Beginner
4 ft × 8 ft × 16 inch tall · 24 block perimeter
1 – 1.5 hours
$50 – $90
Cinder Block Raised Bed
A durable, pest-proof raised bed built from stacked concrete blocks. The holes can hold herbs or be capped for a clean look.
Estimated cost
$50 – $90
Estimated time
1 – 1.5 hours
Lifespan
20+ years
Soil needed
32 cubic feet (about 1.2 cubic yards)
Weight empty
600–800 lbs
Weight full
2400–2800 lbs
Best for
Vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a permanent, low-cost bed
Placement
Lay the first course on level ground. Stagger corners like bricks for stability.
Boards to Buy
| Boards to Buy | Quantity | What You Use Them For |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete blocks, 8×8×16 inch | 24 | Perimeter walls |
| Cardboard or landscape fabric | 1 layer | Weed barrier under bed |
| Topsoil / compost / peat mix | 32 cubic ft | Bed fill |
- ·Optional: concrete block caps for a flat top
- ·Optional: construction adhesive for stacking more than one course
Steps
- 1Clear and level the bed area.
- 2Lay cardboard or fabric over the soil to suppress weeds.
- 3Arrange blocks in a 4×8 rectangle, two blocks wide on the ends.
- 4Check that corners are square and the top course is level.
- 5Stack a second course if you want more height, staggering joints.
- 6Fill the bed with a mix of topsoil, compost, and aged manure.
- 7Plant herbs like thyme or oregano in the block holes, or cap them.
- 8Water thoroughly to settle the soil before planting.
Tools needed
- ·Shovel
- ·Tape measure
- ·Level
- ·Work gloves
Common mistakes to avoid
- ·Using old blocks that may leach — choose new concrete blocks, not fly-ash cinder blocks
- ·No cardboard or fabric under the bed — weeds come up through the holes
- ·Filling every hole with soil — use holes for herbs or cover with caps
- ·Building too tall without mortar — over 2 courses needs adhesive
Maintenance tips
Brush off algae or moss yearly. Replace any cracked blocks. Cap the top holes if you don't want plants in them.
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