the layout of one bed

Garden In Minutes 17-in-1 metal bed

17 in tall · 6 to 41.5 ft³ · 17 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed

One square-ended steel kit, 17 inches tall, that assembles into 17 layouts from 24 × 24 inches to 47 × 90 inches. The bottom is open.

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty not stated

6 to 41.5 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel17 sizes and layouts

Pick the layout first: only the two largest use every panel. The maker gives two different soil figures for the 24 × 70 inch layout, so measure that one before ordering.

For compact modular layouts

Epic Small modular steel bed

15 to 29 in tall · 5 to 29 ft³ · 12 sizes and layouts

Steel · Bed on the ground · Limited lifetime warranty

Epic Gardening’s own steel kit in six layouts from 2 × 2 ft to 3 × 4 ft, 15 or 29 inches tall, with a limited lifetime warranty.

15 to 29 inHeight, up to mid-thigh on an adult

SteelWarranty: Limited lifetime

5 to 29 ft³Stated soil capacity

Bed on the groundSteelLimited lifetime warranty12 sizes and layouts

Choose the height first: each height is sold as its own kit. The 29-inch bed takes about twice the soil of the 15-inch one.

For a 17-inch steel bed in ten layouts

Vegega 17-inch 10-in-1 modular steel bed

17 in tall · 18.6 to 49.4 ft³ · 10 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 3-year warranty

A Zn-Al-Mg coated steel kit, 17 inches tall, in ten layouts from 2 × 7 ft (18.62 cubic feet) to 5.5 × 6.5 ft (49.43 cubic feet). The bottom is open.

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 3 years

18.6 to 49.4 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel3-year warranty10 sizes and layouts

Vegega’s volumes fill each layout to the brim, and Vegega says 80 to 90% of a bed’s capacity is enough: about 35 to 40 cubic feet for the 4 × 8 ft layout, listed at 44.12.

For a low steel bed in a small space

Sunnydaze galvanized steel bed, 11.75 inches tall

11.8 in tall · 3.9 to 15.4 ft³ · 5 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 1-year warranty

A low galvanized steel bed of 1 mm walls, open at the bottom, in three rectangles from 24 × 24 in to 47.5 × 35.5 in, a 40.5 in hexagon and a 59.5 in L.

11.8 inHeight, below the knee on an adult

SteelWarranty: 1 year

3.9 to 15.4 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel1-year warranty5 sizes and layouts

The 4 × 2 ft size takes six bags of 1.5 ft³ filled to the brim; leave an inch or two at the top and five are enough. Sunnydaze gives a 1-year warranty.

For a large open-bottom steel bed

VEVOR alu-zinc steel raised beds

11.8 to 24.4 in tall · 30.5 to 59.1 ft³ · 3 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed

Corrugated steel beds with an aluminum-zinc coating, open at the bottom: 8 × 4 ft at 1 or 2 ft tall, and 6.67 × 3.35 ft at 1.51 ft. VEVOR states 30.51 to 59.06 cubic feet of soil.

11.8 to 24.4 inHeight, up to mid-thigh on an adult

SteelWarranty not stated

30.5 to 59.1 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel3 sizes and layouts

Filled to the brim, the 8 × 4 × 1 ft bed takes 21 bags of 1.5 ft³, the 6.67 × 3.35 ft bed 23 and the 8 × 4 × 2 ft bed 40. VEVOR gives no planting depth or warranty on these pages.

For a steel bed that weathers to rust brown

Gardenary corten steel raised beds

14 to 20 in tall · capacity not stated · 4 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed

Open-bottom beds of 16-gauge corten steel, which weathers to a rust-brown patina: 40 × 40 in at 14 or 20 in tall, and 48 × 48 or 48 × 96 in at 16 in tall. Gardenary states no soil capacity.

