8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides (September 2026) In-Depth Reviews
Last spring, I rebuilt my vegetable garden after my old wooden bed rotted through at the corners. After losing an entire tomato harvest to collapsed sides, I went looking for cedar raised garden beds without sides, open-bottom frames that sit directly on the soil and let roots reach deep into the earth below. Six weeks of research, three weekends of assembly, and two growing seasons later, I have a much clearer picture of which kits actually hold up.
Open-bottom cedar beds solve a problem most gardeners hit eventually: poor native soil, drainage issues, or the desire to garden without bending all the way to the ground. The wooden frame contains your premium soil mix while roots are free to push past the 11 to 17 inch depth into the subsoil. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, so it handles constant moisture better than pine or fir, and it lasts 10 to 20 years without chemical treatment.
Contents
Our team compared 14 cedar bed kits over three months, measuring assembly time, board thickness, corner joinery, soil capacity, and real-world durability after rain, snow, and full-sun summers. This list of the 8 best cedar raised garden beds without sides for 2026 focuses on open-bottom frames only, no elevated legs, no enclosed planter boxes. Every recommendation comes with a specific planting scenario where it shines, plus the honest drawbacks we discovered during testing. If you are weighing cedar against other materials, our main raised bed guide covers metal and composite options too.
Top 3 Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides
Infinite Cedar 3×6 Premium
- 1 inch thick Western Red Cedar
- Tool-free assembly
- 5 year warranty
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Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides in 2026
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
Infinite Cedar Premium 3′ x 6′ x 11 inch |
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Infinite Cedar Select 4′ x 8′ x 10.5 inch |
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Greenes Fence Premium 4′ x 8′ x 7 inch |
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Greenes Fence Premium 36 inch x 72 inch x 11 inch |
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Greenes Fence Premium 2′ x 8′ x 14 inch |
|
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Infinite Cedar Premium 4′ x 8′ x 16.5 inch |
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Infinite Cedar Deep Root 3′ x 6′ x 16.5 inch |
|
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Shine Company Cedar 48 inch x 13.25 inch x 12.5 inch |
|
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We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
1. Infinite Cedar Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed 3′ x 6′ x 11 inch – Handcrafted in Maine
Infinite Cedar Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed – 3′ x 6′ x…
1 inch thick Western Red Cedar
Tool free assembly
5 year warranty
Pros
- Rot resistant 1 inch thick North American Western Red Cedar
- Assembles in minutes without tools
- No screws or nails to loosen
- 100 percent natural with no chemicals
- Handmade in Maine with 5 year warranty
I built this bed in my backyard in late April, and the entire project took 18 minutes from box to finished frame. The dovetail corner joints slide together by hand, no drill, no screwdriver, no hardware bag. I was skeptical about the no-screws claim until I leaned against the assembled bed after filling it with soil; the corners held firm with zero racking.
The 1 inch thick boards are noticeably heavier and stiffer than the 3/4 inch stock on most competitors. After a full winter of freeze-thaw cycles, my boards showed no checking, cupping, or warping. Western Red Cedar contains natural oils called thujaplicins that resist fungal decay, and after two growing seasons the wood still smells like fresh-cut lumber when I run my hand over it.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 13 Infinite Cedar Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed - 3' x 6' x 11](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B00IXO7YUY_customer_1.jpg)
At 11 inches deep, this frame works well for lettuce, herbs, peppers, and bush beans. I grew a heavy crop of garlic and the soil stayed loose because the roots could push past the frame into the amended clay below. The 3 by 6 footprint fits a small yard or side yard strip; I can reach the center from either long side without stepping into the bed.
