# Garden planters: 4 × 8 ft cedar raised bed [View illustrated instructions](https://diyplans.org/plans/garden-planters) A ground-supported cedar garden bed with four board courses and a center tie. Ground-supported garden planters. The first configuration is a 4 × 8 ft open-bottom cedar raised bed with 22 in walls and a center tie. ## License All rights reserved ## Configurations - [4 × 8 ft cedar raised bed](https://diyplans.org/plans/garden-planters.md): A ground-supported cedar garden bed with four board courses and a center tie. Revision 1. Default configuration. Revision: 1 Status: published Difficulty: beginner ## Before you start - Unverified concept materials. Not construction-ready. Obtain independent qualified design and review before building. - Use untreated cedar with measured sections of 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 in for 2x6, 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in for 4x4, and 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 in for 2x4. Rough stock that is thicker or wider changes the joints and height. - Use 84 stainless #10 x 3 1/2 in exterior wood screws with a head suited to face fastening. Follow the selected screw maker's drilling and installation directions. The modeled joints give 2 in of penetration into posts. - This bed holds soil at ground level. Do not use it as an elevated planter, seat or retaining wall. Check the selected timber and screw connections before building; the design has not been physically tested. ## Dimensions - Length: 96 in - Width: 48 in - Wall height: 22 in - Inside length: 93 in - Inside width: 45 in - Fill depth: 20 in ## Shopping list Full stock and hardware packages for one cedar enclosure; 1/8-inch saw kerf. - 12 board: Untreated Western red cedar 2x6x8 ft, actual 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 96 inches; sound stock suitable for the plan's wall connections., 2x6 x 8 ft. Use eight full 96-inch boards as long walls. Cut two 45-inch ends from each of four remaining 96-inch boards. A 1/8-inch saw kerf per end cut leaves about 5 3/4 inches offcut on each of those four boards before any squaring allowance. Verify the eight full boards are at least 96 inches with usable ends. No defect reserve is added.. Home Depot: [2x6x8 ft S4S cedar lumber](https://www.homedepot.com/p/300510268) - 2 post: Untreated Western red cedar 4x4x8 ft, actual 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 96 inches. Do not substitute 3.75- or 4-inch rough posts without revising the fitting details., 4x4 x 8 ft. Six 22-inch posts total. Four can be cut from one 96-inch post and two from the other, with kerf room. At 1/8-inch kerf per cut, the remaining lengths total 59 1/4 inches before any squaring allowance.. Home Depot: [4x4x8 ft Western red cedar, 3 1/2-inch actual section](https://www.homedepot.com/p/308810338) - 1 board: Untreated Western red cedar 2x4x8 ft, actual 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 96 inches, for one 45-inch tie., 2x4 x 8 ft. Cut one 45-inch tie; approximately 50 7/8 inches remains at 1/8-inch kerf before squaring.. Home Depot: [2x4x8 ft S4S cedar lumber](https://www.homedepot.com/p/300510237) - 2 50-count box: #10 x 3 1/2-inch stainless steel wood screws for face fastening, bugle or equivalent approved head geometry, partial lower threads. Do not use trim-head or drywall screws. Connection strength remains the plan author's responsibility., #10 x 3 1/2 in; 50-count box. 100 purchased; 84 used; 16 left over. T25 bit included.. Home Depot: [CAMO #10 x 3 1/2-inch Type 316 stainless wood screws, 50-count](https://www.homedepot.com/p/320377819) ### Required installation supplies - 47.45 cubic feet of soil before settlement and site adjustments. ### Optional material depending on installation - Burrowing-pest mesh or a permeable side separator if needed. **Priced materials subtotal: $505.75 USD** Estimated September 26, 2026. Cedar frame and stainless screws only: Schillings individual smooth Western Red Cedar comparables, 12 x $30.29 (2x6x8 ft), 2 x $49.94 (4x4x8 ft), 1 x $12.49 (2x4x8 ft), plus two Home Depot 50-count CAMO screw boxes at $14.95. Published online prices observed September 26, 2026; no store selected. Schillings values came from indexed listings crawled one to two weeks earlier. Excludes tax, delivery, soil, compost, optional site-dependent mesh or liner, tools and finishes. Still to price: Raised-bed soil, about 47.45 cu ft before settlement and site adjustments.. This subtotal does not cover the complete project. ## Materials in the model Installed wood geometry, separate from full stock purchases. - 2x6: 16 installed pieces - 4x4: 6 installed pieces - 2x4: 1 installed pieces Not quantified: - Site-specific soil and optional pest mesh. ## Tools and equipment - Saw - Drill/driver, T25 bit and suitable pilot bits - Clamps and temporary supports - Tape, framing square and level - Shovel - Eye and hearing protection ## Instructions ### 1. Level the site - Choose firm, well-drained ground with access along both long sides. Keep the bed clear of building walls and buried services. - Remove vegetation and level the entire 96 x 48 in footprint. Keep the bottom open to the soil. - Mark the outside corners. Measure both diagonals; each should be about 107 5/16 in. Check: The support surface is level and both diagonals match. ![Site layout view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-site-layout/site-layout.png?brand=1) Site layout. ### 2. Cut the boards and posts - Set aside eight sound 2x6 boards with a full 96 in