14 to 20 inHeight, up to about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty not stated

Not statedStated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel4 sizes and layouts

Gardenary states no soil capacity, but whether its sizes are inside or outside, a bed holds no more than its size times its height. Filled to the brim, the 40-inch beds take at most about 13 and 18.5 cubic feet (9 and 13 bags of 1.5 ft³), the 48 × 48 in bed 21 (15 bags) and the 48 × 96 in bed 43 (29 bags). The corner brackets and the brace sit inside, so measure between the walls after assembly to order no more than you need. While the steel weathers it can stain light or porous surfaces, so Gardenary says to stand the beds on grass or gravel; it suggests a vinegar and salt spray to speed the weathering.

For a metal bed at the height you want

Land Guard rectangular metal beds

12 to 36 in tall · 16 to 84 ft³ · 10 sizes and layouts

Steel · Bed on the ground

Galvanized metal beds in ten rectangular sizes, from 6 × 3 ft to 12 × 4 ft and from 12 to 36 inches tall. Land Guard estimates 16 to 84 cubic feet of soil.

12 to 36 inHeight, up to hip height on an adult

SteelWarranty not stated

16 to 84 ft³Stated soil capacity

Bed on the groundSteel10 sizes and layouts

The 8 × 4 ft bed takes 19 bags of 1.5 ft³ at 12 inches, 28 at 18, 38 at 24 and 56 at 36, by Land Guard’s estimates. For a tall bed, a layer of logs and branches under the soil means fewer bags: a foot of wood in the 36-inch bed leaves room for about 38, the 24-inch bed’s figure.

For a bottomless steel bed at 18, 24 or 30 inches

Anleolife metal beds

18 to 30 in tall · 9 to 69 ft³ · 15 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed

Galvanized steel beds in fifteen sizes, 3 × 2 to 12 × 3 ft, 18 to 30 inches tall: nine ovals, two square-cornered beds, and an 18-inch hexagon, L, U and heart. The square-cornered beds are the 18-inch 4 × 4 and 6 × 3 ft. Anleolife states 9 to 69 cubic feet of soil, filled to the top.

18 to 30 inHeight, up to hip height on an adult

SteelWarranty: See the maker

9 to 69 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel15 sizes and layouts

The 8 × 4 ft oval takes 28 bags of 1.5 ft³ at 18 inches, 38 at 24 and 46 at 30, by Anleolife’s capacities. The 30-inch beds have thicker panels than the lower ones: 0.9 mm against 0.8 mm. Of the 18-inch shaped beds, the L takes 21 bags, the hexagon and the heart 22 each, and the U 29. The 3 × 2 ft ovals, sold in threes for children, take 6 each.

For a steel bed that bolts together without tools

Arrow GROW IT steel beds

11 to 17 in tall · 11 to 26.3 ft³ · 3 sizes and layouts

Steel · Bed on the ground · 1-year warranty

Galvanized steel beds in three sizes: 36 × 36 and 72 × 36 inches at 17 inches tall, and 40 × 40 inches at 11 inches. Arrow states 11 to 26.25 cubic feet of soil.

11 to 17 inHeight, up to about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 1 year

11 to 26.3 ft³Stated soil capacity

Bed on the groundSteel1-year warranty3 sizes and layouts

The 72 × 36 in bed takes 18 bags of 1.5 ft³ for Arrow’s 26.25 cubic feet, the 36 × 36 in bed 9 and the low 40 × 40 in bed 8. It bolts together with wing nuts, no tools needed, Arrow says. Each size’s model number is listed with it, to match a store’s listing.

For the longest 17-inch modular bed

Vego X-in-1 giant modular bed, 17-inch

17 in tall · 24 to 57 ft³ · 7 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 2-year warranty

Vego’s largest 17-inch kit builds long beds up to 2 × 12 ft and wide ones up to 4 × 10 ft. Vego gives the soil for seven of its 23 layouts, 24 to 57 cubic feet.

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 2 years

24 to 57 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel2-year warranty7 sizes and layouts

The 2-ft-wide layouts can be planted from one long side, so they can run along a fence or a path; the 4-ft-wide ones need a path on both long sides. The 4 × 10 ft layout takes 57 cubic feet, about 2.1 cubic yards, so get a quote for bulk soil before you buy 38 bags.

For a longer modular bed

Birdies Large modular steel bed

15 to 29 in tall · 15 to 48 ft³ · 12 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · Limited lifetime warranty

A Birdies steel kit with internal bracing, in six layouts up to 5 × 4 ft, 15 or 29 inches tall. Birdies sold it as the Medium bed before renaming its sizes.

