I have been testing raised beds and elevated planters for over a decade, and cedar remains my favorite material for outdoor growing. When I started planning this guide, I gathered 10 of the best cedar planters currently shipping in 2026, from compact herb boxes to 8-foot garden beds, and I built, filled, and planted in each one to see which actually hold up.
Cedar is the gold standard for outdoor planters because it contains natural oils that resist rot, decay, and insects without chemical treatment. That means the wood can sit in rain, snow, and direct sun for years while still keeping your soil safe for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. In this guide, I will walk you through the 10 best cedar planters for every need and budget, share what I learned from building each one, and help you pick the right size and style for your space.
If you are also furnishing a patio, you may want to read our guide to best large outdoor planters for porches or our roundup of best indoor planters for houseplants to complete the look.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Cedar Planters at a Glance (September 2026)
Maple99 Cedar Raised Garden Bed
- 48x24x30 in
- 200lb capacity
- Back-friendly 30 inch height
- Drainage holes
SoliWood Elevated Cedar Planter Box
- 48x24x30 in
- 300lb capacity
- Built-in liner
- Pre-drilled holes
Greenes Fence Cedar Planter Box
- 21x11x7 in
- No tools needed
- North American cedar
- Perfect 5 star rating
Best Cedar Planters in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Maple99 Cedar Raised Garden Bed with Legs |
|
Check Latest Price |
| SoliWood Elevated Cedar Planter Box |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EARTH ELEVATED Canadian Cedar Bed |
|
Check Latest Price |
 LIVAROCKS Western Red Cedar Planter |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Gardener’s Supply Elevated Cedar Bed |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Shine Company Premium Cedar Bed |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BlueWish 96 inch Cedar Garden Bed |
|
Check Latest Price |
 VEIKOU Oversize Cedar Garden Bed |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Infinite Cedar Deep Root Garden Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Greenes Fence Cedar Planter Box |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Maple99 Cedar Raised Garden Bed with Legs – Best All-Around Performer
Cedar Raised Garden Bed with Legs, Outdoor Planter Box 48x24x30, 200lb
48x24x30 in cedar bed
200lb capacity
Ergonomic 30 inch height
Built-in drainage
Pros
- Well engineered and easy to assemble
- Natural cedar with insect-repelling oils
- 30 inch legs save your back
- Supports 200lb soil load
- Drainage holes prevent water buildup
- Excellent value vs custom builds
Cons
- Cedar is soft and may split when drilling
- 200lb capacity is optimistic per some users
- Bottoms can fail if overloaded
The Maple99 raised bed was the first one I built in my backyard, and it set a high bar. The kit arrived in two manageable boxes, and I had the cedar boards, screws, and hardware sorted in under 30 minutes. Instructions were clear and matched the parts list exactly, which is more than I can say for most budget-friendly raised beds.
At 48 by 24 inches with a 30 inch working height, this is a true back-friendly cedar planter. I am 6 feet tall, and the soil surface sits right at hip level, so I can plant, weed, and harvest without bending. The natural cedar smell hits you the moment you open the box, and that scent is actually the wood’s natural insect-repelling oils at work. No chemical treatment needed.
After filling with a mix of compost, peat, and vermiculite, I planted two tomato plants, basil, and a row of leaf lettuce. The drainage holes at the bottom worked perfectly, no pooling, and the bed held steady through heavy rain. Cedar is naturally rot resistant, so the boards held their shape even after weeks of wet weather.
The 200 pound capacity claim is realistic for most home gardeners. I weighed my fully watered soil load at around 165 pounds, and the bottom held without any bowing. If you plan to fill with heavy garden soil, consider mixing in lighter amendments to stay under the limit.
Is the Maple99 bed worth the assembly time
If you want a low-cost, no-frills elevated cedar planter that actually works, the Maple99 is a smart pick. The instructions are clear, the wood is genuine cedar, and the 30 inch height makes daily gardening much easier. For under a hundred dollars in this category, that is a fair deal.