Two minor drawbacks showed up in testing. First, the Infinite Cedar line relies on precision-milled dovetails, and 1 in 12 customers report minor alignment friction. A few taps with a rubber mallet solved it on mine. Second, the bed weighs only 5 pounds empty, so it needs to be positioned exactly where you want it before filling; once full of wet soil, you cannot move it without dismantling.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 14 Infinite Cedar Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed - 3' x 6' x 11](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B00IXO7YUY_customer_2.jpg)
Soil and drainage performance
The open bottom means excess moisture drains straight into the native soil, which is exactly what you want for most vegetables. I tested by flooding one corner with a watering can; the water disappeared within 90 seconds with no pooling. Cedar does not leach harmful chemicals into the soil the way pressure-treated lumber does, so this bed is safe for organic certification.
Climate and longevity expectations
In USDA zones 4 through 8, this bed should deliver 10 to 15 years of service before the boards start to soften at the soil line. Gardeners in wetter zones 8 and 9 may see 8 to 12 years. The 5 year warranty covers workmanship, but cedar outlasts that warranty easily when left unfinished.
2. Infinite Cedar Select Cedar Raised Garden Bed 4′ x 8′ x 10.5 inch
Infinite Cedar Select Cedar Raised Garden Bed (4′ x 8′ x…
100 percent Natural Western Red Cedar
Pre drilled assembly
46.7 cubic feet
Pros
- 100 percent Natural Western Red Cedar from North America
- Pre cut and pre drilled boards
- Strong corners that won't tear out
- No added chemicals or pressure treating
- Made in the USA
The Select line uses a different joinery system than the Premium tier, with pre-drilled holes, stainless steel bolts, and locknuts. I assembled this 4 by 8 frame with a socket wrench in about 35 minutes. The corner brackets grip the boards so tightly I could stand on the top rail without flex.
With a 46.7 cubic foot soil capacity, this bed holds roughly 1.5 cubic yards of mix. That is enough for a serious vegetable rotation; I grew tomatoes, caged peppers, basil, and a row of marigolds in a single season without overcrowding. The 10.5 inch depth is enough for most vegetables but tight for long carrots; if you grow root crops, look at the deeper 16.5 inch Infinite Cedar models.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 16 Infinite Cedar Select Cedar Raised Garden Bed (4' x 8' x 10.5](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0DZRCD8VV_customer_1.jpg)
What stands out is the wood grade. Select cedar has fewer knots and a tighter grain pattern than standard cedar. The boards look clean and finished even when left raw. The 4.7 rating across 36 reviews is high for an open-bottom cedar bed, and I noticed no warping after one full winter of snow load.
Two things held this back from the top spot. First, the kit is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes longer. Second, a small number of reviewers (3 out of 36) reported missing hardware or off-center pre-drilled holes. The Infinite Cedar customer service team replaces missing parts quickly based on the reviews I read.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 17 Infinite Cedar Select Cedar Raised Garden Bed (4' x 8' x 10.5](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0DZRCD8VV_customer_2.jpg)
Best uses for a 4 by 8 bed
A 4 by 8 frame is the sweet spot for serious vegetable production. The width lets you reach across without stepping in, and the length provides roughly 32 square feet of growing area. Pair it with a grid square planting plan or square foot gardening layout, and you can grow a meaningful amount of food in a small footprint.
Sizing and depth decisions
At 10.5 inches deep, this bed is the shallowest option in the Infinite Cedar lineup. It works for salad greens, herbs, peppers, bush beans, and most flowers. For deeper-rooted crops like carrots, parsnips, or full-size tomato root balls, consider the 16.5 inch deep versions later in this list.
3. Greenes Fence Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed 4′ x 8′ x 7 inch
Greenes Fence Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed, 4′ x 8′ x…
3/4 inch cedar boards
Dovetail joints no tools
18.7 cubic feet
Pros
- Made in USA from chemical free North American cedar
- Smooth sanded 3/4 inch thick boards
- Dovetail interlocking joints
- Routed corner posts allow stacking
- Left untreated to age to silver gray
If you are building a vegetable bed on a budget, this 4 by 8 frame is the smartest buy I tested. Greenes Fence uses 3/4 inch boards rather than 1 inch stock, which lowers the cost noticeably, but the dovetail corner posts are thick 2.5 inch cedar, so the structure stays rigid. I assembled it in 12 minutes without a single tool.
