Materials List: 12 – Lexan type roofing pieces @ 2 feet long 8 – 2″x6″ @ 24″ long (treated) 8 – 2″x4″ @ 24″ long (treated) 8 – 2″x4″ @ 72″ long (treated) 4 – 1.25″x6″ deck boards @ 72″ long (treated) @ 120 2.5-3″ Deckmate screws |
The average cost of this raised bed is @ $130 plus the cost of any planting medium. You can use any extra soil around your house but for best results the top 6-10″ should consist of some loose, sterile planting medium. Using this type of planting medium will reduce the introduction of other plants and weeds. | Instructions: This bed is approximately 6 feet by 6 feet. It is constructed of 2″ by 4” treated lumber and polycarbonate type roof panels with the top edge board 5/4″ by 6 ” treated deck boards. The polycarbonate panels come 12 foot lengths and if purchased new would be cut into 24″ long pieces. This would require 2 of the full length panels. The framing consists of 2″ by 4″ horizontal members and 2″ by 4″ vertical supports and 2″ by 6″ vertical corner supports. All the vertical pieces are cut to approximately 24 ” lengths. The horizontal pieces are cut to approximately 6 foot lengths. Purchasing 8 foot by 2″ by 4″ lumber allows you to cut 24″ off of each board for a vertical support leaving a 6 foot piece for a horizontal support. Two 2″ by 6″ by 8 foot boards cut into the approximate 24″ long pieces gives the corner support pieces. Start by assembling each of the four framing sides. Lay 2 of the 2″ by 4″ by 6 foot boards approximately 12-14″ apart on a level surface. Place two of the 2″ by 4″ by 2 foot boards on top of the 6 foot boards approximately 2 feet from each end of the 6 foot boards. Place them so that one end is flush with the top edge of the 6 foot board. Use a carpenter’s or speed square to ensure they are place square with the 6 foot boards. Once square, screw the boards together with two deck screws at each junction. Repeat for three more sides just like the first one.
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Once the framing, polycarbonate and top edge boards have been assembled, to ensure no planting medium leaks out the bottom, make a trench approximately 2-4″ deep, 6 feet square and place the frame into the trench. Push the removed soil back against the outside of the framed bed and you are ready to add planting medium and grow something!
For questions you can always use our Contact Us Form. Your request will be passed on to one of our Master Gardeners who will then hopefully be able to answer your question. You can also use the form to ask for times when someone will be available to show the bed to you at our location.