Are you interested in building a raised bed for your garden but concerned about its longevity? Fear not, for Tucker has got you covered! In this step-by-step guide, Tucker will show you how to build a cedar raised bed and use an ancient Japanese technique called Shou Sugi Ban to greatly extend the life of your bed.
Building a Durable and Beautiful Raised Bed for Your Garden
First, gather three pieces of wood that are all the same length. Cut one of the pieces in half to make up the width of your bed. If you want a taller bed, repeat this process two more times and stack the beds on top of each other.
To prevent the bed from bowing out, cut some additional pieces of wood to act as braces. Use a weed and garden torch with propane as fuel to char the wood. After charring the wood, use a wire brush to remove the outer char, making sure to brush in the direction of the grain. Then wipe the wood down with a wet rag.
To further protect the wood, use a natural oil to seal it. Tucker recommends using outdoor defense oil, made of 100% pure tongue oil, pine oil, and zinc. This exterior oil is food safe and contact safe and is suggested to be used for your raised garden beds.
Next, put the raised bed together using two and a half inch screws to connect the boards together. Pre-drill before using any screws to prevent splitting. Add corner pieces and a center board to strengthen the bed.
The completed raised bed looks stunning with the contrast between the sun-bleached wood chips and the bed. Although cedar wood is expensive, using the Shou Sugi Ban technique and the natural oil will make the bed last for many years to come.
By following Tucker's guide, you'll be able to create a functional and beautiful raised bed that will be the envy of all your gardening friends. So, roll up your sleeves and get to building!