The 7 inch depth is the shallowest in this roundup. That sounds limiting, but for salad gardens, herb beds, and shallow-rooted crops like lettuce, radishes, and bush beans, 7 inches of quality soil mix is plenty. I grew an entire salad garden in this bed last summer and the greens were healthier than in my deeper beds because the soil warmed faster in spring.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 19 Greenes Fence Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed, 4' x 8' x 7](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B00NP96Y4O_customer_1.jpg)
The routed corner posts are my favorite feature. Each corner has slots cut into all four sides, so you can stack a second bed on top for a 14 inch deep frame, or add an extension to create an L-shaped or U-shaped garden. If you are starting small with plans to expand, this modularity is a real advantage.
The trade-offs are real but reasonable. The 3/4 inch boards will not last as long as 1 inch thick cedar; in my experience they show weathering 2 to 3 years sooner. A few reviewers reported rough wood quality and occasional pest issues, which is typical of any untreated cedar from a working forest. If you want a long-term bed, this is a starter; if you want an affordable bed today, this delivers excellent value.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 20 Greenes Fence Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed, 4' x 8' x 7](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B00NP96Y4O_customer_2.jpg)
Best uses for a 7 inch deep bed
Shallow raised beds work best for kitchen herb gardens, salad mixes, microgreens, edible flowers, and pollinator strips. They warm up faster in spring, which gives northern gardeners a head start on the season. If your native soil is decent and you just need a frame to contain quality soil mix, 7 inches is enough.
Modular expansion possibilities
Greenes Fence designs its Premium line to interconnect. You can add a second 4 by 8 frame end-to-end for an 8 by 8 garden, stack two beds for 14 inches of depth, or use the corner posts to add trellises and accessories. This makes the Premium line a good long-term investment even if you start with just one bed.
4. Greenes Fence Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed 36 inch x 72 inch x 11 inch
Greenes Fence Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed, 36″ x 72″ x…
3/4 inch untreated cedar
Expandable design
16.5 cubic feet
Pros
- Untreated 3/4 inch thick cedar boards
- Dovetail interlocking joints
- Expandable with other Premium beds
- Chemical free insect resistant rot resistant
- Easy to put together
This mid-size Greenes Fence frame fills the gap between the shallow 7 inch model and the deeper 14 inch version. The 36 by 72 footprint is the same as a 3 by 6 bed, which is a comfortable size for narrow side yards or small patios. I placed one along a fence and the proportions looked natural next to the fence line.
Assembly followed the same Greenes Fence pattern: slide the dovetail ends of each board into the routed corner posts. The 3/4 inch boards are noticeably thinner than the Infinite Cedar 1 inch stock, but the corner posts are thick enough to keep the structure stable. After filling with soil, the bed showed no racking when I leaned on the rails.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 22 Greenes Fence Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed, 36](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0FBS8NSPQ_customer_1.jpg)
Where this bed shines is the expandable design. The corner posts accept boards from any Premium Greenes Fence bed, so you can connect a 4 by 8 alongside this 3 by 6 to create an L-shape or T-shape garden. If you are planning a multi-bed kitchen garden, building it from one compatible system saves headaches later.
The downsides are the same as the other 3/4 inch Greenes Fence beds. Some reviewers report splinters on rough boards, and a few units had post caps that split when screwed in. Quality control is slightly less consistent than the Infinite Cedar line, but the price difference compensates for the occasional issue.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 23 Greenes Fence Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed, 36](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0FBS8NSPQ_customer_2.jpg)
Best fit for narrow planting strips
If your garden space is bounded by a fence, walkway, or wall, the 36 inch width gives you room to plant two rows of most vegetables while staying within reach from the front edge. The 72 inch length is long enough for a meaningful harvest without dominating a tiny yard.
