The Best Wood for Raised Beds – What to Choose and What to Avoid

April 10, 2025

When planning your dream garden, few things are as satisfying—and as practical—as building your own raised beds. But before you head out to your home improvement store and start hammering away, let’s talk about one of the most important decisions you’ll make: what kind of wood to use for your raised beds.

Choosing the right wood impacts everything from the longevity of your beds to the health of your soil. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, knowing the best wood for raised beds can save you money, time, and frustration down the line. At the end of the post,, be sure and see our tips for working with wood and raised beds.

Redwood is a great, all natural wood option for your garden raised beds

Why Wood Type Matters in Raised Bed Gardening

Raised beds help with drainage, prevent soil compaction, and can even improve yields—but only if the material you use doesn’t break down too quickly or leach harmful substances into your garden soil.

Here’s what to consider:

Durability – Will the wood hold up to weather and watering?
Safety – Is it safe for growing food?
Cost – Can you build multiple beds without breaking the bank?
Sustainability – Is it an eco-friendly choice?

Best Wood for Raised Beds – At a Glance

Wood Type	Longevity	Availability	Cost	Best For	Toxicity
Cedar	10–15 years	Common in Western US	$$$	Long-term, low-maintenance beds	✅ Non-toxic
Douglas Fir	5–7 years	Widely available	$	Budget-conscious gardeners	✅ Non-toxic
Redwood	10–20 years	Regional (West Coast)	$$$$	Premium, long-lasting beds	✅ Non-toxic
Hemlock/Spruce	3–5 years	Widely available	$	Temporary or seasonal garden beds	✅ Non-toxic
Pressure-Treated	15–20+ years	Very common	$$	Lined beds or non-edible plantings	⚠️ Low (if lined)
Railroad Ties	20+ years	Salvaged/Used	$	Not recommended for edible gardening	❌ High toxicity

What type of wood should I use for raised beds in my garden?

Wood Profiles for Raised Garden Beds

🌲 Cedar

Longevity: 10–15 years
Availability: Common in the western U.S.
Cost: $$$
Aesthetics: Reddish hue with a pleasant aroma; ages to a silvery gray
Benefits:
- Naturally rot-resistant and insect-repellent
- Chemical-free and food-safe
- Long-lasting and low-maintenance
Drawbacks:
- Higher initial cost

🌲 Douglas Fir

Longevity: 5–7 years
Availability: Readily available across the U.S.
Cost: $
Aesthetics: Pale yellow to brown; soft grain
Benefits:
- Affordable and easy to work with
- Food-safe if untreated
Drawbacks:
- Not naturally rot-resistant
- Requires lining or sealing for extended use

🌳 Redwood

Longevity: 10–20 years
Availability: Primarily in western states
Cost: $$$$
Aesthetics: Rich red tones; ages beautifully
Benefits:
- High durability and insect resistance
- Sustainable if responsibly harvested
Drawbacks:
- High price point
- Limited regional availability

🌲 Hemlock / Spruce

Longevity: 3–5 years
Availability: Easy to find
Cost: $
Aesthetics: Light, plain color
Benefits:
- Very affordable
- Good for temporary or seasonal beds
Drawbacks:
- Prone to rotting
- Short lifespan and lower strength

🛑 Pressure-Treated Lumber (Modern ACQ/CA)

Longevity: 15–20+ years
Availability: Extremely common
Cost: $$
Aesthetics: Green or brown tint
Benefits:
- Rot- and insect-proof
- Very durable for structural use
Drawbacks:
- May not be considered organic or food-safe
- Requires plastic liner when growing edibles

🚫 Railroad Ties

Longevity: 20+ years
Availability: Often available for free or cheap
Cost: $
Aesthetics: Dark, rustic, industrial look
Benefits:
- Nearly indestructible
Drawbacks:
- Contains toxic creosote—not safe for vegetable gardens
- Can leach chemicals and cause staining

Master Gardener Tip – Choose Thicker Boards to Prevent Bowing – When building your raised beds, board thickness matters just as much as wood type. Avoid using thin 1/2″ fence boards or low-cost paneling—they’ll quickly warp and bow under the weight of moist soil. Instead, use 2x lumber (like 2×6 or 2×8) for a strong, lasting structure that resists pressure and holds its shape through the seasons. For taller beds over 12″, consider adding cross-supports or internal bracing to reduce outward bowing.
Master Gardener Steve

How to Extend the Life of Any Raised Bed

No matter what wood you choose, you can increase its longevity with a few smart strategies:

Line beds with heavy-duty plastic or landscape fabric to protect from constant moisture
Add gravel underneath to improve drainage
Apply raw linseed oil or other natural wood sealants (avoid petroleum-based treatments near food)
Use corner brackets to reduce movement and splitting over time

Final Thoughts – What’s the Best Wood for Raised Beds?

If you want raised beds that will last over a decade with minimal upkeep, cedar or redwood are ideal. For a more budget-friendly option that still gets the job done, Douglas fir is a great choice—especially if you’re willing to replace or repair over time.

Whatever you choose, avoid using old railroad ties or chemically questionable materials near your vegetables. Your garden deserves better—and so do you!

🌿 Ready to build your dream garden? Check out our curated collection of raised bed kits, gardening tools, and heirloom seeds to make the most of your raised bed gardening journey.