A raised garden bed allows you to create a beautiful landscape, without worrying about soil quality, weeds, or unhealthy flowers and vegetables. However, while there are many materials available for this project, lumber gives you a timeless beauty that will complement the rest of the yard. Here are a few types of wood that can be used for a raised garden bed. 

Which Wood Is Best for a Raised Garden Bed?

1. Pine

Pine is an extremely durable wood, which means your raised garden bed will be sturdy and dependable. It's also affordable and easily available, so most people should be able to find it where they live. However, it can fall victim to decay and rot and may even be infested by insects. Luckily, you can treat the pine with raw linseed oil to enhance its resistance to water and pests. 

2. Cedar

While it's a little more expensive, cedar offers the resistance to rot and pests that pine is lacking. As a result, it can be used to construct your garden bed immediately without any pre-treatment. If possible, try to source eastern red cedar, which has greater resistance than the west coast variety. If you can't find cedar in your areas, cypress is a good alternative that's usually readily available. 

3. Pressure-Treated

Pressure-treated lumber is created with chemicals that prevent pest infestation, water damage, and decay, making it the most durable option for garden beds. However, you must be careful about what chemicals are used to treat the wood, especially when using it for a vegetable garden. Wood that is treated with chromated copper arsenate must be avoided. While effective at increasing resistance, arsenates are toxic to humans. Instead, look for wood that is suitable for "ground contact use," which means the chemicals are safe for humans. 

No matter what type of lumber or gardening supplies you're looking for, Huber Lumber can help you find them. Serving customers in the Greater Cincinnati area, the friendly and knowledgeable professionals are always happy to answer questions and provide guidance. Along with garden supplies, they also offer a variety of building materials for home renovation. And as a locally owned business, you can feel good about supporting them. Visit the website to start shopping today, or call (513) 731-4035 for more information about their services.