4x6 raised garden bed plans

A shorter bed for a smaller yard or a patio edge, still 4 ft wide for easy reach. At 11 in tall it holds 17.7 cu ft of soil (0.7 cu yd): 12 bags of 1.5 cu ft. Estimated materials, soil included: $170–$276 in pressure-treated lumber, $249–$410 in cedar.

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Soil and cost by height

4x6 raised garden bed plans: soil and cost
Height	Soil depth	Soil	Bags (1.5 / 2 cu ft)	Economy (est.)	Durable (est.)
11 in	10 in	17.7 cu ft	12 / 9	$170–$276	$249–$410
16.5 in	15.5 in	27.4 cu ft	19 / 14	$241–$392	$340–$560
22 in	21 in	37.1 cu ft	25 / 19	$305–$496	$424–$698

Two of these beds with a 2 ft path between them: $340–$820 in materials and soil.

What the materials cost

Economy materials

$170 to $276

Copper-treated ground-contact boards. Same sizes and soil in both.

Lumber: $61–$92
Fasteners and hardware: $25–$40
Soil: $84–$144

Durable materials

$249 to $410

Cedar boards and coated screws. Same sizes and soil in both.

Lumber: $120–$191
Fasteners and hardware: $45–$75
Soil: $84–$144

Estimates from typical US home-center prices; your local prices will vary. Prices last updated: Oct 23, 2026. Not included: sales tax, delivery, tools, gravel/base material, paint or stain.

Other bed shapes

Three-step tiered bed
Three stepped levels, 11, 16.5 and 22 in deep: herbs and greens in front, root crops in the deep back step.
6' x 4', $295–$718
L-shaped corner bed
Two 3 ft wide arms that wrap a corner of the yard; every spot is in easy reach.
6' x 6', $210–$514

Plan specifications & limitations

Bed width (reach)
At most 4 ft, so you reach the middle from both sides
In this plan: 4 ft · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Soil depth
At least 10 in for most crops; more for root crops
In this plan: 10 in · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Suggested depth for your crop
11 in for vegetables
In this plan: 11 in · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Wall supports
A support at most every 4 ft along a wall
In this plan: On every long wall · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Lumber
New copper-treated (ACQ / CA) ground-contact lumber, or cedar; no railroad ties or lumber treated before 2004
In this plan: Pressure-treated · Source: extension.oregonstate.edu

Sizing rules used by this plan, with sources
Rule	What every plan uses	In this plan	Source
Bed width (reach)	At most 4 ft, so you reach the middle from both sides	4 ft	fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Soil depth	At least 10 in for most crops; more for root crops	10 in	fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Suggested depth for your crop	11 in for vegetables	11 in	fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Wall supports	A support at most every 4 ft along a wall	On every long wall	fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Lumber	New copper-treated (ACQ / CA) ground-contact lumber, or cedar; no railroad ties or lumber treated before 2004	Pressure-treated	extension.oregonstate.edu

Lumber in a food garden
Economy uses new copper-treated ground-contact lumber: an Oregon State study found copper moved only about 1 in into the soil and none into the produce. Durable uses cedar. Never use railroad ties or old treated lumber.
Ground
Assumes level ground with good drainage. On concrete or pavers, water drains out under the walls.
Gophers and moles
Where gophers or moles dig, add the 1/2 in hardware cloth bottom (an option in the wizard).
Soil
Bagged soil is estimated from the inside volume; bulk soil by the cubic yard is often cheaper for several beds. Soil settles: plan to top it up.
Permits and HOA
Many cities and counties require a permit for structures above 120 sq ft. Some require one for smaller ones. HOA rules may limit size, color or materials. Checking permits, setbacks and HOA rules is your responsibility.
Not an engineered plan
The plan is a general guide for a small backyard structure. It is not stamped or engineered, and it is not a substitute for engineering or local approval.

Questions

How much soil do I need for a 4x6 raised garden bed?

17.7 cu ft (0.7 cu yd): 18 bags of 1 cu ft, 12 of 1.5 cu ft or 9 of 2 cu ft.

What wood should I use?

New copper-treated ground-contact lumber or cedar. Never railroad ties or lumber treated before 2004.

How do I keep gophers out?

Lay 1/2 in hardware cloth under the bed and take it about 6 in up the inside of the walls (an option in the wizard).

Other sizes: 4x8 raised garden bed, 4x4 raised garden bed, Deep raised bed plans for root crops and potatoes, Tall raised garden bed. All 3 bed models: raised garden bed plans.

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