Hi there. I plan on creating some raised garden beds and since I'm new to the garden scene I did some research but didn't really get some answers that I am looking for. I want to create some 4"x8" garden beds and have them 12" in height but I am stuck on the materials. I plan on using cedar wood since I live in zone 4. So the thing is would it be better to have three 2x4 or two 2x6? They would be secured to a 4x4 post in each corner. The only difference between the two is the walls for water to flow out. The 2x4 would have 2 gaps all around while the 2x6 would have 1 gap. So I am guessing the 2x4 build would dry out more and need frequent watering vs the 2x6 one? Any input would be great.

I would assume that each board is going to be sitting directly on top of the board below it, so there really shouldn't be any gap. At least not one that I think would cause it to dry considerably faster. I would go with the boards that would be least expensive in the long run.

Indeleta, I used 2X10 Douglas Fur for my beds. But cedar would be much better and last much longer. Does anyone sell 2X12 cedar near you? Not having a gap between two boards would likely make them last longer.

Depending on your height you may want to go less than 4' wide. My first beds were all 4' wide. Then I built trellises by attaching 2X4's on the outside on both sides. The center of beds were just a bit out of reach from all side when I was done. And any tomato or fruit that was dead center was not easy to get. I could touch, but could not grasp. For now on I will be building my beds 3' 6" wide.lol