15 to 29 inHeight, up to mid-thigh on an adult

SteelWarranty: Limited lifetime

15 to 48 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteelLimited lifetime warranty12 sizes and layouts

The 4-foot-wide layouts need access from both long sides. Mark those paths before deciding which layout fits.

For a longer modular bed

Epic Medium modular steel bed

15 to 29 in tall · 15 to 48.3 ft³ · 12 sizes and layouts

Steel · Bed on the ground · Limited lifetime warranty

Epic Gardening’s steel kit in six layouts from 3 × 4 ft to 4 × 5 ft and 2 × 7 ft, 15 or 29 inches tall.

15 to 29 inHeight, up to mid-thigh on an adult

SteelWarranty: Limited lifetime

15 to 48.3 ft³Stated soil capacity

Bed on the groundSteelLimited lifetime warranty12 sizes and layouts

The 4-foot-wide layouts need access from both long sides. Mark those paths before deciding which layout fits.

For a waist-high steel bed in ten layouts

Vegega 32-inch 10-in-1 modular steel bed

32 in tall · 35 to 92.9 ft³ · 10 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 3-year warranty

Vegega’s waist-high kit: Zn-Al-Mg coated steel, 32 inches tall, in ten layouts from 2 × 7 ft (35 cubic feet) to 5.5 × 6.5 ft (92.92 cubic feet). The bottom is open.

32 inHeight, hip height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 3 years

35 to 92.9 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel3-year warranty10 sizes and layouts

Filling 32 inches takes a lot of soil: 82.94 cubic feet, or 56 bags of 1.5 ft³, for the 4 × 8 ft layout. Set your fill depth first; the deep-bed guide covers cheaper ways to fill the bottom.

For a metal bed without corners

Land Guard oval metal beds

12 to 36 in tall · 6 to 75 ft³ · 10 sizes and layouts

Steel · Bed on the ground

Galvanized metal beds with rounded ends in ten sizes, from 4 × 2 ft to 8 × 4 ft and from 12 to 36 inches tall. Land Guard estimates 6 to 75 cubic feet of soil.

12 to 36 inHeight, up to hip height on an adult

SteelWarranty not stated

6 to 75 ft³Stated soil capacity

Bed on the groundSteel10 sizes and layouts

The 8 × 4 ft oval takes 17 bags of 1.5 ft³ at 12 inches, 34 at 24 and 50 at 36, by Land Guard’s estimates: the rounded ends hold less than a rectangle of the same size.

For a round steel bed at 18, 24 or 30 inches

Anleolife round metal beds

18 to 30 in tall · 5 to 18 ft³ · 4 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed

Galvanized steel rings, open at the bottom, in four sizes: 24, 35, 36 and 48 inches across and 18, 24 or 30 inches tall. Anleolife states 5 to 18 cubic feet of soil per ring, filled to the top.

18 to 30 inHeight, up to hip height on an adult

SteelWarranty: See the maker

5 to 18 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel4 sizes and layouts

The 36-inch ring at 30 inches and the 48-inch ring at 18 inches each take 12 bags of 1.5 ft³, by Anleolife’s capacities: the same soil, one deep and one wide. The 35-inch ring at 24 inches takes 10. The 24-inch rings come in fours for a children’s garden, 4 bags each.

Shown: the Olive Green 6-in-1 kit.

For a smaller modular bed

Vego 6-in-1 raised bed, 17-inch

17 in tall · 6 to 25 ft³ · 6 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 2-year warranty

Fit a smaller garden with six panel arrangements, from a narrow rectangle to a compact square, all with 17-inch walls.

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 2 years

6 to 25 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel2-year warranty6 sizes and layouts

Place this open-bottom bed over garden ground. Choose an elevated planter if you need a contained growing space.

For a round garden bed

Birdies round steel bed

15 to 29 in tall · 10 to 20 ft³ · 2 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · Limited lifetime warranty

A round Birdies bed 39.3 inches wide, 15 or 29 inches tall. Birdies states 10 or 20 cubic feet of soil.