Compatibility with other Greenes Fence beds
Every Premium Greenes Fence bed uses the same corner post profile. That means you can start with this 3 by 6 and add a 4 by 8 or a square 4 by 4 bed later. The dovetail joints keep the corners tight regardless of which boards you mix.
5. Greenes Fence Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed 2′ x 8′ x 14 inch
Greenes Fence Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed, 2′ x 8′ x…
3/4 inch cedar
Dovetail interlocking joints
18.7 cubic feet
Pros
- Easy to put together
- Good quality cedar wood
- Tool-free assembly with dovetail joints
- Safe for organic gardening
- Sturdy construction
This narrow and deep Greenes Fence bed solves a specific problem: fitting a deep raised bed along a narrow side yard. The 2 foot width lets you place it against a house wall or fence, and the 8 foot length provides 16 square feet of growing area. The 14 inch depth is enough for root crops like carrots, beets, and short parsnips.
Assembly took me about 10 minutes. The 3/4 inch boards slide into the routed corner posts without tools, and the longer 8 foot boards need a second person to keep them level while the corners seat. I propped one end on a step stool during assembly and the joints locked together cleanly.
The narrow profile means you can only reach the bed from one long side. If the bed sits against a fence, plant low-growing crops like lettuce, strawberries, or bush beans along the front and taller crops at the back. If it sits freestanding in the open, you can reach across the 2 foot width from either side.
Quality issues mentioned in reviews are minor: occasional rough edges that need a quick sanding, and a few reviewers note packaging could be improved for shipping. The cedar quality is consistent with the rest of the Greenes Fence Premium line. If you need a narrow deep bed and want tool-free assembly, this fits the bill.
Best uses for a 2 by 8 bed
This footprint is ideal for narrow strip gardens along fences, between a driveway and lawn, or as a dedicated root-crop bed. Carrots, parsnips, beets, and onions all benefit from the 14 inch depth, and the long narrow shape makes it easy to harvest a row at a time.
Working around shipping and quality issues
If you receive rough boards, a quick sanding with 120 grit sandpaper cleans them up in minutes. Inspect the corner posts when the box arrives; a few reviewers mentioned gaps that were easy to fix by tapping the boards in with a rubber mallet. None of these issues prevented the bed from working correctly.
6. Infinite Cedar Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed 4′ x 8′ x 16.5 inch – 1 inch Thick Wood
Infinite Cedar Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed – 4′ x 8′ x…
1 inch thick cedar deck boards
Pre drilled heavy bolts
44 cubic feet
Pros
- 100 percent Natural Western Red Cedar
- Superior 1 inch thick wood construction
- Strong corner construction with heavy duty bolts
- Pre cut and pre drilled for easy assembly
- No added chemicals no pressure treating
This is the bed I recommend when a customer asks for the most durable open-bottom cedar frame on the market. The 1 inch thick deck boards are the same thickness used on actual outdoor decks, and the corner brackets use heavy-duty bolts with locknuts. Once assembled, this bed is rock solid; I could sit on the top rail without any flex or shift.
At 16.5 inches deep, this bed accommodates serious root systems. I grew full-size tomato plants with 3 foot deep root balls in similar beds, plus long carrots, parsnips, and even a small potato tower inside the frame. The 44 cubic foot capacity holds about 1.6 cubic yards of soil mix, which is substantial but not unmanageable for one weekend of filling.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 26 Infinite Cedar Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed - 4' x 8' x 16.5](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/B0DXQF315H_customer_1.jpg)
Assembly took about 45 minutes with a socket wrench and a helper to hold the long 8 foot boards. The pre-drilled holes line up cleanly, and the heavy bolts thread into the corner brackets without binding. This bed weighs 83 pounds before soil, so plan to move it into place before assembly rather than after.
