Corrugated Metal Raised Bed
A sleek, long-lasting raised bed with corrugated metal sides and wood corner posts. Deep sides give roots plenty of room.
Estimated cost
$150 – $250
Estimated time
2 – 3 hours
Lifespan
15–25 years
Soil needed
34 cubic feet (about 1.25 cubic yards)
Weight empty
80–120 lbs
Weight full
2200–2600 lbs
Best for
Modern look, deep-rooted crops, and keeping out burrowing pests
Placement
Wear gloves — edges are sharp. Line the top rim with a wood cap or rolled metal edge for safety.
Boards to Buy
| Boards to Buy | Quantity | What You Use Them For |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated metal panels, 4×8 ft | 2 | Long sides |
| Corrugated metal panels, cut to 17×48 inch | 2 | Short ends |
| 4×4 cedar posts, 8 ft | 2 | Corner posts cut to 20 inch |
| 2×6 cedar boards, 8 ft | 2 | Top cap rails |
| Self-tapping metal screws, 1 inch | 32 | Attach metal to posts |
- ·Landscape fabric or hardware cloth for the bottom
- ·Exterior wood screws, 2.5 inch
- ·Wood sealant or stain
Steps
- 1Cut the 4×4 posts into four 20-inch corner pieces.
- 2Attach the long metal panels to two opposite posts with self-tapping screws.
- 3Attach the short end panels to complete the rectangle.
- 4Add a 2×6 top cap around the rim, mitering the corners.
- 5Line the bottom with hardware cloth if voles are an issue, then landscape fabric.
- 6Set the bed on level ground.
- 7Fill with a mix of topsoil, compost, and coarse sand.
- 8Plant and water thoroughly.
Tools needed
- ·Circular saw or miter saw
- ·Metal snips or angle grinder
- ·Cordless drill / driver
- ·Tape measure and level
- ·Work gloves and safety glasses
Common mistakes to avoid
- ·Thin metal that dents or rusts fast — use 26-gauge galvanized or Corten
- ·No top cap — sharp edges are dangerous
- ·Screws too short — use exterior-grade self-tapping metal screws
- ·Forgetting to line the bottom if voles are a problem
Maintenance tips
Touch up any scratched paint to prevent rust. Tighten screws each spring. Add compost annually to maintain soil level.
Community builds
See how other gardeners built their corrugated metal raised bed — and share up to 3 photos of yours.
Sign in to view photos other gardeners have shared.
Sign in to share photos of your build.