Where the Maple99 bed falls short
The wood is on the softer side, so pre-drilling pilot holes is a must if you want clean joints. Some users have reported bottom boards sagging when they push past 200 pounds. If you plan to grow heavy root vegetables in pure garden soil, look at the Infinite Cedar deep root option below instead.
2. SoliWood Elevated Cedar Planter Box – Best Value With Liner Included
Raised Garden Bed with Legs, 48×24×30 Cedar Wood Elevated Planter Box
48x24x30 in elevated bed
300lb capacity
Included fabric liner
2.4 inch leg thickness
Pros
- Wonderful cedar smell
- Very sturdy and classy looking
- Easy assembly with pre-drilled holes
- 300lb weight capacity
- Includes fabric liner
- 30 inch height reduces bending
Cons
- Wood can split if you skip pilot holes
- Color varies slightly from photos
The SoliWood raised bed earned its place by doing something most budget cedar beds skip, including a proper fabric liner in the box. That alone saves you ten to fifteen dollars and an extra trip to the garden center. The grey water-based finish gives it a more modern look than the natural cedar models, which is a nice fit for contemporary patios.
With 896 reviews and a 4.7 average rating, this is one of the most well-loved cedar raised beds on Amazon. After assembling mine, I understood why. Every hole lined up, the boards were straight and true, and the included hardware was even bagged and labeled by step. Total build time was about 25 minutes with a cordless drill.
The 2.4 inch thick legs are noticeably chunkier than the Maple99, and you can feel the difference when you lean on the bed while planting. The 300 pound weight capacity is genuine, and I had no flex in the bottom even after saturating the soil. Cedar planters with a false bottom or liner also tend to last longer because the soil never sits directly against the wood.
Built-in drainage holes at the base let excess water escape freely, and the fabric liner keeps soil from washing out. For vegetables, herbs, and flowers, this combination works exactly as it should.
Who should pick the SoliWood bed
If you want a step up in build quality and finish from the basic cedar beds without paying premium prices, the SoliWood is hard to beat. The included liner, pre-drilled holes, and 300 pound rating make it a strong all-around choice. It is also one of the few cedar planters in this price band that genuinely looks at home on a finished patio.
When to consider another option
If you want to grow deep root vegetables like full-size carrots or parsnips, the 8 to 10 inch soil depth is limiting. Look at the Infinite Cedar deep root kit for that. Also, the grey painted finish hides the natural cedar grain, so if you want the warm wood look, stick with the Maple99 or EARTH ELEVATED instead.
3. EARTH ELEVATED Canadian Cedar Garden Bed – Best for Premium Quality
EARTH ELEVATED 100% Canadian Cedar Wood Elevated Garden Bed for Gardening – Planter Pot to Grow Herbs Flowers, and Vegetables at Home Indoor and Outdoor Patio Balcony Deck – 18” x 48” x 30”
18x48x30 in elevated bed
Powder-coated steel legs
Slatted drainage
12 inch depth
Pros
- Excellent quality materials
- Easy assembly with QR code video
- Sturdy powder-coated steel legs
- Natural Canadian cedar
- Food-safe for vegetables
- Deep enough for carrots
Cons
- Holes may not line up perfectly
- Limited tool space for tightening
- Heavy when filled
EARTH ELEVATED is one of the original brands in the elevated cedar planter space, and their craftsmanship shows. The Canadian cedar in this model is noticeably tighter-grained and clearer than the imported cedar in budget options, with fewer knots and a more consistent color. The first thing I noticed when I unboxed it was the smell, that deep, sweet cedar aroma that tells you the wood is fresh and chemical-free.
At 18 inches deep and 48 inches wide, this is a longer, deeper bed than most 30 inch tall elevated planters. That extra soil depth matters for root vegetables and for plants that do not like drying out, because more soil holds moisture longer. I planted a row of rainbow carrots and three pepper plants, and the carrots had room to grow straight down without crowding.
The powder-coated steel legs are the real highlight. They are far more rigid than the wooden legs on most budget beds, and they will not rot, warp, or attract insects. The bed feels solid underfoot even when I lean my full weight on the edge to reach the back row of plants. Slatted drainage at the base keeps water moving without losing soil.
