Metal Vs. Wood Raised Garden Bed

The raised garden bed is a good assistant for a gardener. When we grow vegetables and flowers in raised containers, we can effectively ameliorate the initially infertile soil, suppress the growth of weeds, and help control pests. Moreover, another significant advantage is that the raised garden bed has no bottom, which greatly facilitates drainage and nutrient absorption. With a raised garden bed, you can significantly reduce the frequency of bending, minimizing potential damage to your waist.

Many people find it hard to choose between a wooden raised garden bed and a metal one. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of raised garden beds to assist you in making an informed choice.

Wood raised garden bed

Wooden raised garden beds are a traditional way of planting and are loved by most people for their elegant appearance. Most wooden raised garden beds are good for drainage and soil aeration. However, wooden raised garden beds are prone to rot and have a shorter lifespan than metal beds.

Wooden garden beds can be made from several types of wood, including cedar, redwood, pine, and oak. Redwood is more expensive, and pine is affordable but is prone to rot. On the other hand, oak is quite heavy, making it difficult to move a garden bed. So cedar is the most popular choice because of its natural resistance to rot and its scent, which can help deter insects.

Metal raised garden bed

The modern style, durability, and fast heating are advantages that lead more people to choose metal raised garden beds. These beds are constructed from steel or aluminum, offering corrosion resistance and low maintenance for outdoor use over many years. Nevertheless, the high cost remains an issue.

Metal garden beds come in different colors, such as light green and gray, to meet different preferences. Common sizes are also 11 inches, 17 inches, and even higher, 24 inches, which is convenient for working. Not only that but metal garden beds can also be built in different shapes and styles, allowing you to customize your garden.

Comparisons

1. Cost

The price range of a wooden raised garden bed is $50-500. The price varies depending on the size and type of wood. Oak and cedar are more expensive, while pine is less costly. Compared to the more expensive prefabricated wooden garden bed, you can choose to DIY your garden bed, which can reduce costs, but it takes time and skills. In addition, regular maintenance costs are inevitable.

The price range of metal raised garden beds is 100-400, the price will vary depending on the size and type of metal. Steel raised garden beds are of higher quality and relatively more expensive. Metal raised beds may be more expensive initially, but over time, they are economical due to their longer-lasting, sturdier quality, and lower maintenance costs.

2. Food Safe

Most wooden garden beds are treated for durability. Make sure the wooden garden bed is free of chemical treatments; otherwise, these chemicals can leach through the soil into your vegetables, flowers, fruits, and other plants, posing a risk to your health. In addition, the long-term environmental impact of these chemicals is hard to remediate.

In contrast to wooden raised garden beds, metal options are safer. Constructed from high-quality galvanized steel, these beds do not pose a risk to food safety. However, when purchasing, verify that the coating is food-grade, as this is vital for those growing organic vegetables.

3. Maintenance

The wood will rot when exposed to the sun and wind. Therefore, it is important to maintain wooden raised garden beds. Regular sealing will help slow the rotting process. In addition, if the wood cracks or is infested by insects, the wood board will need to be replaced.

On the contrary, metal planters are more resistant to weather and animal damage, but it is important to prevent rust. Choose a metal garden bed with a coating when you buy, or apply rust protection paint annually.

4. Lifespan

Wood is biodegradable. Over time, the bottom of a wooden garden bed, or any area that comes in touch with moist soil, will gradually decompose, which means that a wooden raised garden bed typically lasts between 5 to 10 years, depending on the wood type and maintenance. A high-quality wood like cedar may last longer if it is well maintained.

Metal is non-degradable and remains unaffected by outdoor elements such as wind and sunlight. Therefore, a metal raised garden bed lasts longer than a wooden bed. Even with minimal upkeep, the lifespan can last for decades.

5. Plant space

The actual planting area of the wooden raised bed does not equal the footprint. The thickness of the wood determines how sturdy the bed will be. The thicker the wood, the more stability it will have. So wooden raised garden beds are generally about 2 inches thick,which will make the planting area smaller.

The hardness of the metal itself means that a metal garden bed needs only 0.02 inches to meet the needs of long-term planting. Therefore, the footprint of a metal garden bed represents the actual planting area, which is critical for gardeners with limited space.

Which is better for you?

Wood and metal raised garden beds both provide excellent containment for flowers and herbs. But Which is better for you? That depends on your preferences and your local environment. For a gardener on a budget who appreciates a rustic, elegant style, a wooden raised bed is ideal. Just remember to maintain it regularly to prolong its life. Alternatively, if you live in a moist and rainy region, consider a durable metal raised garden bed.

Whether you prefer wood or metal, Veikous offers a variety of colors and sizes to suit different preferences and make gardening easier for everyone.

Finally, if you're not inclined to invest in metal or wooden raised garden beds, building a concrete one yourself is a viable option. While metal and wooden beds offer their advantages such as being more portable and having a certain aesthetic appeal, concrete garden beds stand out for their durability and cost-effectiveness. The materials for a concrete bed are relatively inexpensive and readily available, and once built, it can withstand the harshest of weather conditions and last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metal absorbs heat quickly, but it does not affect the soil temperature, ensuring it is not too hot for the plants. Conversely, plants in metal beds are more likely to thrive in cold weather.

Pine, cedar redwood and oak are all suitable for raised garden beds. Cedar is considered the best choice because it is naturally rot-resistant durable and affordable. The most important thing to note is to avoid chemically treated wood, as it is harmful to food safety.

Most raised garden beds are 12 to 24 inches high. The best height depends on the type of plant and your physical comfort. For deep-rooted plants, choose a high garden bed that will not restrict the rooting of the plant. Also, the height needs to be comfortable for you to work with.

You can place a layer of landscape fabric or newspaper under the raised bed to keep weeds out of your bed and allow drainage.