Best Wood for Planter Boxes and Raised Garden Beds

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In urban areas, planter boxes and raised garden beds (or raised garden boxes) are the best options for those who love gardening. So, if you are thinking of building a garden, the first question you’ll need to answer is ‘what is the best wood for planter boxes and raised garden beds?‘

Before you plant your herbs and vegetables, be sure to use the best wood for your planter box or raised bed. Using the wrong wood could lead to chemicals in your food!

Best Wood for Planter Boxes and Raised Garden Beds

It is imperative to use wood that is eco-friendly, affordable, and long-lasting.

Spruce, Pine, Redwood, Juniper, Chestnut, and Cedar are the best and most popular woods for planter boxes. They are rot-resistant, safe for food crops, readily available, and don’t contaminate the soil either in the long run. 

However, before buying any one of these woods, keep their drawbacks in mind as well.

Summary of Best Wood for Planter Boxes and Raised Garden Beds

Species	Pros	Cons
Cedar	– Resistant to insect attacks.   – Can last for 15-20 years.   – Thrives very well in a damp environment.   – Naturally beautiful.   – Performs well with a light coat.	– Becomes weathered grey over the years.   – More flammable.
Spruce	– Free of knots.   – Inexpensive.   – Very light and soft.   – Stays cool in hot temperatures.   – Dries quickly.	– Prone to disease. – Not drought tolerant. – Cannot handle the moisture.   – Can be damaged by insects if not appropriately coated.
Pine	– Wide variety of finish options.   – Strong and durable.   – Resistant to shrinking and swelling.   – Very distinctive look.	– Common pinewood often has defects.   – Requires more maintenance.
Redwood	– Doesn’t shrink or decay as it ages.   – Visually stunning.   – Resists natural wear and tears.   – Can withstand harsh climate conditions and survive rough weather conditions.   – Resistant to extreme heat.	– Soft and prone to denting.   – Important to maintain and clean it periodically.   – Has become endangered species due to high demand.
Juniper	– Highly rot-resistant.   – Tolerant to windy and rainy conditions.   – Deals with a wide range of soils efficiently.   – Prevents serious pest problems.   – Lasts longer.	– Very dense. – Generally more expensive.
Chestnut	– Prevents fungal root disease.   – Available in different shades.   – Rare and valuable.   – Softer hardwood.   – Considerably lighter than most other wood types.	– Requires regular maintenance.   – Prices are relatively higher.   – Can easily be damaged by insects.

If you’re just getting started, we recommend you opt for ‘Cedar.’ Cedar wood is a naturally rot resistant wood, works well with garden soil, and looks great. It doesn’t require much maintenance, and it is resistant to harsh weather conditions and insects.

Western red cedar wood, in particular, is a great choice for planter boxes and raised garden beds.

Can I Buy A Planter Box Online?

Yes, you can buy a planter box online. Check out some planter box options below:

Jumbl Elevated Planter Box

Are you planning to redesign your patio with a planter box? Get Jumbl Elevated Planter Box. It is made of 100% rot-resistant cedar.

You can grow your favorite herbs, vegetables, fruits, or flowers without any trouble. It’s also great for growing succulents like snake plants.

Its elevated design is a good choice for gardeners with muscle strain or chronic back pain.

WINDY Wood Planter Box

We love this planter box because of so many reasons. It is made of naturally aged pinewood. Also, it has dusty dappled brown coloring that complements almost all outdoor décor types.

Use it for mini plants floral arrangements as the dimensions of this planter box are 17.3 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches.

Wooden Planter Box from Brimful Store

It is sturdy, handsome, and easy to assemble. This planter box is constructed of real wood, which adds rustic charm to any setting.

The vintage look of this planter box makes it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor décor.

Cedar Raised Garden Bed Kit – by Boldly Growing

If you’re looking to make your own garden bed or garden box, this is one of the best raised garden bed kits on the market. As we recommended, this kit is made from 100% cedar, making it naturally rot resistant. Wooden raised garden beds are a great way to plant a lot of items in one part of your yard.

This kit is incredible easy to set up and is made from durable wood, so your can make sure your garden bed frames steady. So, buy yours now!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Pressure-Treated Wood?

Pressure-treated wood undergoes a special process that infuses the wood with chemicals to preserve the life of the wood.

It does not make the wood stronger, but it extends the wood’s life by making it less susceptible to rot and insect infestation.

Pressure-treated woods are generally safe to use but are not recommended for vegetable or fruit gardens.

The chemical preservatives used in pressure-treated woods can be absorbed into the soil and then into your plants.

The preservatives that make it into your plants are usually small amounts that are non-toxic, but for this reason, we recommend not using pressure-treated lumber for plants that you plan to consume.

Can We Use Teak Wood for Planter Boxes?

Teak wood is indeed a great choice for your planter boxes or raised beds. However, it isn’t often recommended by experts because it is pricey and not as readily available.

This wood has high natural oil and silica content that is great for the soil. Furthermore, teak wood is highly resistant to rot.

The only drawback of teak wood is you have to apply a coat of sealant to it every year to protect its natural beauty and color.

If you’re into maintaining your outdoor woodworking projects, teak wood could be a great option for your raised planter box.

How Long Will Untreated Wood Last in a Planter Box or Raised Garden Bed?

Untreated wood lasts about 4 to 5 years outdoors, but this depends on many other factors, such as how well you maintain the wood, soil type, planter box structure, climatic condition, exposure to sunlight, etc.

Some special steps like sealing, painting, bonding, or using water-repellent preservatives can make it last even longer, up to 15 to 20 years.

If the sole focus is to keep your planter box from rotting, use rot-resistant wood like cedar or redwood.

You can also apply roofing cement inside the planter box to prevent water from damaging the wood.

What Type of Wood to Avoid?

You should avoid recycled or reclaimed wood and older CCA-treated woods when it comes to garden beds and garden boxes. This is because they are fully second-hand, and no one knows how they have been treated across their lifetime. 

For that reason, there is a high chance older or second-hand treated woods can release harmful organic compounds that can damage your plants and become dangerous for the environment.