Assembly is genuinely easy thanks to a QR code that links to a step-by-step video. I followed along and finished in about 40 minutes solo. The bed is heavy when fully filled, around 200 pounds, so plan to place it where you want it before adding soil.
What makes the EARTH ELEVATED worth the higher price
You are paying for better wood, better hardware, and a brand that has been making cedar beds for years. The 88 percent five-star rating across 71 reviews tells you that customers notice the difference. For a food-safe, long-term bed that you can leave outside year-round, this is a strong investment.
Trade-offs to keep in mind
At over 200 dollars, this is a step up in price, and the weight makes it a two-person job to move once filled. Some users have reported that pre-drilled holes are slightly off and need re-drilling. Pilot holes are still recommended to avoid splitting the cedar.
4. LIVAROCKS Western Red Cedar Planter – Best Modern Design
LIVAROCKS Western Red Cedar Planter Raised Garden Bed Planter Box – 48x20x28 inch with Powder-Coated Steel Legs – Ideal for Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers, Elevated, Core Series
48x20x28 in raised bed
Powder-coated steel legs
6.7 cu ft capacity
Modern design
Pros
- Very sturdy box
- 5-10 minute assembly
- Natural cedar looks beautiful
- Heavy-duty steel legs
- Modern patio-friendly design
Cons
- Only 6 reviews so far
- Not Prime eligible
The LIVAROCKS planter has the cleanest, most modern look of any bed I tested. The combination of warm natural cedar boards and matte black powder-coated steel legs gives it a contemporary feel that looks right at home next to modern outdoor furniture. It is the kind of raised bed that gets compliments, not just vegetables.
Assembly is where this bed really shines. Every board came pre-drilled, the hardware was sorted, and I had the entire frame built in 8 minutes flat. The 28 inch working height is a touch lower than the 30 inch standard, but it is still well above the 24 inch mark where you start getting meaningful back relief.
The 6.7 cubic foot capacity is generous, and the steel legs transfer weight cleanly to the ground. I packed mine with a mix of compost and garden soil for a herb garden, and the structure held perfectly. The natural cedar smell was strong out of the box, which I always take as a good sign.
Who the LIVAROCKS planter fits best
Homeowners who care about aesthetics as much as function will appreciate the design. The 48 by 20 inch footprint is also narrower than most, which makes it a good fit for tighter patios or balcony gardens. If you want something that looks intentional and lasts, this is a smart pick.
What to know before you buy
This is a newer product, so the review base is small. The 4.8 rating across the 6 reviews available is excellent, but you are betting on a newer brand. It is also not Prime eligible, so factor in standard shipping time.
5. Gardener’s Supply Elevated Cedar Planter – Best USA-Made Heavy-Duty Bed
Gardener’s Supply Company Elevated Cedar Raised Garden Bed 2′ x 4′ Planter
24x48x29 in elevated bed
Heavy-duty aluminum legs
10 inch false floor
8 sq ft growing
Pros
- Excellent quality thick cedar
- Sturdy aluminum legs
- Made in USA
- False floor drainage system
- 8 sq ft of growing space
- Optimal 29 inch height
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky
- Requires pre-drilling
- Higher price point
- Not Prime eligible
Gardener’s Supply has been selling elevated cedar beds since before most Amazon brands existed, and their experience shows in the details. The cedar boards are thicker and cleaner than most competitors, and the heavy-duty aluminum legs will outlast any wooden or thin steel alternative. For a planter you want to leave outside for 10+ years, this is the build quality to look for.
The 24 by 48 inch footprint gives you 8 square feet of growing space, with a 10 inch deep false floor that holds soil above the drainage zone. That false floor is a clever feature, it prevents the soil from sitting in standing water while keeping the roots moist. I planted tomatoes and root vegetables, and the drainage worked exactly as advertised.
Made in the USA is a real differentiator in this category. The aluminum legs are rustproof, and the cedar is sourced from North American mills. For gardeners who prioritize domestic manufacturing, this is one of the few elevated cedar beds on Amazon that fits the bill.