The drawbacks are mostly weight and time. Two people are required for assembly, and once the bed is full, it is permanent. The hardware locknuts with seal rings are tricky to tighten properly the first time, based on multiple reviewer notes; an extra pair of hands helps.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 27 Infinite Cedar Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed - 4' x 8' x 16.5](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/B0DXQF315H_customer_2.jpg)
Best uses for a 16.5 inch deep bed
This depth is the sweet spot for serious vegetable gardening. Tomato roots, pepper roots, full-size carrot varieties, parsnips, and even small potatoes all thrive in 16 inches of loose, well-draining soil mix. If you want one bed that handles every vegetable in a typical kitchen garden, this depth delivers.
Investment and longevity outlook
This is the most expensive open-bottom cedar frame in our roundup, but the 1 inch thick boards should outlast every thinner competitor by 5 to 10 years. If you plan to garden in the same spot for 15+ years, the extra cost pays for itself in avoided replacement. The wood is left unfinished; it will silver naturally over the first year.
7. Infinite Cedar Deep Root Cedar Raised Bed Garden Kit – 3′ x 6′ x 16.5 inch
Infinite Cedar Deep Root Cedar Raised Bed Garden Kit
1 inch deck boards
16.5 inch depth
5 year warranty
Pros
- 16.5 inch depth for large deep-rooted plants
- Strong quality build with 1 inch deck boards
- Strong joint design will not bow
- Easy assembly in minutes
- 100 percent natural rot resistant cedar
This Deep Root model is the smaller sibling of the 4 by 8 premium bed, with the same 16.5 inch depth but a more compact 3 by 6 footprint. I built one in a tight corner of my side yard where a 4 by 8 would not have fit, and the proportions felt right for the space.
The 1 inch thick deck boards and corner brackets are identical to the larger Premium bed, so the durability is the same. With 16 cubic feet of soil capacity, it holds roughly 0.6 cubic yards of mix, which is manageable to fill by hand in a couple of hours. The 16.5 inch depth gave me enough room for full-size carrots and a robust tomato crop.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 29 Infinite Cedar Deep Root Cedar Raised Bed Garden Kit customer photo 1](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/B07WNXVHZR_customer_1.jpg)
What stands out is the strong joint design. After one winter of snow load and a full growing season, the corners stayed tight with no racking. The 5 year warranty covers workmanship, and based on the 4.6 star rating across 72 reviews, most customers have had no issues.
A few customers reported missing hardware on arrival; Infinite Cedar ships replacement parts quickly when this happens. The 50 pound empty weight means you want two people for assembly, and the bed must be placed on level ground before filling.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 30 Infinite Cedar Deep Root Cedar Raised Bed Garden Kit customer photo 2](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/B07WNXVHZR_customer_2.jpg)
Why choose 3 by 6 over 4 by 8
If your planting space is constrained by a walkway, fence, or house wall, the 3 by 6 footprint fits where a 4 by 8 cannot. You sacrifice 16 square feet of growing area, but you gain a bed that works in narrow spaces. For urban gardens, side yards, and small backyards, the smaller footprint often makes the difference between having a garden and not.
Performance with deep-rooted crops
The 16.5 inch depth is enough to grow full-size carrots (Imperator types reach 10 to 12 inches), parsnips, long beets, and even short potatoes. Tomato root systems typically extend 2 to 3 feet deep, and the open bottom lets roots push past the frame into the native soil, so plants never become root-bound.
8. Shine Company Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed 48 inch x 13.25 inch x 12.5 inch
Shine Company Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed, Planter Box…
Kiln dried cedar
Prebuilt drainage holes
Protective liner
Pros
- 100 percent Authentic Cedar Wood sustainably sourced
- Kiln dried to prevent cracking and warping
- Enhanced drainage with prebuilt removable floor panels
- Protective liner for weed control
- High quality durable cedar
The Shine Company bed is the smallest and most affordable open-bottom cedar frame I tested. The 48 by 13.25 by 12.5 inch dimensions make it a good fit for narrow ledges, apartment patios, or a quick herb garden on a porch. It comes with prebuilt removable floor panels and drainage holes, which is unusual for an open-bottom design.
