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Learn how to build a DIY tiered raised garden bed using cedar fences and 2×4 with a step-by-step tutorial and printable build plans. Great for patios and decks to plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
You will also love 20 DIY planter box ideas and DIY tiered plant stand from scrap wood
Last year, we started growing a few vegetables.
Well, actually my husband… not me… because black thumb…
Plus I really can’t deal with all the worms and bugs 🙂
We don’t have a lot of space in our backyard thanks to the pool so we used large pots left behind by the previous owner to grow a few things.
It was really successful! We got almost 100 each tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans!
Plus the kids had so much fun with it too!
I promised to build a planter that we could use this year and I delivered on my promise right on time!
RELATED: DIY $10 tiered planter
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How to Build an Off-The-Ground Garden Bed
Due to the constraint of space, I decided to build an off-the-ground planter and decided to make it tiered so the back tier had a trellis to support the vines for tomatoes and cucumbers.
I built the frame out of 2x4s and then used cedar fences to make the box using braces from National Hardware.
Since this planter will sit front and center in our backyard, it also looks pretty!
RELATED: 25 Easy DIY Outdoor Projects for your Weekend
Materials for DIY Tiered Raised Garden Bed
- lumberper the plans
- 16 –Wide Corner Braces
- 4 –Corner Plates
- Miter Saw
- Kreg Jig
- 2½” Outdoor pocket hole screws
- Power Drill
- Random orbital sanderand sandpaper in various grits
- Outdoor finish (optional)
- Landscape fabric
- Staple gun
Before we get started, make sure to follow me onInstagram,YouTube,andPinterestto keep up with all my latest builds and projects!
Plans for the Tiered Raised Vegetable Planter
Grab a copy of printable plans to build this tiered raised vegetable planter by clicking the button below.
How to Build a Tiered Raised Planter Box With Legs
I built designed and built this planter to be 48″ wide and 53″ high with each tier being 7½” deep. You can easily change all the dimensions to make this planter larger or smaller to fit your situation.
Here is a video of how to make it. The full step-by-step instructions follow –
Step 1 – Make Cuts and Prep
- Follow the printable plans and make all your cuts.
- Sand down the boards. I chose to only sand the sides that would be visible – so one side each of the outer cedar planks and the 2×2 legs.
- Make pocket holes with a Kreg Jig set to 1½”
Step 2 – Build Each of the Leg Frames
- Attach a rail to the shortest legs and attache the supports using pocket hole screws
- Attach rails for the two tiers to the middle leg
- Attach a rail between the longest leg followed by the supports.
Step 3 – Assemble Frame
Assemble the entire frame by attaching the supports to the middle leg frame.
Step 4 – attach cedar planks
- Attach cedar planks to the each other and to the 2×2 legs using the wide corner braces.
- Lay down cedar planks inside the planter boxes. I did not attach these because they were a pretty tight fit.
Step 5 – Attach Lattice Trellis
- At the top of the planter, attach the 2×2 support using the corner plates.
- Attach the lattice to the back of the 2×2 frame using a pin nailer or brad nailer.
Step 5 – Final Steps
- Optional – Cedar tends to grey over time in the sun. In order to maintain the color, I used a finishing oil.
- Attach landscape fabric all around the insides using a staple gun
- Fill with soil and plant your favorites – vegetables, herbs or flowers!
We planted cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber in the top tier and basil, cilantro and chillies in the bottom tier.
We are all very excited around here and can’t wait for these tiny plants to grow!
Do you grow your own veggies? I would love tips and tricks to help care for them!
Also, follow me along on Instagram @anikasdiylife where I will be sharing how these plants are doing from time to time!
More like DIY tiered raised garden bed –
- $10 DIY Tiered Planter Box
- Tiered DIY Copper and concrete planter
- DIY Lattice planter box
DIY Tiered Raised Garden Bed
Yield: 1 Tiered Raised Garden Bed
Active Time: 3 days
Total Time: 3 days
Difficulty: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $50
Learn how to build a DIY tiered raised garden bed using cedar fences and 2×4's. Great for patios and decks to plant flowers, herbs or vegetables.
Materials
- lumber per the plans
- 16 – Wide Corner Braces
- 4 – Corner Plates
- 2½” Outdoor pocket hole screws
- Outdoor finish (optional)
- Landscape fabric
Tools
Instructions
- Follow the printable plans and make all your cuts.
- Sand down the boards. I chose to only sand the sides that would be visible - so one side each of the outer cedar planks and the 2x2 legs.
- Make pocket holes witha Kreg Jig set to 1½"
- Attach a rail to the shortest legs and the supports using pocket hole screws
- Attach rails for the two tiers to the middle leg
- Attach a rail between the longest leg followed by the supports.
- Assemble the entire frame by attaching the supports to the middle leg frame.
- Attach cedar planks to the each other and to the 2x2 legs using the wide corner braces.
- At the top of the planter, attach the 2x2 support using the corner plates.
- Attach the lattice to the back of the 2x2 frame using a pin nailer or brad nailer.
- Optional - Cedar tends to grey over time in the sun. In order to maintain the color, I used a finishing oil.
- Attach landscape fabric all around the insides using a staple gun
- Fill with soil and plant your favorites - vegetables, herbs or flowers!
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Anika Gandhi
Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"
