Raised garden bed plans (free PDF)

A sturdy stacked-board bed built from 2x6 lumber, with 4x4 corner posts and a cap rail wide enough to sit on. Pick a size and download the free plan. Every drawing, cut length and step is worked out for that size.

3-D view of the 4 x 8 ft, 11" walls raised garden bed: stacked 2x6 side boards, 4x4 corner posts and a cap rail — Rendered from the plan model for the 4 x 8 ft, 11" walls size.

Choose a size

4 x 8 ft, 11" walls4 x 4 ft, 11" walls3 x 6 ft, 16.5" walls2 x 8 ft, 11" walls

Footprint: 4 ft × 8 ft (outside)
Wall height: 11" (2 × 2x6 boards), 12.5" with cap
Lumber (approx.): 10 boards: 9 × 2x6 x 8', 1 × 4x4 x 8'
Soil to fill: about 26.2 cu ft (0.97 cu yd)
Build steps: 7 in the free plan, 11 in premium

Download free plan: 4 x 8 ft, 11" wallsPDF, 9 pages · no email needed

Premium edition (13 pages, $19.99) adds the cut list, cutting diagram and shopping list.

4 x 8 ft, 11" walls (PDF, 9 pages)

4 x 4 ft, 11" walls (PDF, 9 pages)

3 x 6 ft, 16.5" walls (PDF, 9 pages)

2 x 8 ft, 11" walls (PDF, 9 pages)

What the build looks like

Step 1. Prepare the site
Step 2. Cut the parts
Step 3. Build the two end panels
Step 4. Attach the long sides
Step 5. Add the mid-span posts
Step 6. Square and level the frame
Step 7. Install the cap rail

The free PDF has these steps in full with a drawing for each. Skill level: beginner. You need a saw, a drill/driver, a square and a level.

Free vs premium

What each edition of the plan includes
Included	Free	Premium
3-D overview and top, front and side drawings with dimensions	✓	✓
Build steps with cut lengths written into each step	✓	✓
3-D figure for each step	✓	✓
Exploded view with every part labelled	—	✓
Full cut list (every part, quantity and length)	—	✓
Board-by-board cutting diagram for 8, 10 and 12 ft stock	—	✓
Shopping list: boards by length, waste %, screw and hardware counts	—	✓
Tool list, wood finish and soil-volume notes	—	✓
Extra steps: liner, finish, filling and seasonal care	—	✓

Premium edition — $19.99

Everything in the free plan, plus the full cut list, a board-by-board cutting diagram and a shopping list with screw and hardware counts, so you can buy the right lumber in one trip.

$19.99 one-time, no subscription. The PDF downloads right after payment and is emailed to you.
For the size you choose: exploded view, full cut list, cutting diagram, shopping list, tools and every step.
30-day money-back guarantee. Email us within 30 days and we'll refund you in full. See purchase terms.

Not engineered. Check local codes, permits and loads. Build at your own risk. Use rot-resistant or ground-contact-rated lumber, and check that treated wood is suitable for food gardens where you live. Full disclaimer.