raised bed materials, ranked by how they held up after three winters

not day one. day one everything looks great. this is the order once the honeymoon wears off.

01
Galvanized steel
Three winters in, zero rust through the coating. Boring pick, still my winner.
02
Cedar
Still the one I'd tell a beginner to buy. Greying now but structurally fine.
03
"Eco composite" panel kit
The composite boards held up fine. The screws holding them rusted and streaked by year two - same screws in cedar never did this.
04
Reclaimed redwood fence boards
05
Dry-stacked concrete block, no mortar
Cheapest option and still standing, but the corners have shifted twice. Re-stack every spring and accept it.
06
Untreated pine 2x lumber
Rotted through at the corners by winter two. Fine if you don't mind rebuilding every couple years, I minded.
07
Half an IBC tote, cut down

Or start a list of your own. Free, it takes a minute.