15 to 29 inHeight, up to mid-thigh on an adult

SteelWarranty: Limited lifetime

10 to 20 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteelLimited lifetime warranty2 sizes and layouts

Leave a clear route around the rim so you can reach the center from different sides.

For the largest modular layouts

Epic Large modular steel bed

15 to 29 in tall · 20 to 87 ft³ · 10 sizes and layouts

Steel · Bed on the ground · Limited lifetime warranty

Epic Gardening’s largest kit, in five layouts from 2 × 8 ft to 6 × 6 ft, 15 or 29 inches tall.

15 to 29 inHeight, up to mid-thigh on an adult

SteelWarranty: Limited lifetime

20 to 87 ft³Stated soil capacity

Bed on the groundSteelLimited lifetime warranty10 sizes and layouts

At 29 inches tall the 6 × 6 ft layout takes 87 cubic feet by Epic’s figures. Fill only the depth your plants need.

For a low steel bed over open ground

Vegega 11-inch 10-in-1 modular steel bed

11 in tall · 11.9 to 31.6 ft³ · 10 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 3-year warranty

A low Zn-Al-Mg coated steel kit, 11 inches tall, in ten layouts from 2 × 7 ft (11.91 cubic feet) to 5.5 × 6.5 ft (31.63 cubic feet). The bottom is open.

11 inHeight, below the knee on an adult

SteelWarranty: 3 years

11.9 to 31.6 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel3-year warranty10 sizes and layouts

The bottom is open, so roots can go on down into good ground; over poor or hard ground, a taller bed gives them more soil. The 4 × 8 ft layout holds 28.24 cubic feet, 19 bags of 1.5 ft³.

For a round bed you can work from every side

Land Guard round metal beds

12 to 36 in tall · 3 to 33 ft³ · 7 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed

Galvanized metal rings, open at the bottom, in seven sizes: 24, 36 and 48 inches across and 12, 24 or 36 inches tall. Land Guard estimates 3 to 33 cubic feet of soil.

12 to 36 inHeight, up to hip height on an adult

SteelWarranty not stated

3 to 33 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel7 sizes and layouts

The 48-inch ring takes 8 bags of 1.5 ft³ at 12 inches tall and 22 at 36, by Land Guard’s estimates. At 24 inches tall its picture repeats the 36-inch ring’s 13 cubic feet, about half what that circle holds, so measure it before ordering. The 24-inch ring at 12 inches takes 2 bags: a herb bed by the door.

For a small bed by a patio or in a side yard

Vego 4-in-1 raised bed, 14-inch

14 in tall · 4.7 to 14.3 ft³ · 4 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 2-year warranty

A small modular metal kit with 14-inch walls that builds one of four layouts, from a 2 × 2 ft square to a 3.5 × 3.5 ft bed.

14 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 2 years

4.7 to 14.3 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel2-year warranty4 sizes and layouts

The 3.5 × 3.5 ft layout takes 10 bags of 1.5 ft³ for Vego’s 14.29 cubic feet, the 2 × 5 ft 8, the 2 × 3.5 ft 6 and the 2 × 2 ft 4. The four layouts use one set of panels: choose one before ordering soil.

For the largest modular layouts

Birdies Jumbo modular steel bed

15 to 29 in tall · 19.2 to 86.4 ft³ · 10 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · Limited lifetime warranty

Birdies’ largest kit, in five layouts from 8 × 2 ft to 6 × 6 ft, 15 or 29 inches tall. Birdies sold it as the Large bed before renaming its sizes.

15 to 29 inHeight, up to mid-thigh on an adult

SteelWarranty: Limited lifetime

19.2 to 86.4 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteelLimited lifetime warranty10 sizes and layouts

The 6 × 6 ft layout puts the middle 3 feet from every side. Check the reach you need before choosing it.

For a round garden bed

Epic round steel bed

15 to 29 in tall · 9.9 to 19.7 ft³ · 2 sizes and layouts

Steel · Bed on the ground · Limited lifetime warranty

Epic Gardening’s 38-inch round bed, 15 or 29 inches tall, taking 9.85 or 19.7 cubic feet by Epic’s manuals.

