How to Build a Cheap DIY Garden Box

Recently, we had to replace an outdoor staircase that leads out from our home's kitchen entrance. When our contractor was finished he had extra redwood left over from the job. Since I'd already paid for the wood, I figured I could put it to use on another project — namely, a new garden box for our yard. Three years ago, I showed you how to build your own garden box with wood cut to order for your project. Today, I'm going to give you tips on how to make scrap wood work for a box as well. One major caveat: never use pressure-treated wood for garden boxes. This type of wood is toxic to insects and humans alike — read more about its dangers here.

However, wood like redwood and cedar are a great choice for raised beds. So, if you have extra wood sitting around from another project, or can source the wood inexpensively, this is a quick and easy project that can really pay off in terms of expanding your garden space.