Three-step tiered bed plan
Three stepped levels, 11, 16.5 and 22 in deep: herbs and greens in front, root crops in the deep back step.
- Size
- 8' x 4'
- Height
- 11 in / 16.5 in / 22 in
- Est. materials
- $339–$846
- Skill level
- Medium
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Soil and cost by height
| Height | Size | Soil | Bags (1.5 cu ft) | Economy (est.) | Durable (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 / 16.5 / 22 in steps | 8' x 4' | 33.5 cu ft (1.3 cu yd) | 23 | $339–$548 | $512–$846 |
Worked out by our plan engine; bagged soil included. Costs are estimates from typical US home-center prices.
What the materials cost
Pressure-treated (Economy) and cedar (Durable) side by side, from the plan's own shopping list (8' x 4', soil included).
Economy materials
$339 to $548
Copper-treated ground-contact boards. Same sizes and soil in both.
- Lumber
- $153–$232
- Fasteners and hardware
- $25–$40
- Soil
- $161–$276
Durable materials
$512 to $846
Cedar boards and coated screws. Same sizes and soil in both.
- Lumber
- $306–$495
- Fasteners and hardware
- $45–$75
- Soil
- $161–$276
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.
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 / 15.5 / 21 in steps · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Suggested depth for your crop
11 in for vegetables
In this plan: Root crops in the back step · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Wall supports
A support at most every 4 ft along a wall; cross ties on beds 16.5 in and taller
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
| 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 / 15.5 / 21 in steps | fieldreport.caes.uga.edu |
| Suggested depth for your crop | 11 in for vegetables | Root crops in the back step | fieldreport.caes.uga.edu |
| Wall supports | A support at most every 4 ft along a wall; cross ties on beds 16.5 in and taller | 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.
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Questions about this plan
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