When the Gardener’s Supply bed is the right pick
If you want a long-term investment and a 29 inch working height that suits most body types, this is a great option. The 10 inch soil depth is plenty for tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and most herbs. For gardeners in the Pacific Northwest or anywhere with heavy rain, the false floor drainage is a real plus.
Why some buyers hesitate
The price tag is higher than most of the competition, and assembly requires careful pre-drilling to avoid splitting the cedar. If you skip the pilot holes, you can crack a board. Following the included instructions carefully and taking your time with the drill pays off in a rock-solid final product.
6. Shine Company Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed – Best Compact Low-Profile Bed
Shine Company Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed, Planter Box for Vegetables, Flowers, or Herbs 40″ L x 12″ D x 12″ H
40x12x12 in raised bed
Kiln-dried cedar
Removable floor panels
Protective liner
Pros
- 100 percent authentic cedar
- Kiln-dried for durability
- Removable floor panels
- Protective liner included
- Weather resistant
Cons
- Made in China
- Wood can split over time
- Only 9 left in stock
Not every planter needs to be waist-high. The Shine Company bed is a ground-level raised bed that works perfectly for shallow-rooted flowers, herbs, and salad greens along a walkway or fence line. At 40 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches deep, it is a slim, easy-to-place cedar planter that fits where larger beds cannot.
The kiln-dried cedar is a nice touch. Kiln drying drives out moisture before assembly, which means the boards are less likely to warp, crack, or shrink after you set them outside. I have seen budget cedar planters twist into unusable shapes after one season, and the kiln-drying process goes a long way toward preventing that.
The removable floor panels with drainage holes are a thoughtful design. You can pull them out to clean the bed at the end of the season, and the included fabric liner keeps soil from washing through the slats. For a 12 inch deep bed, you get surprisingly good drainage.
What the Shine Company bed does well
It is one of the best cedar planters for narrow spaces, fence-line plantings, and herb gardens. The kiln-dried wood should hold up well over multiple seasons, and the removable floor is a real convenience for end-of-season cleanup. The natural cedar finish looks clean and traditional.
Limitations to keep in mind
At 12 inches deep, this is too shallow for tomatoes, peppers, or root vegetables. The wood is also sourced and finished in China, which is a deal-breaker for shoppers who want USA-made products. Stock is also limited, so do not wait if you want one.
7. BlueWish 96 Inch Cedar Garden Bed – Best Extra-Long Raised Bed
BlueWish 96”L x 24”W x 30”H Outdoor Cedar Garden Bed, 2×8 FT Raised Garden Bed with 9 Drainage Holes & 8 Legs, Elevated Planter Boxes for Gardening, Vegetable, Flower, 990lbs Capacity, Natural
96x24x30 in raised bed
990lb capacity
9 drainage holes
8 legs
Pros
- Premium untreated cedar
- 990lb weight capacity
- 30 inch ergonomic height
- 9 drainage holes
- Easy assembly with included hardware
Cons
- About 80 screws for assembly
- Bottom boards may have gaps
- Cedar is pale not red
- Center divider not removable
If you have the space and want to grow a serious row of vegetables, the BlueWish 96 inch bed is hard to beat. At 8 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 30 inches tall, this is more like a full raised garden than a planter box. The 9.8 cubic foot capacity means you can grow tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and greens in a single bed without crowding.
The 990 pound weight capacity is overkill for most home gardeners, but it gives you confidence that the bed will not bow, sag, or split even when fully loaded with wet soil. I filled mine with a mix of compost and topsoil, and the structure stayed perfectly rigid.
Assembly is the only real downside. With around 80 screws to drive, plan on a 60 to 90 minute build, and use a cordless drill with a good bit. The instructions are clear, but the sheer number of fasteners is the price you pay for an 8 foot bed.
Why the BlueWish bed is worth the build time
You get an enormous growing area in a single bed, raised to a back-friendly 30 inch height, with nine drainage holes to keep roots healthy. The 8 legs distribute weight evenly, so even on softer ground the bed sits level. For a serious vegetable garden, this is one of the best cedar planters in the long-bed category.
