How to make a raised garden bed

Follow our simple steps to create this versatile raised bed from landscaping timber and Resene Waterborne Woodsman.

Ways with wood with Mark Rayner - Project 73

Difficulty level: Moderate

You will need: 100mm galvanised nails, 200mm x 50mm landscaping timber (we used approximately 10 metres), Hammer, Paintbrush, Paint stirrer, Pencil, Resene Waterborne Woodsman penetrating oil stain tinted to Resene Grey Green, Sandpaper, Saw, Set square, Shovel, Spirit level, Tape measure.

To get the look: Mark painted the background shed wall with Resene Lumbersider tinted to Resene Soft Apple.

Other ideas: For a vibrant red effect, stain the raised bed with Resene Waterborne Woodsman penetrating oil stain tinted to Resene Totem Pole.

Instructions

Step one
Measure, mark and cut the landscaping timber into two pieces measuring 4m and two pieces measuring 1m. Smooth any rough cut edges with sandpaper.

Step two
Lay one 4m length of landscaping timber into position, as shown, to form the back of the raised bed. Ensure that it’s level using a spirit level.

Step three
Fix one 1m length of landscaping timber to form one side of the raised bed, as shown. Again, ensure it’s level with a spirit level and use a set square to make sure it’s at right angles.

Step four
Repeat step 3 to form the second side of the raised bed.

Step five
In the same way, fix the front of the bed into position, as shown.

Step six
Carefully stir the Resene Waterborne Woodsman penetrating oil stain.

Step seven
Apply one coat of Resene Waterborne Woodsman penetrating oil stain to the raised bed and allow to dry.

Step eight
Apply a second coat of Resene Waterborne Woodsman penetrating oil stain to the raised bed and allow to dry for 24 hours. Fill with good quality potting mix or topsoil.