usable length. Use longer stock if damaged ends need trimming. - Cut eight 45 in end boards from four 8 ft 2x6 boards. Cut two ends from each board. - Cut six 22 in posts from two 8 ft 4x4s. Cut four posts from one and two from the other. - Cut one 45 in center tie from a 2x4. Sand sharp edges and label the parts. Check: You have 8 long sides, 8 ends, 6 posts and 1 tie. ![Cut layout view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-cut-layout/cut-layout.png?brand=1) Cut layout. ### 3. Mark the screw centers - Mark the long boards at 3 1/4, 48 and 92 3/4 in from one end. At each mark, locate screws 1 1/4 and 4 1/4 in above the bottom edge. - Mark the end boards at 1 3/4 and 43 1/4 in from one end. Locate screws 2 and 3 1/2 in above the bottom edge. - Mark the tie at 1 3/4 and 43 1/4 in from one end. Locate screws 7/8 and 2 5/8 in above its bottom edge. - Use the screw maker's pilot and clearance-hole guidance for cedar. Clamp each joint before drilling into the post. Check: Corner screw rows are staggered so the two directions do not collide. ![Screw layout view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-screw-layout/screw-layout.png?brand=1) Screw layout. ### 4. Attach the lower side boards - Clamp three posts against the inside face of each bottom long board. Align all bottom edges. - Set the corner posts 1 1/2 in from the board ends. Center the middle post at the 48 in mark. - Support both assemblies upright on the prepared site. Drive two screws at each post, 12 screws across both sides. Keep temporary supports in place until the first course is closed. Check: All six posts point upward and sit inside the footprint. ![Lower sides view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-lower-sides/lower-sides.png?brand=1) Lower sides. ### 5. Close and square the first course - Fit one 45 in end board between the long sides at each end. Keep the end boards flush with the long-board ends. - Clamp the corners. Check the 96 x 48 in outside dimensions and equal diagonals. - Drive two screws through each end board into each corner post, 8 screws total. Recheck level before removing temporary supports. Check: The inside opening is 93 x 45 in, with the posts inside its corners and sides. ![First course view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-first-course/first-course.png?brand=1) First course. ![Dimensions view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-dimensions/dimensions.png?brand=1) Dimensions. ### 6. Add the next two courses - Stack the second course directly on the first. Align the square corner joints and fasten each long board at all three posts. - Fasten the two end boards to the corner posts. Use 20 screws for the complete course. - Repeat for the third course. Keep the upper post faces clear for the tie. Check: Three courses reach 16 1/2 in above the ground. ![Middle courses view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-middle-courses/middle-courses.png?brand=1) Middle courses. ### 7. Attach the center tie - Set the 45 in tie on edge beside the two middle posts. Place it on the same side of both posts so it spans straight across the bed. - Clamp the tie with its top 15 1/2 in above the ground. Its ends touch the inside faces of the long walls. - Drive two screws through the tie into each middle post, 4 screws total. Keep the screw heads flush. Check: The tie sits against both middle posts and below the third-course top. ![Center tie view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-center-tie/center-tie.png?brand=1) Center tie. ![Tie detail view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-tie-detail/tie-detail.png?brand=1) Tie detail. ### 8. Complete the top course - Install the fourth pair of long boards and both end boards, using 20 screws. - Check that the wall tops and all six posts finish at 22 in. - Check for protruding screw tips, loose joints and sharp edges. Confirm the completed frame remains level. Check: The bed is square, with four continuous courses and 84 screws installed. ![Top course view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-top-course/top-course.png?brand=1) Top course. ### 9. Fill and check drainage - Loosen compacted soil inside the frame without undermining its support. Keep the bottom open; do not add a sealed liner or gravel reservoir. - Place the bed in its final position before filling. Add suitable raised-bed soil evenly in shallow layers on both sides of the tie. - Stop at 20 in above the base, 2 in below the rim. The modeled space needs about 47.45 cu ft, or 1.76 cu yd, before settling and site adjustments. - Water lightly and watch for standing water, wall bowing or loose connections. Stop adding soil and correct any movement or drainage problem. Check: Water drains into the ground and the walls remain straight. Do not sit or stand on the rim. ![Fill line view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-fill-line/fill-line.png?brand=1) Fill line. ![Assembled view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-assembled/assembled.png?brand=1) Assembled. ## Drawings and views ![Direct CAD rendering of the four-course cedar bed with six inside posts and a center tie.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-garden-planter-cad/garden-planter-cad.png?brand=1) Direct FreeCAD view of the matching 96 × 48 × 22 in model. ![CAD-grounded illustration of the cedar raised bed standing empty in a garden.