Wood for raised garden beds: solid larch 2⅜ in thick
GridGarden raised garden beds are made of solid European larch, 2⅜ in thick, with no chemical treatment. We sell a single system, Brick Premium: pieces that fit together without screws or glue.
- 2⅜ in
- wall thickness
- 3–4
- durability class to EN 350
- 15–25
- years in an ordinary garden
Updated 10/21/2026
Why larch
A bed meant to last for years without chemicals needs wood with natural resistance to rot. European larch has durability class 3–4 to EN 350, so it copes with damp soil without chemical treatment. It is a conifer, so a softwood.
Why a 2⅜ in wall
Wall thickness matters for the lifespan as much as the type of wood. Thin boards bend and rot sooner. A solid 2⅜ in wall buffers both heat and frost.
Wood and piece specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Wood | European larch (Larix decidua), solid wood |
| Wood type | softwood (a conifer) |
| Wall thickness | 2⅜ in |
| Layer height | 4¾ in |
| Top cap | 2⅜ in × 2⅜ in profile |
| Piece lengths | 4¾–23⅝ in in steps of 2⅜ in, top cap also 47¼ in |
| Treatment | no chemical treatment |
| Durability class | 3–4 to EN 350 |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years in an ordinary garden, with good drainage and no standing water even 25+ years |
| Joints | no screws or glue, wooden pins |
Wood, metal or concrete
When choosing a material, what counts is lifespan, weight, warmth around the roots, looks and whether you can change the bed later.
- A metal bed is thin and heats up quickly in the sun.
- A concrete bed is heavy and stays in one place for good.
- Solid wood 2⅜ in thick buffers heat and frost. A larch bed lasts 15–25 years and can be taken apart and rebuilt in a different shape.
We only sell wooden beds, no other materials.
No coating needed, a liner is
There is no need to impregnate or paint the wood. We do recommend lining the inner walls with a sturdy liner, dimpled or as dense as possible while still foldable. It keeps damp soil away from the wood. We do not sell the liner, any garden center has it. In the sun the wood turns gray, which does not affect its strength; outdoor wood oil keeps the warm tone.
Standing water shortens the lifespan
Place the bed on a base that lets water through and leave it open to the ground so water can drain away. That way the wood never stands in water and lasts longest.
Frequently asked questions
Is larch a softwood?
Yes, larch is a conifer, so it is a softwood. Even so it is naturally resistant to rot: durability class 3–4 to EN 350.
Does the bed need painting or impregnating?
No, we use larch with no chemical treatment. We do recommend lining the inner walls with a sturdy liner. Outdoor wood oil keeps the warm tone of the wood.
How long does a larch bed last?
15–25 years in an ordinary garden, and with good drainage and no standing water even 25+ years.
Do you also sell metal or plastic beds?
No. We only sell wooden beds in solid larch, 2⅜ in thick.