Example raised garden bed plan, start to finish
Rectangular wood-framed planter with soil calculator. This is a real output from the raised garden bed calculator — nothing blurred, nothing withheld. Change any dimension and yours regenerates instantly. Estimates only, never a quote.
- Size
- 8×4 ft
- Height
- 12"
- Beds
- 1
- Board
- 2x6
- Material
- cedar
- Soil
- 1.19 cu yd
Scaled diagram
Full shopping list
Sides (cedar 2x6 boards) 14 ea × $19 | $269 |
Corner posts (PT 4×4 × 2') 4 ea × $4 | $18 |
Fill soil / compost mix 1.19 cu yd × $24 | $29 |
Exterior deck screws (3") 3 lb × $14 | $42 |
| Incl. 10% waste ($32) | $357 |
Cut list
- Long sides ×62x6 × 8'
- Short sides ×62x6 × 4'
- Corner posts ×44×4 × 2'
Permit checkpoints
- Set your state for localized rules
Permit thresholds, frost-line depth, and fence-height caps vary a lot by state. Pick your state above to tailor this checklist.
- No permit needed
Raised beds are not permanent structures — no permit required in any U.S. jurisdiction we know of. Enjoy.
- Check HOA rules on front-yard beds
Some HOAs restrict vegetable gardens in front yards. Backyard beds are essentially never restricted.
- Skip 811 unless you're excavating
Because you're not digging deep post holes, 811 is optional — but if you plan to trench a drip line to the beds, call it in.
- Site for 6+ hours of direct sun
Vegetables need at least 6 hours of full sun. Watch your yard for a day before committing to bed location.
- Level the ground before you build
Skim off sod and rake flat. A bed that's out of level will look crooked and drain unevenly.
Rules vary by city and county — always confirm with your local building department. Estimates only, not a permit determination.
Plan it. Price it. Build it.
Enter your own dimensions and get this same plan for your yard — plus the build guide, permit packet and printable PDFs.
Start my raised garden bed