15 to 29 inHeight, up to mid-thigh on an adult

SteelWarranty: Limited lifetime

9.9 to 19.7 ft³Stated soil capacity

Bed on the groundSteelLimited lifetime warranty2 sizes and layouts

The round beds cannot be joined into a larger size, Epic says. Leave room to walk around the rim.

For a long, narrow bed or eight other layouts

Vegega 17-inch 9-in-1 modular steel bed

17 in tall · 4.7 to 34.5 ft³ · 9 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 3-year warranty

A Zn-Al-Mg coated steel kit, 17 inches tall, in nine layouts from a 2 ft circle (4.71 cubic feet) to 5 × 5 ft (34.53 cubic feet). The bottom is open.

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 3 years

4.7 to 34.5 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel3-year warranty9 sizes and layouts

The 2 × 8 ft layout holds 21.75 cubic feet, 15 bags of 1.5 ft³, and its middle is 12 inches from either long side. Vegega says 80 to 90% of the capacity is enough.

For taller bed walls

Vego Extra Tall 6-in-1 raised bed, 32-inch

32 in tall · 11 to 47 ft³ · 6 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 2-year warranty

Choose among six layouts with taller, 32-inch metal walls. Set the growing depth separately to work out your soil order.

32 inHeight, hip height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 2 years

11 to 47 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel2-year warranty6 sizes and layouts

Filling all 32 inches takes substantially more material than a shallow fill. Enter your intended depth before buying soil.

For a waist-high bed, long and narrow or square

Vegega 32-inch 9-in-1 modular steel bed

32 in tall · 8.9 to 64.9 ft³ · 9 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 3-year warranty

Vegega’s waist-high 9-in-1 kit: Zn-Al-Mg coated steel, 32 inches tall, from a 2 ft circle (8.86 cubic feet) to 5 × 5 ft (64.93 cubic feet). The bottom is open.

32 inHeight, hip height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 3 years

8.9 to 64.9 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel3-year warranty9 sizes and layouts

The 2 × 8 ft layout holds 40.9 cubic feet to the brim, 28 bags of 1.5 ft³. Vegega says 80 to 90% of it is enough, about 33 to 37 cubic feet.

For a round garden bed

Vego 42-inch round bed, 17 inches tall

17 in tall · 14 ft³ · 1 size

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 2-year warranty

A round Vego steel bed 42 inches across and 17 inches tall, open at the bottom. Vego states 14 cubic feet of soil.

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 2 years

14 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel2-year warranty1 size

Leave room to walk around it: from the edge, the center is 21 inches away.

For a round garden bed

Vegega 42-inch round bed, 17 inches tall

17 in tall · 13.7 ft³ · 1 size

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 3-year warranty

A round Vegega steel bed 42 inches across and 17 inches tall, open at the bottom. Vegega states 13.66 cubic feet of soil.

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 3 years

13.7 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel3-year warranty1 size

Leave room to walk around it: from the edge, the center is 21 inches away. Filled to the brim it takes 10 bags of 1.5 ft³.

For the largest modular layouts

Vego 32-inch Jumbo 10-in-1 modular bed

32 in tall · 40 to 96 ft³ · 10 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 2-year warranty

Vego’s largest modular kit, 32 inches tall, in ten layouts from 2.5 × 6 ft (40 cubic feet) to 6 × 6 ft (96 cubic feet).

32 inHeight, hip height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 2 years

40 to 96 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel2-year warranty10 sizes and layouts

Vego says the 32-inch walls make gardening more comfortable. Filling them takes a lot of soil, so choose your fill depth before ordering; the deep-bed guide covers cheaper ways to fill the bottom.

For a corner bed with rounded ends

Vegega L-shaped steel bed, 17 inches tall

17 in tall · 38.1 ft³ · 1 size

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 3-year warranty

A 7 × 7 ft corner bed of Zn-Al-Mg coated steel with rounded ends, 17 inches tall, arms 2.5 ft wide. Vegega states 38.1 cubic feet. The bottom is open.

