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.
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1
Galvanized steel
Three winters in, zero rust through the coating. Boring pick, still my winner.
2
Cedar
Still the one I'd tell a beginner to buy. Greying now but structurally fine.
3
"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.
4
Reclaimed redwood fence boards
5
Dry-stacked concrete block, no mortar
Cheapest option and still standing, but the corners have shifted twice. Re-stack every spring and accept it.
6
Untreated pine 2x lumber
Rotted through at the corners by winter two. Fine if you don't mind rebuilding every couple years, I minded.
7
Half an IBC tote, cut down
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