Introduction: EASY RAISED GARDEN BED ON CASTERS FOR PATIO OR DECK

By Few Bits
About: Originally from Wisconsin, now living on the Best Coast. DIY is my MO. More stuff on my website, check it out!

This is a tutorial for a 4'x4' raised garden bed on casters for use on a deck or patio.  It can be done in a day for under 100 bucks.

This tutorial can be used  to build two versions of 4’x4’ raised planter beds on casters, one is 18” high and the other is 30” high.  But you can adjust your lumber lengths and do whatever size you need.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

For the 18” high planter bed:

Lumber:

21  2x6’s 4’ long*

2    2x4’s 41” long*

4    4x4’s 24”long*

Other materials:

2 1/2” galvanized screws

4 industrial strength casters**

Drill

Drill bit for drilling pilot holes

Phillips head bit tip

Tape measure

Pencil

For the 30” high planter bed:

Same as the 18” except you will need 29 of the 4’ 2x6’s and the 4x4’s need to be 36” long

*Note on the lumber: Most resources on the web will tell you to use Cedar or Redwood for outdoor projects, as they are less prone to rot.  I asked my woodworking instructor about this and he is not convinced that they are much better than Douglas Fir, so that is what I used.  Mine don’t have to last a lifetime, you can decide for yourself what to use according to your needs.

**Note on the casters: The wood and dirt are going to really add up weight-wise and you will need casters that have at least 250 lb load capability each.  These can be very pricey, but I found a great deal and exceptional customer service at SES casters.

Step 1:

First, place 2 of the 4x4’s on the ground, 4 ft apart and place a 2x6 across them, like so:

Step 2:

Then drill your pilot holes and screw these pieces together, making sure the sides and top are flush.

Step 3:

Stand it up, this will be one side of your planter.

Step 4:

Do the same with the other 4x4’s and another 2x6.  Face them toward each other 4’ apart.  The 2x6’s are going to keep the dirt away from the deck and also be the supports for the bottom of the bed.

Step 5:

Next, take your 2 2x4’s and place them on the inside edge of the 2x6’s and 4x4’s.  Now you can see the bed taking shape.  This is the frame of your garden bed.

Step 6:

Drill your pilot holes and screw the 2x4’s to the 2x6’s.

Step 7:

There should be enough room for 7 2x6’s to fill in the bottom of the bed.  Be sure to space them evenly and there will be the right amount of space between them for proper drainage.  Drill pilot holes and screw all these boards to the 2x6 supports. BOOM! You’re halfway done!

Step 8:

Now you start to make the sides.  Place one 2x6 on top of another, make sure it’s level.  Drill pilot holes and screw the top 2x6 to the 4x4’s, then remove your spacer bottom board.

Step 9:

Do the same on the opposite side, and then the remaining 2 sides:

Step 10:

I suggest that you attach the casters at this stage, before you start attaching the rest of the 2x6’s and this thing gets really heavy.  I also suggest getting someone to help you lift the frame up to do this and also to help bring it back down onto the casters.  Mark where your pilot holes will be and screw on the casters.

Step 11:

Now that the wheels are on, all you have to do is attach the rest of the 2x6’s for the sides of your bed. Do this all the way around and you’re done! This is the 30” version and the 18” version.

I hope you enjoyed my Instructable! Please ask me any questions here or you can visit my blog at www.few-bits.com.