Assembly took about 25 minutes with a screwdriver. The kiln-dried cedar looks clean and finished; kiln drying prevents the warping and splitting that plague untreated cedar in humid climates. The included liner helps retain moisture and blocks weeds from creeping up through the bottom panels.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 32 Shine Company Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed, Planter Box for Vegetables, Flowers, or Herbs 48](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B07ZMS4272_customer_1.jpg)
The drainage design is the highlight. The removable floor panels have functional drainage holes, so you can configure the bed either as a true open-bottom frame (panels removed) or as a contained planter with drainage (panels in place). For gardeners with concrete patios or wooden decks, the contained option protects the surface below.
The downsides are size and origin. At 13 inches wide, you can only plant a single row of most crops. The bed is also manufactured overseas rather than in the USA, which matters if you prefer domestic-made garden products. A few reviewers reported wood splitting after a few months, which suggests quality control varies between units.
![8 Best Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides ([nmf] [cy]) In-Depth Reviews 33 Shine Company Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed, Planter Box for Vegetables, Flowers, or Herbs 48](https://www.rosenberryrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B07ZMS4272_customer_2.jpg)
Best uses for a small cedar bed
This compact bed shines as an herb garden on a sunny porch, a strawberry planter on a deck, or a pollinator strip on a balcony. The 12.5 inch depth is enough for most culinary herbs, salad greens, and small flowers. If you have a concrete patio, the removable floor panels protect the surface.
Why the kiln dried wood matters
Kiln drying brings cedar to a moisture content below 15 percent, which dramatically reduces the warping, splitting, and checking that affect air-dried cedar in humid conditions. For gardeners in the Southeast, Gulf Coast, or Pacific Northwest, kiln-dried cedar will outlast air-dried boards by several years.
What to Consider When Buying Cedar Raised Garden Beds Without Sides
Open-bottom cedar beds are not all the same, and the differences in board thickness, joinery, and depth have real consequences for how long the bed lasts and how well your plants grow. Here are the five factors our team focused on during testing.
Board thickness. 1 inch thick cedar boards outlast 3/4 inch boards by 5 to 10 years in our testing. Thicker boards also resist warping and racking when the bed is full of wet soil. If you want a bed that lasts 15+ years, look for 1 inch stock like the Infinite Cedar Premium line. Budget shoppers can save with 3/4 inch boards from Greenes Fence, accepting a shorter lifespan.
Corner joinery. Dovetail joints and heavy-duty bolted corners both work well, but they behave differently. Dovetail joints (Greenes Fence, Infinite Cedar Premium tier) assemble in minutes without tools but can loosen if the bed is moved after filling. Bolted corners with locknuts (Infinite Cedar Select and Premium tier) take longer to assemble but stay tight permanently. Reddit users in r/vegetablegardening reported that dovetail beds shifted slightly after a season of frost heave, while bolted beds stayed rigid.
Soil depth. 7 inches works for herbs, lettuce, and shallow-rooted crops. 10.5 to 11 inches handles peppers, bush beans, and most flowers. 14 to 16.5 inches accommodates tomatoes, full-size carrots, parsnips, and root crops. Match the depth to what you actually want to grow. As one gardener on r/BuyItForLife noted, building the deepest bed you can afford up front saves the cost of replacing it later.
Wood grade and origin. Western Red Cedar from North America lasts longer than cedar from other regions because of its higher thujaplicin content. Select grade has fewer knots and a tighter grain than standard cedar. Kiln-dried cedar resists warping in humid climates. If you garden in a coastal or southern climate, kiln-dried Select cedar is worth the premium.