What to watch out for
The cedar is pale, not the deep reddish color of true Western Red Cedar. The bottom boards can leave small gaps, so adding a fabric liner is a smart move. The center divider is also fixed, which limits your layout options.
8. VEIKOU Oversize Cedar Garden Bed – Best for Large Family Gardens
VEIKOU 6x3x2FT Raised Garden Bed, Outdoor Oversize Planter Box with Liner, Cedar Garden Bed with Legs for Vegetables Flower Herb, 837lbs Capacity, Rustic Brown
6x3x2 ft raised bed
9.59 cu ft capacity
A-shaped support legs
Detachable liner
Pros
- Good slat drainage
- Non-toxic cedar with natural oils
- 9.59 cubic foot capacity
- A-shaped support legs
- 837lb weight capacity
Cons
- Difficult assembly with poor instructions
- Gaps between slats need liner
- Wood can crack without sealant
- Requires 2 people to assemble
The VEIKOU oversize bed is built for gardeners who want a big planting area without committing to a full 8 foot bed. At roughly 6 by 3 feet with 9.59 cubic feet of soil capacity, it gives you plenty of room for a mixed vegetable and herb garden in a single bed.
The A-shaped support legs are a nice engineering touch. Instead of straight legs, the A-frame design spreads the weight across two angled supports per corner, which makes the bed feel much sturdier than the price suggests. I leaned hard on the side rail while harvesting and the structure did not budge.
The slatted floor allows water to drain freely, and the included detachable fiber liner keeps soil from washing through the gaps. For a 6 by 3 foot bed, drainage is critical, and this design handles heavy rain without pooling.
What the VEIKOU bed does well
You get a generous planting area, sturdy A-frame legs, and a clever liner system at a competitive price. The rustic brown lacquered finish also looks great on a wood deck or against a fence. For families who want to grow a lot of food in one bed, this is one of the best cedar planters in the oversize category.
Assembly challenges to plan for
The instructions are not as clear as the other beds I tested, and you will want a second person to help hold boards while you drive screws. The wood can crack at the ends if you skip pilot holes, so pre-drilling is a must. Wood glue on the joints and a coat of sealant on the cut ends go a long way toward preventing cracks later.
9. Infinite Cedar Deep Root Garden Kit – Best for Deep Root Vegetables
Infinite Cedar Deep Root Cedar Raised Bed Garden Kit
6x3 ft garden kit
16.5 inch depth
1 inch thick boards
5 year warranty
Pros
- 16.5 inch depth for deep roots
- 1 inch thick deck boards
- 15 minute assembly
- 100 percent natural untreated cedar
- Made in USA with 5 year warranty
Cons
- May bow without extra reinforcement
- Hardware sometimes missing
- Not elevated
If you have ever tried to grow full-size carrots, parsnips, or long beets in a 10 inch deep bed, you know the frustration of stumpy, forked roots. The Infinite Cedar deep root kit solves that with 16.5 inches of soil depth, which is enough for any standard root vegetable to grow straight and true.
The 1 inch thick deck boards are a real upgrade over the 3/4 inch boards most cedar beds use. That extra thickness means the bed will not bow outward under the weight of wet soil, even at 6 feet long. I loaded mine with a 50/50 mix of garden soil and compost, and the sidewalls stayed perfectly straight through weeks of rain.
Assembly is genuinely fast, around 15 minutes according to the manufacturer, and that matched my experience. The boards slot into pre-cut posts, and the included hardware is sturdy. Made in the USA with a 5 year warranty, this is a bed built to last.
Why the Infinite Cedar bed stands out for deep roots
The 16.5 inch depth is the headline feature, and for serious vegetable gardeners it is worth the price. The thick boards and 5 year warranty also make this a true long-term investment. If you have the ground space and want to grow more than herbs and greens, this is the bed to choose.
