A stepped bed is a real eye-catcher in the garden, on the terrace or on the balcony and brings with it considerable advantages for the decorative and, above all, useful plants. In our guide you can find out what these are, what distinguishes a stepped bed in detail and what you should pay attention to when buying. In addition, we give you three product recommendations based on Amazon reviews.
With a stepped bed, space can be used optimally
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Gartenpirat stepped bed wood larch Raised bed in three levels with 9x planter insert
149.00 EUR To the product| kind | planter insert |
|---|---|
| material | wood (larch) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 110x63x114cm |
| design | classic, naturally warm |
| Assembly (effort) | relatively high/difficult |
The relatively large stepped bed from the Gartenpirat brand is made of untreated larch wood (it is best to impregnate and glaze it yourself). It has three steps, each of which houses three plant boxes made of anthracite-colored plastic. For planting, you can simply attach and detach the boxes. According to Amazon reviewers, assembly is a bit difficult. Once it is in place, the stepped bed should be an absolute eye-catcher and easy to handle.
our recommendation
prima terra herb spiral herb spiral 78x78cm height 60cm square patina
EUR 209.00 To the product| kind | raised bed system |
|---|---|
| material | Sheet steel, patina |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 78x60x78cm |
| design | simple, elegant |
| Assembly (effort) | relatively minor/simple |
The herb spiral from prima terra impresses with the high quality of the material and the elegant look. Furthermore, the assembly seems to be easy - thanks to the kit system and sensible instructions. Several Amazon reviewers recommend using a mat when unpacking where the rust particles can land. This saves unnecessary cleaning work afterwards. All buyers are satisfied with the quality - this and the service life of up to 15 years justify the rather high price. In addition, the herb snail should be able to be positioned to save space.
our recommendation
Spetebo 3 flower steps gray - 60x59x27 cm - XXL plastic flower pot plant pot plant pot plant step flower etagere
EUR 49.95 To the product| kind | plant boxes |
|---|---|
| material | plastic |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 27x60x59cm |
| design | plain |
| Assembly (effort) | unavailable |
The fully assembled flower stand (€74.90) from Spetebo is the perfect solution for hobby gardeners who are satisfied with a plastic model in favor of a comparatively low price. Kept in plain gray and provided with a rough, structured surface, the planting step has a stone look, so that it blends in well with the garden. It is also suitable for indoor use. The majority of reviewers on Amazon seem to be very happy with the tiered bed. Apparently you need a lot of soil when planting.
Purchase Criteria
kind
There are stepped beds with a raised bed base and those that work with plant pots. The fact that your plants benefit from particularly nutrient-rich soil speaks for the raised bed variant. However, creating the subsoil requires know-how and a certain amount of effort. Variants with plant pots are extremely easy to handle: fill the pots as with other potted plants and then hang them on the frame of the stepped bed. Disadvantage: the plants unfortunately have to do without the extra nutrient-rich soil.
material
wood: Most stepped beds are made of wood, such as larch, pine or other softwood. They impress with their natural look and warm radiance, harmonizing perfectly with the green oasis and the plants. Impregnated wood is weatherproof; You must impregnate and glaze untreated, natural wood yourself after purchase. In principle, wooden stepped beds made of larch and co. require more care than models made of other materials.
stone: Stepped beds made of stone also score with their naturalness. In addition, they are almost indestructible and durable as well as easy to care for. Disadvantages are the typically very high weight, which makes moving and generally transport extremely difficult, and the expensive price.
metal or steel: Stepped beds made of metal or steel bring a high degree of robustness and stability. However, these variants should also be treated, ideally with a high-quality coating. Otherwise, the corrosion resistance leaves a lot to be desired and the respective stepped bed will rust over time. Optically, metal or steel stepped beds are definitely convincing. They have modern, sometimes also antique charm.
plastic: If you want to spend as little money as possible, want a very easy-care solution and are not too demanding in terms of appearance, the best thing to do is to look around for a stepped bed made of plastic. Here, too, you should always ensure good quality, so that the bed can withstand UV radiation for some time and does not become brittle anytime soon. This is also an important aspect with regard to environmental protection.
Dimensions
Depending on how many levels you want and how many planters should have space in them, you need a smaller or larger stepped bed. By the way: A high or high tiered bed makes it possible to care for the plants in a way that is easy on the back.
design
Tiered beds come in a variety of designs, but are commonly constructed in three tiers. The division can take place, for example, in three ordinary floors, in the form of stairs or in the form of a snail. Certainly there are models that meet your taste and requirements. Wood-colored stepped beds are very popular. Rust-red versions made of metal or steel exude elegant flair. Some of the plastic models are also available in elegant-looking variants with a deceptively real-looking wood or stone look.
Assembly (effort)
A stepped bed, which you can assemble using a plug-in system, is particularly practical. In any case, the entire kit should be included in the scope of delivery - apart from tools. If the stepped bed can then be screwed together without any problems, then there is nothing to complain about. Make sure that detailed and easy-to-understand assembly instructions are included. Customer reviews provide information about this.
frequently asked Questions
What is a stepped bed?
A stepped bed is a special form of raised bed. As the name suggests, it is characterized by the stepped structure. This allows you to plant on several levels. Whether planted with useful or ornamental plants, whether placed next to stairs to save space or simply placed in the garden, on the balcony or terrace: a stepped bed always proves to be an attractive eye-catcher.
What are the advantages of a stepped bed?
In a stepped bed, there is an optimized nutrient supply compared to a normal bed on the ground. This is because due to the different heights, all the plants in the flower, vegetable or herb bed can absorb enough light and not literally overshadow each other. Crops in particular benefit from this - they thrive better.
What can I plant in a stepped bed?
As in a raised or herb bed, most gardeners primarily grow vegetable and herb plants in a stepped bed. But you can just as easily fill it with ornamental plants. Depending on the model, a stepped bed can be planted like a classic raised bed. Otherwise, it works according to the principle of using a planter box - that is, you plant in external pots, which you then hang into the framework of the stepped bed.
Where is the best place to buy a stepped bed?
Stepped beds are usually available in all well-stocked hardware stores and garden centers - but usually with a limited selection. In order to benefit from a larger range and enjoy a pleasant shopping experience, it is advisable to look for a suitable model on Amazon. You can also get good designs at a reasonable price from discounters seasonally.
How much does a stepped bed cost?
You usually pay 60 euros or more for a simple planting ladder made of solid wood. Occasionally you will also come across copies for around 30 euros. Variants made of metal or steel are in a similar price range. You pay less money for plastic stepped beds.
Can I build a stepped bed myself?
Yes, with craftsmanship, the right materials (wood, screws, planting foil) and tools as well as good instructions, you can try to create your stepped bed in a DIY manner. But keep in mind that it takes more time than if you bought your preferred stepped bed after an individual comparison.