How to make timber raised garden beds

Timber is the most versatile product for building raised beds because you can cut it to any length. Hardwood sleepers are not only practical but will lend colour and add texture to your garden.

Better Homes and Gardens

Gather your supplies

• Sides (12) 200 x 50 x 1750mm H4 pine sleepers
• Ends (12) 200 x 50 x 850mm H4 pine sleepers
• Internal side battens (8) 200 x 50 x 600mm H4 pine sleeper
• Internal corner battens (16) 100 x 50 x 600mm H4 pine
• Capping (4) 200 x 50 x 1900mm H4 pine sleepers
• Capping (4) 200 x 50 x 1000mm H4 pine sleepers

You'll also need

Dulux Weathershield acrylic paint in Man Friday
75mm and 100mm bugle-head screws
Garden soil mix
Mulch
Plants of your choice

Here's how
Step 1

Mark out area for 2 garden beds, remove grass and level soil. Check timber is cut to correct length.

Step 2

Lay out 2 side and 2 end sleepers, butt joining each length to inside face of last, working clockwise, to give external perimeter of 1800 x 900mm.

Step 3

With corners square, drive 2 x 100mm screws at each corner to secure frame.

Step 4

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to build 5 more frames. Position 2 base frames where you want the beds to be. Stack 2 more frames on each (with help), and ensure they sit square.

Step 5

Fix 1 internal corner batten hard into each frame corner, driving a 75mm screw into each level of framework. In same corner, fix another corner batten hard against the last, against opposite side. Repeat for each corner. Fix 2 internal side battens at evenly spaced intervals on each long side of framework for extra rigidity.

Step 6

Mitre corners of capping, maintaining length of 1900mm for sides and 1000mm for ends (this allows a 50mm shadow line around each side). Position capping and drive screws downwards into framework and horizontally into each mitre joint.