How to Make a Cement Board Raised Bed

Cement boards are inexpensive and very durable... perfect for raised garden beds. They can be cut to make beds of many different size beds for less than $50. Gardener Scott shows how to cut the cement boards and assemble them into a big, strong, long-lasting raised bed. (Video #517)

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[wheeltwavel]

Score both sides. Cleaner break. Just thought of the idea came to see it in action. Nice work

[Tyranthunter]

Gardener Scott changing the raised bed game completely with this great idea. The update video will be interesting for sure

[thenatureofthenashes]

I used these just this spring to make raised beds for asparagus and strawberries. Our local Habitat Restore had skids and skids of various widths for $5 each so they were a real steal. 12’ long and 3/4” thick in various widths. The narrow ones aren’t very strong flat so you want to pick them up standing on edge. I also avoided countersunk screws so as not to crack the corners. I predrilled all the holes and used a flat head screws with washers. If you’re transporting 12’ers in a pickup take a couple 2x12x12s along to place them on otherwise they will snap off hanging off the end of the tailgate.

[dalekennedy]

I would cut it in 3 one foot segments. This is deep enough for a raised bed and would be much cheaper to fill. It would also be less likely to bend in the center. Thanks for the idea Gardener Scott.

[rkivuti]

thanks for this. I was planing on purchasing some large planters but this is way better and much much cheaper.

[coldhandjacinth]

Good material suggestion with the cement board. ; 2.5 feet wide X 5 feet long is more manageable to garden and plant in though; most people don't have 40" arms and 77 inch height which you'd probably need to tend to or pick from crops in the center of a 60 inch frame; 18 inch height seems practical. I think I'd even attach some rubberized foam pipe insulation over the edges just to protect the top edges and 'soften' them.

[eliandkate]

I have never even considered that this could be a great way to make a bed. Fab ideas :D

[maggiebadaraco]

Cement board has fiberglass meshed in it like insulation!

I would recommend a soil study to see if it leaches and getting into your plants since it's engineered to be covered and not airborne 24/7.

[slydog]

Interesting material option. One change I would make is to put the 4x4 posts on the outside. You would lose a bit of interior space which could be reduced by using 2x4s. But, the corner posts on the inside will fail relatively quickly and will necessitate a rebuild. On my wood raised beds, the corner posts are the first to go, so now I no longer put them inside. Have you ever tried burning the surface of wood when building a raised bed? Next month I'm going to build a new 12-inch bed, and I'm considering doing a Yakisugi treatment all around. The idea is that it would burn off the carbohydrates and then the wood would not be attacked by fungi or bacteria since the burning destroys their food source.

[blueheronhill]

I think I would add 2x4 or 1x4 along the top edges (mitre the ends for a good fit) for added stability/strength and it would be a ledge to sit on and not break the sides of the cement board.

[Chocamatoes]

Cool idea! Can you make a follow up video in 6 months to see how it’s holding up to the weather and soil pressure please 🙏.

[mikew]

Here's a tip for those that don't want to buy a special blade. Put an old blade on backwards on your skillsaw. Cuts through no problem. It also works with tin, just use ear protection with tin or you won't hear much of anything for an hour or 2

[VASI_LIKI]

Not in Australia ... cement board is expensive. Lol, love your ideas

[zekemowat]

Hardie Plank cement board siding can be used in a similar manner. Available in up to 9.25 inches in width and 12 feet long. It is thinner than backer board and needs a center support for longer beds.

[amothinisengard]

Your pups are smarter than mine! Mine run TOWARDS the loud power tools 😅 tiling the bed sounds absolutely gorgeous!!! I don't even need a new garden bed but i think you talked me into it

[philjameson]

The concern I have is that cement board isn't actually that strong and that it wouldn't contain the volume of soil without breaking
I would be looking to fit additional wood battens to make a frame for each panel

[jimriley]

I'll be curious to see how long it lasts. Those things snap easy. I feel like full of dirt with enough weight it's going to snap outwards in the center of one of those spans. Good experiment.

[JohnJude-dped]

Certainly should be concerned.Being in Ohio a northern state doubt they can expend and not bust the first freezing winter.
But if taking down before freezing temperature might be useful
I would think making a mold / and pour a fixture to use on each corner and not wood

[franksinatra]

The Durock boards at the Lowes near me are only $11.60. That's a cheap way to make a 5x5 bed depending on what type of 4x4 you end up using.

[genepires]

The issue with this material is tensile strength.... they can be cut with a utility knife and snapped easily