DIY Raised Garden Boxes: How We Built Our Backyard Garden Beds

If you’ve been following along with our backyard projects, you might remember my original in-ground garden box DIY from a few years ago. That project was such a hit (and one of my most-viewed posts!) that I knew I wanted to take things up a notch when we started planning our latest backyard transformation.

Inspired by our recent pool build, we decided to make use of the last open space to the left of our patio and pergola by building bigger, more substantial raised garden boxes.

With four new beds—each larger and taller than our originals—we now have plenty of room to grow a wider variety of vegetables, peppers, herbs, and more.

Materials & Cut List

Materials (for 4 garden boxes):

• 4×4 pressure-treated lumber (for corner supports)
• 2×10 pressure-treated lumber (for box sides)
• 1×6 cedar fence pickets (for top trim)
• 3 1/2″ exterior deck screws
• Garden bed liner (to protect wood and prevent weeds)
• Exterior wood stain (to match your pergola)
• Gravel (for drainage)
• Garden soil (to fill boxes)

Cut List:

• Corner posts: 4 pieces of 4×4, cut to your desired box height (30″ for two boxes, 20″ for the other two) for a total of 16 cut pieces.
• Long sides: 4 pieces of 2×10, cut to 70″ each for the short boxes, 6 pieces of 2×10, cut to 70″ each for the tall boxes
• Short sides: 4 pieces of 2×10, cut to 50″ each for the short boxes, 6 pieces of 2×10, cut to 50″ each for the tall boxes
• Top trim: 4pieces 1×6 cedar pickets to trim the top perimeter of each box (measure and cut to fit)

Tools Needed:

• Circular saw or miter saw (for cutting lumber)
• Impact driver or drill
• 18-gauge brad nailer (for attaching trim)
• Tape measure & pencil
• Clamps (for holding pieces in place—these are a lifesaver!)
• Level
• Shovel (for leveling ground and filling boxes)

How to Build DIY Raised Garden Boxes

Step 1: Cut Your Lumber Measure and cut all your lumber according to the cut list above. Cutting everything at once makes assembly much smoother.

Step 2: Build the Short Sides Attach two corner posts (4x4s) to each short side (2x10s) using 3 1/2″ exterior deck screws. You’ll end up with two sturdy short sides, each with posts at both ends.

Step 3: Assemble the Box Frame Stand up your short sides and attach the long sides (2x10s) to the posts, forming a rectangle. Use clamps to help hold everything in place and keep your corners square. Secure with deck screws.

Step 4: Add the Top Trim Once your box frame is assembled, measure and cut your 1×6 cedar pickets to fit around the top edge. Attach the trim with an 18-gauge brad nailer for a finished look.

Step 5: Stain and Line the Boxes Apply exterior wood stain to match your pergola or outdoor decor. Once dry, line the inside of each box with garden bed liner to help prevent weeds and protect the wood from moisture.

Step 6: Move the Boxes Into Place These boxes are heavy! Enlist help (or your landscapers, like we did) to move them to your garden area. Make sure the ground is level before setting them down.

Step 7: Add Sprinklers (Optional) If you’re integrating sprinklers, install them now while the boxes are empty and accessible.

Step 8: Fill with Gravel and Soil Add a layer of gravel to the bottom of each box for drainage, then fill the rest with quality garden soil.

Step 9: Plant and Enjoy! You’re ready to plant herbs, peppers, veggies, or whatever you love. Water well (your sprinklers will help with that!) and enjoy your new backyard garden beds.

Wrapping Up

Building these larger raised garden boxes has completely transformed our backyard garden area and opened up so many possibilities for growing more of our favorite herbs, veggies, and even some fruit.

The process was straightforward, and with a little planning (and a few extra hands for moving!), it’s a project any DIYer can tackle.

If you’re looking to upgrade your own backyard garden, I hope this post inspires you to go bigger and bolder with your garden beds. Don’t forget to check out my original in-ground garden box DIY for even more ideas!

I can’t wait to see what we’ll grow in these new beds next spring!