Raised Beds - Material List & Construction

From our valued MG Jill:

Here is what you need to construct a raised bed
measuring 36W"x120"Lx18"H: all wood is redwood.

6 pcs. 2"x6"x36"
6pcs. 2"x6"x120"
6pcs. 2"x4"x16.5"

1lb box #8 deck screws 2.5" long
1/4" mesh hardware cloth 36"x120"

Chop saw
drill
drill bits ( one for counter-sinking)

Choose top boards with care. Look for the smoothest
edges to prevent splinters. As a general rule the
smoohest side should always face outward. I buy the
10' boards standard and have 12' boards cut into four
equal lengths. The 2'x4's are also cut to length.
You will need one 10'er per bed. This will change as
each 10' board yields an extra piece that can be used
in the next bed. You may find that purchasing a
different size based on your overall needs may be more
cost efficient.

I choose my boards for the short sides, lay them out
top to bottom, then measure in from the end 1.,5
inches( the width of a 2x4 and mark that line. Place
a 2x4 along the line and begin pre-drilling holes
where necessary (two holes per board). Assemble the
short sides first then lay in the long boards one by
one on each side. Again, pre-drilling where
necessary. Once the bed is assembled I add screws at
each corner for added support. Then I place a 2"x4"
support at the center point of each long side of the
bed. Now the bed can be set in place on top of the
mesh. I place newspaper on top of the mesh to help
prevent weeds from growing through. I wet the paper
thoroughly, then add soil on top of the paper. Expect
the soil to settle about 10-20% so over fill a little
bit. You may need to cut the mesh around any
irrigaton lines that come into the beds.