4'x8'x11" Standard-grade Port-Orford raised bed for $248

Port-Orford Cedar

Raised beds are made from Port-Orford cedar—the strongest of all cedars. As strong as Doug Fir and more rot-resistant than Redwood. Port-Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, also known as Lawson cypress) is fragrant, light-colored wood with even texture and strong natural oils that help protect against moisture and microorganisms.

Port-Orford cedar's superior strength and durability means our raised beds last many times longer than most lumber found in stores. In normal conditions, we estimate a life-span of 30+ years. And that's likely a conservative estimate. It really is an extraordinary wood—perfect for long-lasting raised beds!

Wood Grades: Select, Standard & Economy

Raised beds are available in three grade options: select, standard, and economy. Choose the grade that's best for you, based on your gardening goals, personal preference and budget. Grade prices are listed for each item size in the raised bed price table. Descriptions and photos are provided below.

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  Select-grade examples (front sides).

  

  Select-grade examples (back sides).

  Select-grade cedar

  Select-grade raised beds are made from tight knot (1" or less) or better kiln-dried cedar, hand-selected for the best quality and appearance. Select-grade allows for very light skip or waned edges on one side of the board only, leaving the other side free of defects.

  Select grade is generally the most durable grade option. It is likely to last a few years longer than economy-grade beds and perhaps a bit more than standard. Wet climates especially benefit from the added durability. For many, however, this is relatively small concern, considering the very long life-span of Port-Orford cedar. Select-grade raised beds are mostly about looks. It is the best grade choice when appearance really matters.

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  Standard-grade examples (front sides).

  

  Standard-grade examples (back sides).

  Standard-grade cedar

  Standard-grade raised beds are made from the same, long-lasting Port-Orford cedar as the select-grade beds, but allow for more variation in wood, including larger and more frequent knots, medium waned edges, and occasional skip, i.e. surface rough spots.

  Strength and durability are not much affected, however, and all standard-grade boards have at least one "good" side that, assembled facing out, looks almost the same as a select-grade bed.

  Standard-grade raised beds are what we recommend for most customers, being a good balance between cost, durability and appearance.

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  Economy-grade board examples (front sides) .

  

  Economy-grade board examples (back sides).

  Economy-grade cedar

  Economy-grade raised beds are the most rustic—and affordable—option, for gardeners who are concerned less with appearance than with getting the most beds for their buck. The wood is again kiln-dried Port-Orford cedar, but economy-grade beds include more rough surfaces, waned edges, large knots and/or small splits—again, mostly on one side of the board, with the other side relatively free of defects.

  Despite their rough appearance, economy-grade raised beds are just as functional as standard- and select-grade beds (they still hold dirt, after all) and very nearly as long-lasting, especially in dry climates. Not a bad option, considering they are about half the cost of select-grade beds.

If you still have questions about grades, or anything else, feel free to call (541) 488-0838 or