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 3 years

38.1 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel3-year warranty1 size

Vegega’s volume fills the bed to about its brim, and Vegega says 80 to 90% of a bed’s capacity is enough: about 30 to 34 cubic feet, 21 to 23 bags of 1.5 ft³ against 26 to the brim.

For a tall steel bed with a wood look

Vego Woodgrain steel bed, 26 inches tall

26 in tall · 32.7 to 65.2 ft³ · 2 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 2-year warranty

A steel bed with a wood-look finish, 26 inches tall, in 2 × 8 ft (32.7 cubic feet) or 4 × 8 ft (65.2 cubic feet). The bottom is open.

26 inHeight, mid-thigh on an adult

SteelWarranty: 2 years

32.7 to 65.2 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel2-year warranty2 sizes and layouts

In the 4 × 8 ft size, the middle is 2 feet from either long side; the 2 × 8 ft size is half as wide. Check the reach you need before choosing.

For a big bed you work from the inside

Vegega U-shaped steel bed, 17 inches tall

17 in tall · 42.8 to 58.5 ft³ · 2 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 3-year warranty

A U of Zn-Al-Mg coated steel with rounded ends, 17 inches tall, its arms and base 2.5 ft wide: 8.5 × 5.5 ft (42.78 cubic feet) or 8.5 × 7 ft (58.53 cubic feet). The bottom is open.

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 3 years

42.8 to 58.5 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel3-year warranty2 sizes and layouts

The opening between the arms is 3.5 ft wide, room to kneel inside. Filled to the brim the two take 29 and 40 bags of 1.5 ft³; at the 80 to 90% Vegega says is enough, 23 to 26 and 32 to 36.

For a wood-look bed around a corner or a walkway

Vego Woodgrain L and U beds, 16-inch

16 in tall · 35.3 to 59.5 ft³ · 2 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 2-year warranty

Two wood-look steel beds, 8 × 8 ft overall and 16 inches tall, with 2-ft-wide arms: an L that fits a corner and a U around a 4-ft walkway.

16 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 2 years

35.3 to 59.5 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel2-year warranty2 sizes and layouts

The L takes 24 bags of 1.5 ft³ and the U 40, by Vego’s volumes. The back of the U is 4 ft deep, the width of a 4 × 8 bed, so leave a path behind it too: from the walkway alone, its far edge is out of easy reach. The walkway, about 4 ft wide, is the room the University of Georgia Extension recommends between beds for carts, wheelbarrows and wheelchairs.

For a single steel bed with flat, plain panels

Vego Modern metal beds, 17-inch

17 in tall · 11.5 to 45 ft³ · 5 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 2-year warranty

Single beds with flat powder-coated steel panels, open at the bottom, in five sizes from 2 × 4 to 4 × 8 ft, all 17 inches tall. Vego states about 11.5 to 45 cubic feet of soil.

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 2 years

11.5 to 45 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel2-year warranty5 sizes and layouts

The 4 × 8 ft bed takes 30 bags of 1.5 ft³ for Vego’s 45 cubic feet, the 3 × 6 ft 17, the 4 × 4 and 2 × 8 ft 15 each and the 2 × 4 ft 8. Vego’s Classic mesh cover, frost cover and arched trellis do not fit these beds, Vego says; a cover for the Modern line is in development.

For a corner bed you can work from either side

Vego L-shaped raised bed, 17 inches tall

17 in tall · 30 to 41 ft³ · 2 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 2-year warranty

A corner bed of Vego steel panels, 17 inches tall, with arms 2.5 ft wide: 5.5 × 5.5 ft (30 cubic feet) or 7 × 7 ft (41 cubic feet).

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 2 years

30 to 41 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel2-year warranty2 sizes and layouts

Each arm is 2.5 ft wide, so from either side its middle is 15 inches away and the L can fill a corner you walk around. Filled to the brim, the 5.5 ft L takes 20 bags of 1.5 ft³ and the 7 ft L takes 28.

For a big bed you work from the inside

Vego U-shaped raised bed, 17 inches tall

17 in tall · 51 to 92 ft³ · 2 sizes and layouts

Steel · Open-bottom bed · 2-year warranty

A U of Vego steel panels, 17 inches tall, that you work from the inside: 8.5 × 5.5 ft with 2.5 ft arms (51 cubic feet) or 11.5 × 7 ft with 4 ft arms (92 cubic feet).

