“To build wood-framed beds, or not to build wood-framed beds?”
That’s the question we hear from gardeners every spring. Both systems can produce thriving, beautiful gardens — but each comes with its own strengths, challenges, and ideal applications.
At Seattle Urban Farm Company, we’ve worked extensively with both styles. Here’s our take on how to choose the right raised bed for your garden.
Two Types of “Raised” Beds
Before we compare, let’s clarify terms. Technically, both systems are “raised beds,” but they differ in structure and setup.
Mounded Bed Gardens
A mounded bed is created by loosening and slightly elevating the soil — usually 4–8 inches above the surrounding area — without containing it in a wooden frame. You simply build up your existing soil, mix in compost and amendments, and start planting.
These beds blend naturally into the landscape and can go almost anywhere that gets enough sunlight and has healthy, uncontaminated soil.
Wood-Framed Gardens
A wood-framed garden takes the same concept a step further by containing the soil in a wooden structure. Frames can be built from almost any lumber type or size, from a modest 12 inches tall to several feet high.
Although wood is most common, metal or stone frames function similarly — for simplicity, we’ll call them all wood-framed beds.
Why Choose Mounded Beds?
“If you want to get growing fast and keep it simple, mounded beds are a great place to start.”
They’re Simple and Affordable
You can build a few in a day using only soil, compost, and organic fertilizer — no lumber or power tools required.
They Blend Seamlessly Into Your Yard
Mounded beds flow naturally with existing landscaping. Many ornamental gardens are already mounded, so converting one into a veggie garden can be as easy as replacing plants and improving soil.
They’re Easy to Customize
You can edge them with stones, bricks, or recycled materials to hold soil in place and add a tidy finish.
Trade-Offs:
Mounded beds rely on clean, well-draining soil and are more prone to root intrusion from nearby trees and burrowing pests. They also sit lower to the ground — great for kids, but harder on adult backs — and require more maintenance to keep edges neat.
Why Choose Wood-Framed Beds?
“Framed beds are versatile, durable, and make gardening easier on your body.”
They Add Depth and Flexibility
Wood-framed beds let you add a deep layer of new soil, which is ideal for rocky or compacted yards. You can install them directly on top of grass, pavement, or even contaminated soils (with proper lining).
They Protect Against Roots and Pests
Line your beds with hardware cloth and landscape fabric to keep moles, voles, and tree roots out of your growing space.
They Create Structure and Accessibility
Framed beds clearly define planting zones and paths, preventing soil compaction and improving accessibility. Build them higher to reduce back strain.
They Work Just About Anywhere
With enough sunlight, you can place raised beds on rooftops, patios, or steep slopes. Frames also make it easy to attach trellises, shade cloths, or fencing.
Trade-Offs:
Wood-framed beds cost more upfront and typically stick to rectangular shapes — not ideal for every space — but they offer long-term durability and flexibility.|
SUFCo Pro Tips for Building Long-Lasting Beds
Want your raised beds to perform beautifully for years? Follow these simple guidelines:
Choose quality lumber and treat it with a food-safe internal wood stabilizer.
Keep designs simple — mitered edges look nice but can fail outdoors.
Install cross-bracing on any bed larger than 4x4’.
Prepare your site so beds sit level and stable.
Line beds as needed:
Use landscape fabric if soil is contaminated or if the bed sits on pavement.
Add hardware cloth underneath to block burrowing pests.
Extend fabric beyond bed edges to deter tree roots.
For most home gardeners, the classic 4x8-foot bed is the sweet spot — efficient to build, easy to manage, and uses lumber with no waste.
The Bottom Line
Whether you go with a simple mound or a beautifully built wood frame, the goal is the same: create healthy soil, maximize sunlight, and make it easy to grow the food you love.
Both systems can produce thriving, abundant gardens — it just comes down to your space, your budget, and how you like to work.
So, to build or not to build? The right answer is the one that helps you get your hands in the soil and start growing.
~ Here’s a link to our lumber cut list, as well as a step by step video on building our wood-framed raised beds!
