I'm in the process of building a raised planter box for growing herbs and want to use cedar because it holds up well in different weather. I have some cedar 2x2's and 2x6's for framing, and I'm considering cedar 1x4's or 1x6's for the sides. However, I've found that my local lumber supply is low on dimensional cedar but has plenty of cedar fencing available, which is cheaper and available in 5/8" thickness. Would using fencing material work for my planter box? Are there any benefits to going with the fencing over the dimensional cedar lumber?
3 Answers
Yes, many people use cedar fencing for planter boxes since it's more cost-effective. It might not be as thick as dimensional lumber, but it's still a practical choice for garden projects.
I built a planter from cedar fencing a few years ago. While it's held up better than pine, some parts are starting to rot at year three or four. If you choose to use fencing, I'd recommend using thicker pieces for structural support and the fencing boards for the sides. Just keep in mind that the boards can be a bit inconsistent in width and brittle, but they're definitely better than pressure-treated wood for growing plants.
Be careful with the fencing pickets; they may not stand up to constant moisture from the soil. If your planter is a long rectangular shape, consider using a plastic liner with drainage holes to protect the wood from too much water. Also, reinforce the sides with support struts if it’s longer than about four feet to prevent bowing from the weight of the soil.
Thanks for the tips! I recently found some red cedar 1x8's at a local mill at a decent price and planned for support posts in the middle since my box will be 6 feet long. I’m also using a plastic liner!