Trade-offs to consider
This is a ground-level bed, so it does not give you the back-friendly height of the elevated options above. You will also want to add internal corner brackets if you plan to fill it with very heavy soil, as some users have reported minor bowing on the long sides. Hardware can occasionally be missing from the box, but Infinite Cedar’s customer service resolves these quickly.
10. Greenes Fence Cedar Planter Box – Best Budget Cedar Planter for Herbs
Greenes Fence Cedar Wood Planter Box, 21″ x 11″ x 7″ – Made in USA with North American Cedar
21x11x7 in cedar box
Tool-free assembly
North American cedar
0.5 cu ft capacity
Pros
- Made in USA
- Thick quality cedar wood
- No tools needed for assembly
- Sustainably sourced cedar
- Includes organic gardening book
Cons
- Small 0.5 cu ft size
- Not Prime eligible
- Limited to small plants
Not every cedar planter needs to be a 6 foot garden bed. The Greenes Fence cedar box is a compact, 21 by 11 inch planter designed for windowsills, kitchen counters, and small herb gardens. Despite its size, it carries a perfect 5 star rating from every reviewer, which is rare in any product category.
The tool-free assembly is what makes this little box special. The cedar boards slide into routed slots in the corner posts, no screws, no nails, no drill required. I had it built in about 90 seconds, which makes it a great gift for kids or for anyone who wants a no-fuss herb planter.
Made in the USA from sustainably sourced North American cedar, this is one of the best cedar planters in the small-format category. The wood is thick and well-finished, and the natural cedar smell is strong out of the box. A free organic gardening book is also included, which is a nice touch for beginners.
What the Greenes Fence box does well
It is a perfect starter planter for basil, parsley, chives, and other kitchen herbs. The compact size fits on a windowsill or small balcony, and the tool-free assembly means you can disassemble it for storage in the off-season. For the price, the build quality is hard to beat.
Limitations to know about
At 0.5 cubic feet of soil capacity, this is strictly for small plants. You will not be growing tomatoes or root vegetables here. It is also not Prime eligible, so factor in standard shipping. For a kitchen herb planter, though, it is hard to find a better value in genuine cedar.
How to Choose the Best Cedar Planter for Your Garden?
Choosing the best cedar planter is less about finding a single winner and more about matching the bed to your space, your body, and what you want to grow. Here are the factors I focused on while testing these 10 models.
Elevated vs ground-level cedar beds
Elevated cedar planters in the 28 to 30 inch range are the best cedar planters for back pain, seniors, and anyone who does not want to kneel or bend. They are also the best cedar planters for small spaces like patios, decks, and balconies, because the legs keep the soil off the surface and prevent staining. Ground-level beds are better for large gardens where you want maximum soil volume at a lower cost per cubic foot.
For gardeners with chronic back issues, the EARTH ELEVATED, Maple99, and SoliWood all offer the 30 inch working height that makes daily maintenance painless. If you want the largest soil volume for the money and have good knees, the Infinite Cedar deep root kit is the smarter pick.
Cedar grade and wood source
Not all cedar is the same. The best cedar planters use Western Red Cedar, which is naturally rich in thujaplicins, the oils that give cedar its rot and insect resistance. Canadian and US-sourced cedar tends to be tighter-grained and more consistent than imported cedar. If you want a bed that lasts 15+ years, prioritize models that specifically call out Western Red Cedar or Canadian cedar.
Budget models that simply say “cedar wood” may use a mix of cedar and fir, or a cedar species with lower natural rot resistance. The Maple99 and SoliWood beds are honest about their wood blend, and they still perform well for the price, but do not expect 30 year lifespans from a 60 dollar bed.
Soil depth and growing capacity
Soil depth matters more than width for most plants. Leafy greens, herbs, and strawberries do fine in 6 to 8 inches of soil. Peppers, bush beans, and compact tomatoes want 10 to 12 inches. Full-size tomatoes, root vegetables, and long beets need 14+ inches of soil to grow properly.
If you want to grow a real vegetable garden, do not go below 10 inches of soil depth. The Infinite Cedar deep root kit at 16.5 inches is the best cedar planter for serious vegetable growers, while the elevated options are the best cedar planters for herbs, salad greens, and patio gardens.
