Wooden Raised Garden Beds vs. Metal Raised Garden Beds

By Victoria Fuller

One of the most frequent questions that we at Cedar Planters are asked is “are wooden raised beds better than metal raised beds?” and today we are diving into the features of each type to help you make the best choice for you and your goals!

Common Misconceptions

There are many rumors and misconceptions about raised garden beds online, including some of these popular ones:

• Raised beds are expensive

This is not necessarily true! When you consider the craftsmanship of a well made planter box the cost makes sense. Especially with products that artisans handcraft in North America (such as Cedar Planters).

• Metal raised beds are ugly

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Metal garden beds have a more industrial look than wooden ones. However, they can be a good choice if you prefer a contemporary and modern style.

• Wooden raised beds can rot depending on wood type

This depends entirely on the type of wood used! Cedar Planters garden beds, made from rot-resistant Western Red Cedar, can last 30 years without wear and tear.

• The lack of drainage will ruin my plants

If your raised bed doesn’t have drainage holes or a built-in drainage system then this can absolutely be an issue. Too much water and rain can rot roots and ruin your garden. Look for a raised bed with good drainage to avoid this problem.

• My plants won’t be able to handle the heat in the raised bed

Metal beds can get too hot for certain plants. Therefore, it is important to choose your plants carefully. Additionally, you should also take into account the location of your garden bed.

Wooden raised garden beds tend to regulate heat more effectively. Cedar Planters garden beds keep your garden at the right temperature with their insulating Western Red Cedar sidings.

Wooden Raised Garden Bed Perks

Most people instinctively think of beautiful wooden beds for raised garden beds. Wooden types are popular for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and soil-enhancing properties. You can use them in various applications without worrying about rusting. Additionally, wooden types add a pleasing visual element to any setting.

Wooden beds at Cedar Planters are environmentally sustainable. We plant three trees in place of every tree we cut down. You can read more about the fantastic perks of our raised garden beds here! 

Metal Raised Garden Bed Perks

The main perk of metal raised garden beds is the sheer resilience of them. Most of the time they are made of steel and there's no arguing that they are incredibly durable, they are also often easy to assemble. For a deeper dive into the pros and cons of metal raised bed check out this awesome article by house grail!  

Cedar Planters

We at Cedar Planters truly feel we have conquered combining the perks of wooden sidings with powder-coated steel legs, truly the best of both worlds! We have the insulating properties of the rot-resistant Western Red Cedar combined with the rust-resistant and incredibly durable steel legs.

Our raised beds and planter boxes can be put together in just 5 minutes. They come with all the tools you need for assembly and have a drainage system. You can also get help and inspiration from The Cedar Planters team to create your dream oasis.

Conclusion

Everyone has different goals and needs for their raised garden beds, but we believe wooden varieties are the best choice. Please comment below if you have any experience with wooden vs metal raised garden beds, we would love to hear your thoughts and opinions!