17 inHeight, about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty: 2 years

51 to 92 ft³Stated soil capacity

Open-bottom bedSteel2-year warranty2 sizes and layouts

The opening between the arms is 3.5 ft wide, room to kneel or sit inside. The Jumbo’s 4 ft arms put their middle 2 ft from either side. Filled to the brim, the two take 34 and 62 bags of 1.5 ft³: price a bulk delivery before buying the Jumbo’s soil in bags.

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 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.

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 steel planter on a patio or balcony

Gardenary corten steel planter with a floor

16 to 24 in overall · capacity not stated · 6 sizes and layouts

Steel · Planter with a floor

A corten steel planter with an enclosed floor and drainage holes, 46 inches long, in six sizes 16 to 32 inches wide and 16 to 24 inches tall.

16 to 24 inOverall height, up to mid-thigh on an adult

SteelWarranty not stated

Not statedStated soil capacity

Planter with a floorSteel6 sizes and layouts

Gardenary states no soil capacity or inside size, but a planter holds no more than its size times its height: from about 6.8 cubic feet (5 bags of 1.5 ft³) for the 46 × 16 in planter, 16 in tall, to 15.3 (11 bags) for the 46 × 24 in, 24 in tall. The floor sits about 1 inch above the ground, Gardenary says, so the soil can be a little shallower than the height: measure inside once it’s built. While the steel weathers it can stain light or porous surfaces, so Gardenary says to stand the planter on grass until then; it suggests a vinegar and salt spray to speed the weathering.

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 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 metal planter on a deck, balcony or patio

Gardenary aluminum planter

16 to 20 in overall · capacity not stated · 4 sizes and layouts

Aluminum · Planter with a floor

A powder-coated aluminum planter with drainage holes in its floor, in four sizes: 46 × 16 in, 16 in tall; 46 × 20 in, 20 in tall; and 20- and 16-inch cubes. Locking casters, an option, add 3 inches to its height.

16 to 20 inOverall height, up to about knee height on an adult

SteelWarranty not stated

Not statedStated soil capacity

Planter with a floorAluminum4 sizes and layouts

Gardenary states no soil capacity or inside size, but a planter holds no more than its size times its height: about 6.8 cubic feet (5 bags of 1.5 ft³) for the 46 × 16 in planter, 10.6 (8 bags) for the 46 × 20 in, 4.6 (4 bags) for the 20-inch cube and 2.4 (2 bags) for the 16-inch cube. Gardenary sells it for decks and balconies with weight limits but gives no weight, and the soil is the heavy part: filled to the brim and watered, the 46 × 20 in planter holds about 430 to 900 lb of potting mix, the 16-inch cube about 90 to 200 lb. Gardenary sells the casters for moving it around but gives no load for them, so roll the planter to where it will stand before you fill it.

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.

Steel, gauge and layouts

Metal beds are thin coated steel panels bolted into a frame, usually open at the bottom. Virginia Cooperative Extension says most are 20 to 24 gauge galvanized steel, and cites research that 14-gauge galvanized steel could last 35 to 50 years before it first rusts through. Several makers we list sell one kit that assembles in several layouts, so one kit can make a long narrow bed or a wider one; others sell fixed sizes.

Zinc and lead

The University of Minnesota Extension says zinc from the coating may leach into the soil only in highly acidic soil, below pH 5; if zinc concerns you, it suggests a liner or stainless steel. It also warns that some prefabricated metal beds sold online have been found to contain lead. The safety guide has the details.

Wall height is not soil depth

Tall metal walls do not mean you must fill them. Most crops need at least 10 inches of soil, according to UGA Extension; the depth guide gives depths by crop, and the deep-bed guide covers filling a 32-inch bed without buying all that soil.

References

Comparison of Raised Bed Methods, Materials, and Costs (SPES-425NP), Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Raised bed gardens, University of Minnesota Extension.
Raised Garden Bed Dimensions (Circular 1027-4), University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.