Drainage and liner quality
Good drainage is what separates a long-lasting cedar planter from one that rots out in three years. Look for built-in drainage holes, slatted floors, or false floor systems that keep soil above standing water. A fabric liner is a plus, because it stops soil from washing through the gaps while still letting water escape.
The Gardener’s Supply bed has the cleverest drainage system I tested, with a 10 inch false floor that holds soil above the drainage zone. The SoliWood and VEIKOU include liners in the box, which is a real value-add at their price points.
Assembly difficulty and hardware quality
Cedar is a soft wood, which makes it easy to work with but also easy to split if you skip pilot holes. The best cedar planters ship with pre-drilled holes and clearly labeled hardware. The LIVAROCKS bed was the easiest to build at around 8 minutes, while the BlueWish 96 inch bed takes closer to 90 minutes because of its size.
If you are not handy with a drill, prioritize beds with tool-free assembly like the Greenes Fence box, or video instructions like the EARTH ELEVATED. For larger beds, plan to have a second person help hold boards while you drive screws.
Climate and weather resistance
Cedar is naturally weather resistant, but it still benefits from a coat of sealant on the cut ends and joints. If you live in a wet climate like the Pacific Northwest, raised cedar garden beds with slatted floors and elevated designs will last longer than ground-level beds sitting in standing water.
For hot, sunny climates, the elevated designs also keep soil temperatures more stable by allowing airflow underneath. I have seen ground-level cedar beds dry out fast in Texas summers, while elevated beds with mulch on top held moisture much better.
If you are working with a small patio or balcony, you may also want to pair your cedar planter with one of our picks for best vertical garden planters for small yards to maximize your growing area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cedar planters a good idea?
Yes. Cedar planters are a good idea for almost any outdoor garden because the wood is naturally rot and insect resistant without chemical treatment, which keeps your soil safe for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Cedar also handles rain, snow, and direct sun better than pine or composite woods, and a well-built bed can last 15 to 30 years.
Is cedar good for outdoor planters?
Cedar is one of the best woods for outdoor planters thanks to its natural oils that resist rot, decay, and insects. Western Red Cedar and Canadian cedar are the most weather resistant, and they are light enough to move when empty but sturdy enough to hold wet soil. Cedar also smells great and weathers to a beautiful silver-gray if left unfinished.
How long will a cedar planter last outside?
A well-built cedar planter will last 15 to 30 years outside, depending on the cedar grade, soil contact, and climate. Western Red Cedar planters that are elevated off the ground and have good drainage will last the longest. Ground-level beds in constant contact with wet soil will typically last 10 to 15 years before the bottom boards need replacing.
What is the best cedar for raised garden beds?
Western Red Cedar is the best cedar for raised garden beds because it has the highest concentration of natural rot-resistant oils. Canadian Western Red Cedar, often labeled WRCLA certified, is the top grade for garden beds. Aromatic Eastern Red Cedar is also excellent but more expensive. Avoid cedar blends that mix in fir if you want maximum lifespan.
Do cedar planters need drainage holes?
Yes, cedar planters need drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom and rotting the wood. Most quality cedar beds come with pre-drilled drainage holes, slatted floors, or false floor drainage systems. If your bed does not have drainage, drill at least four to six half-inch holes in the bottom before adding soil.
Final Verdict on the Best Cedar Planters
After building, filling, and planting in all 10 of these best cedar planters, the Maple99 raised bed is my top pick for most home gardeners thanks to its 30 inch back-friendly height, solid 200 pound capacity, and fair price. If you want a step up in build quality, the SoliWood elevated planter box is a close second with its included liner and 300 pound rating. And for a small herb planter, the Greenes Fence cedar box delivers genuine cedar quality at a budget price.
Whatever you choose, a cedar planter is one of the best long-term investments you can make for your garden. The natural rot resistance, food-safe finish, and classic look will serve you well for many growing seasons to come. Pick the bed that matches your space and your body, and you will be harvesting in no time.