Raised beds can be made from many materials. However, wooden bed boxes are particularly popular - these are quick and easy to build, inexpensive and flexible to set up. If the raised bed is to be moved to another location at a later date, a wooden raised bed can be easily dismantled and rebuilt elsewhere. However, not all types of wood are suitable for this.
Hardwood is better for raised beds than softwood
Softwood or Hardwood? Those are the differences
A basic distinction is made between softwood and hardwood, with the former usually being conifers and the latter deciduous trees - exceptions of course confirm this rule, because types of wood such as lime, poplar or willow also belong to the softwoods. On the other hand, there are also comparatively hard softwoods, of which the European larch is a very good example. The main difference is the density of the wood - the lighter it is, the lower its density and the softer it is. A wood species is classified as softwood if its kil density (i.e. the density of dried wood) is less than 0.55 grams per cubic centimeter.
Why hardwoods are better suited for raised beds
Soft wood species are mainly used for interiors and for the construction of furniture and instruments. With a few exceptions, they are not suitable for building raised beds. While softwood is cheap and easy to work with, it is also not very durable and quickly rots under unfavorable conditions. Since raised beds are constantly exposed to high humidity, a frame made of soft wood decomposes within a very short time. However, you can enjoy a model made of hardwood for much longer. These types of wood are significantly more robust and durable, albeit more expensive. However, the purchase price is quickly amortized by the longer shelf life.
The best types of wood for raised beds
The best types of wood for a stable and robust raised bed are above all these:
larch
The Siberian larch, in particular, is sold commercially and is much more robust and durable than its European relatives.
douglas fir
The Douglas fir is also one of the comparatively hard coniferous woods (even if it is usually counted among the soft types of wood), is robust and easy to work with. Direct contact with earth should be avoided at all costs, which is why the use of foils is essential.
Black Locust
This is a deciduous tree that is even harder and more robust than our European oak wood. Excellent for outdoor use and therefore suitable for building raised beds!
Oak
The white oak in particular is comparatively liquid-resistant and is therefore used for the construction of liquid containers. It is also very suitable for building raised beds, but is quite expensive.
tips
You can improve the durability of the wood you use by lining it with foil on the inside and painting it with a non-toxic protective stain on the outside.