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-garden-planter-garden/garden-planter-garden.png?brand=1) Garden setting generated from the matching CAD view. Fastener appearances are illustrative; use the guide and screw schedule. AI-generated image grounded in CAD. For inspiration; follow the plans. ![Assembled view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-assembled/assembled.png?brand=1) Assembled. ![Center tie view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-center-tie/center-tie.png?brand=1) Center tie. ![Cut layout view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-cut-layout/cut-layout.png?brand=1) Cut layout. ![Dimensions view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-dimensions/dimensions.png?brand=1) Dimensions. ![Fill line view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-fill-line/fill-line.png?brand=1) Fill line. ![First course view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-first-course/first-course.png?brand=1) First course. ![Lower sides view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-lower-sides/lower-sides.png?brand=1) Lower sides. ![Middle courses view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-middle-courses/middle-courses.png?brand=1) Middle courses. ![Screw layout view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-screw-layout/screw-layout.png?brand=1) Screw layout. ![Site layout view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-site-layout/site-layout.png?brand=1) Site layout. ![Tie detail view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-tie-detail/tie-detail.png?brand=1) Tie detail. ![Top course view of the raised bed.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/image-top-course/top-course.png?brand=1) Top course. ## Downloads - [Editable FreeCAD model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/download-native-cad/garden-planters-4-x-8-ft-cedar-raised-bed-r1-model.FCStd): FCStd, 60563 bytes, file revision 1. Editable FreeCAD model for this exact cedar configuration. SHA-256: db9afe0611a405e9840d8b5a36bf597705f2105709ba7c3c635dff2241680ac2 - [Printable instructions](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/download-print-guide/garden-planters-4-x-8-ft-cedar-raised-bed-r1-document.pdf): PDF, 549059 bytes, file revision 1. Printable instructions for this exact cedar configuration. SHA-256: a50d70606a153bb897dc7ffac1d3e6cda556ed67ba483f9e5bc4a48b864b5728 - [Cut list](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/download-cut-list/garden-planters-4-x-8-ft-cedar-raised-bed-r1-cut-list.csv): CSV, 436 bytes, file revision 1. Cut list for this exact cedar configuration. SHA-256: 60176971cccac59b98edf23b497c0f29897b3db7531bf842d4941b251c6273a2 - [Screw coordinates](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/download-screw-layout/garden-planters-4-x-8-ft-cedar-raised-bed-r1-schedule.csv): CSV, 3146 bytes, file revision 1. Screw coordinates for this exact cedar configuration. SHA-256: d12bbfbf6e5cd9d144b23dc52c42f09508385811132572fa67429089b1f159e7 - [Shopping list](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/download-shopping-list/garden-planters-4-x-8-ft-cedar-raised-bed-r1-shopping-list.csv): CSV, 1804 bytes, file revision 1. Shopping list for this exact cedar configuration. SHA-256: c2229f0432d2ee0567d27cbdfbf6602a53fce0c3d58420cd31a8f409319ea50b - [Complete offline package](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/download-archive/garden-planters-4-x-8-ft-cedar-raised-bed-r1-package.zip): ZIP, 4009184 bytes, file revision 1. Illustrated instructions, renderings, native and exchange CAD, schedules, copyright and disclaimer. SHA-256: bc3ca37fbc00890710a63f1fad68616ae73074feab5fd7e6ee7a596d05b5da7b - [STEP model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/cad-step/garden-planters-4-x-8-ft-cedar-raised-bed-r1-model.step): STEP, 136717 bytes, file revision 1. Precise solid geometry for CAD exchange. Feature history remains in the FreeCAD file. SHA-256: 357adadd0344abc9c051a0f0c7b0ed23817039c87f719420ae6dff397f22d96f - [IGES model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/cad-iges/garden-planters-4-x-8-ft-cedar-raised-bed-r1-model.iges): IGES, 274752 bytes, file revision 1. Surface geometry for older CAD tools. Use STEP when supported. SHA-256: dceca84994540db070fb18ddb0ac29426741c7b650e1eeebce2ec56d5a1de4e6 - [STL mesh](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/cad-stl/garden-planters-4-x-8-ft-cedar-raised-bed-r1-model.stl): STL, 13884 bytes, file revision 1. Triangulated assembly at full size in millimeters. Scale and prepare parts before 3D printing. SHA-256: 1537014bc9f3b3aacc9a0a8185fecc4946e5e3b76c6e91b81594bc2a660089c3 - [OBJ mesh](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/cad-obj/garden-planters-4-x-8-ft-cedar-raised-bed-r1-model.obj): OBJ, 12161 bytes, file revision 1. Triangulated geometry for modeling and rendering tools. Import using millimeters. SHA-256: 99a6fd73e7eebe5a391fff89bd2a713eca660b3078531c27ed9d5ebf3a2dc46c - [STL notice companion](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/ce33ab282c80893c983465741ceb19e055e637d3844d474a50e00ca1c6208c7a/cad-stl-notices/stl-notices.txt): OTHER, 421 bytes, file revision 1. Keep this full disclaimer with the binary STL mesh; its embedded header has only 80 bytes. SHA-256: c7dd0e04cdde227780c4205e032d9e8b7f9be2739aba7bc1594dfd94aec6b680 ## Using the CAD files - Open raised-bed.FCStd in FreeCAD or raised-bed.step in compatible CAD. Units are millimeters internally; guide dimensions are inches. - The native model contains 23 editable wood solids and an 84-position screw layout; threaded hardware is not modeled.