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How to build a garden bed

A raised garden bed featuring pink and yellow flowers, green shrubs, and a terracotta birdbath.

Overview

A garden bed lets you grow the flowers, trees, fruit, vegetables and herbs of your choice in your own backyard in the best soil possible. This guide shows you the tools and equipment you need to build one yourself. It also gives you tips about how to keep your sleepers square, the best way to remove concrete footings and the easiest way to dig trenches for your wooden sleepers.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

Steps

1Choose the right location and measure the space

Start by selecting a flat location that gets plenty of sunlight, as most plants need about six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid areas that are too shaded or prone to waterlogging, as these conditions can affect plant growth. Once you’ve chosen the spot, decide on the size of your raised garden bed. Use a tape measure to measure and mark the dimensions on the ground.
A Bunnings Team Member is measuring the space using a tape measure to mark the dimensions for a raised garden bed.

2Place the stakes in each corner

With your measurements marked, it’s time to set the stakes at each corner of your garden bed. Position each stake firmly in the ground, ensuring they are upright and evenly placed. These stakes will act as anchor points for outlining the perimeter, helping to keep your garden bed square and properly aligned. For added stability, push or lightly hammer them into the soil, making sure they remain secure and won’t shift when you attach the string line. Double-check the placement to ensure the layout matches your measurements before moving on to the next step.
A Bunnings Team Member is placing the stakes in each corner using a hammer to mark a garden bed's perimeter.

3Attach the string line to outline the perimeter

Once the stakes are in place, attach a string line between them to create a clear boundary for your garden bed. Keep the string tight and level to ensure straight edges, as this will help guide the construction of the frame.
A person is attaching a string line around the stake in the ground to outline the perimeter for the garden bed.

4Mark the shape with spray paint

To make the shape more visible, use spray marking paint to outline the perimeter along the string line. This will serve as a guide when it’s time to build the frame, helping to keep everything aligned and in place.
A person wearing work boots is marking the ground with blue spray paint to outline the perimeter along the string line.

5Prepare the area

Before you start building, prepare the ground by clearing away any grass or weeds. This will create a clean surface and help prevent unwanted growth inside your raised garden bed. If the soil is compacted, loosen it with a garden fork to improve drainage and make it easier for plant roots to establish.
A Bunnings Team Member is using a shovel to dig along the marked outline of a garden bed to prepare the area by clearing away any grass or weeds.

6Cut the timber sleepers to size

Treated pine sleepers are an excellent choice for garden beds because they are durable and can withstand outdoor conditions. Using a circular saw, carefully cut the treated pine sleepers to the required lengths based on your garden bed’s dimensions. Double-check your measurements before cutting to ensure accuracy. Once all pieces are cut, place them on a flat surface to confirm they match the intended layout before proceeding with assembly.
A Bunnings Team Member is using a Ryobi circular saw to cut the timber sleepers to the required lengths.

7Install the sleepers and assemble the frame

With the sleepers cut to size, position them in place to form the garden bed frame . Secure each corner using 100mm galvanised bugle batten screws with an impact driver, ensuring a strong and stable connection. Galvanised screws are ideal for outdoor use as they resist rust and corrosion, helping your garden bed withstand the elements. To check that the frame is properly aligned, measure diagonally from corner to corner—if both measurements are equal, the frame is square and ready for installation.
A person is using a Ryobi power drill to fasten a screw into a sleeper to form the frame while keeping it steady on the grass.

8Position and secure the frame

Place the assembled frame in position and check that it sits evenly on the ground. Use a spirit level to ensure it is level, making adjustments by adding or removing soil if necessary. Once you’re happy with the position, secure the frame with steel posts at each corner. Use hex head screws to fasten the posts to the frame, which will help keep it stable and square when filling with soil.
A person is using a Ryobi power drill to fasten a screw into a steel post, securing a wooden sleeper frame.

9Fill your garden bed

With the frame securely in place, it's time to fill the garden bed. Use a mixture of quality garden soil and compost to create a nutrient-rich environment for your plants. A well-balanced mix will promote healthy plant growth and improve soil structure. Spread the soil evenly and gently firm it down, but avoid compacting it too much, as this can restrict root growth.
A person wearing a red shirt and work boots is filling a bag of premium garden soil mix into a raised wooden garden bed.

10Start planting

Now that your garden bed is complete, it's time to start planting. Choose a variety of vegetables, herbs, or flowers that suit your climate and growing season. Space the plants according to their requirements and water them well after planting. To help retain moisture and suppress weeds, consider adding a layer of mulch around your plants.
A person in a red shirt is carefully planting pink flowers in a raised garden bed with freshly turned soil, surrounded by other blooming plants.

11Now that you’ve built a garden bed…

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.