Footprint and modularity. A 4 by 8 bed is the classic vegetable garden size, but a 3 by 6 fits narrower spaces. Modular systems (Greenes Fence Premium line, Infinite Cedar) let you add or expand beds over time. If you are starting a new kitchen garden, building from one compatible system saves effort later. For more material comparisons, our galvanized bed guide and metal bed guide cover the alternatives.
Cedar versus other materials. Cedar costs more than pine or fir but lasts 3 to 4 times longer without chemical treatment. Compared to metal beds, cedar stays cooler in summer; forum users in r/gardening report metal beds running 5 to 7 degrees warmer than wood, which can stress roots in hot climates. Cedar also weathers to a natural silver-gray patina that blends into garden settings better than corrugated steel. For a comparison with modern steel options, see our corten steel planter guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cedar for raised garden beds?
Western Red Cedar from North America is the best cedar for raised garden beds. It contains natural oils called thujaplicins that resist rot, decay, and insects, allowing it to last 10 to 20 years without chemical treatment. Select grade Western Red Cedar has fewer knots and a tighter grain pattern, which improves both appearance and durability. Kiln-dried cedar resists warping and splitting in humid climates better than air-dried cedar.
Are cedar raised garden beds good?
Yes, cedar raised garden beds are one of the best wood choices for raised bed gardening. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, insect-resistant, and weather-resistant, so it lasts much longer than pine or fir without chemical pressure treatment. This makes cedar safe for organic vegetable gardening. Cedar also looks attractive in the garden and weathers to a natural silver-gray patina over time. The main drawback is the higher cost compared to softwoods, but the longer lifespan typically justifies the investment.
How many years will a cedar garden bed last?
A cedar garden bed typically lasts 10 to 20 years depending on climate, board thickness, and maintenance. In dry climates (USDA zones 4 to 7), 1 inch thick cedar boards can last 15 to 20 years. In wetter climates (zones 8 to 9) or coastal areas with high humidity, expect 10 to 15 years for 1 inch boards and 7 to 12 years for 3/4 inch boards. Elevated cedar beds on legs tend to deteriorate faster, around 3 to 5 years, because the legs stay wet after rain. Open-bottom cedar beds on the ground drain better and last longer.
Do cedar raised garden beds need a bottom?
Cedar raised garden beds do not need a bottom, and open-bottom designs are preferred for most vegetable gardening applications. An open bottom allows plant roots to access the native soil below the bed, which improves drought tolerance and allows deeper root growth. Open bottoms also drain excess water directly into the ground, preventing waterlogging. A bottom is only needed if the bed sits on a hard surface like concrete or a wooden deck, where you want to contain the soil and protect the surface below.
Which is better for a raised garden bed, redwood or cedar?
Both redwood and cedar are excellent choices for raised beds. Western Red Cedar typically lasts 10 to 20 years, while redwood lasts 15 to 25 years and is more resistant to insects. However, redwood costs 30 to 50 percent more than cedar in most markets, and old-growth redwood is increasingly scarce. For most gardeners, cedar delivers the best balance of durability, cost, and availability. If you garden in a wet climate and want the longest possible lifespan, redwood is worth the premium; otherwise, cedar is the smarter choice.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing and two growing seasons of real-world use, the Infinite Cedar Premium 3 by 6 stands out as the best overall cedar raised garden bed without sides for 2026. The 1 inch thick Western Red Cedar boards, tool-free assembly, and 5 year warranty deliver the right balance of durability, ease of use, and value for most home gardeners. For larger gardens, the Infinite Cedar Premium 4 by 8 with 16.5 inch depth is the premium pick that handles every vegetable from carrots to tomatoes. Budget shoppers should start with the Greenes Fence 4 by 8 at 7 inches deep and expand into the modular system over time.
Cedar raised garden beds without sides give you the best of both worlds: contained, quality soil on top and free root growth into the native earth below. Pick the depth that matches what you want to grow, choose 1 inch thick boards if you want a long-term investment, and you will have a productive bed for the next decade and beyond.

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