We designed these beds to be very simple with few materials to make the barrier to entry as low as possible while still having a robust box for a public place. These raised beds are 4 feet square and 2 feet high and can be put together in about an hour by one person. The size was chosen for a height that is not too onerous to work in and a width that makes the entire surface accessible. Over the course of 2023 the SPUG volunteers built more than 50 of these for the garden.

The beds are easily built by constructing each of the four sides individually and then screwing them together on site. 

Each side consists of four boards and a metal sheet. 

Materials and cuts per side below:

2 - 2 x 4 x 24" vertical boards

2 - 2 x 4 x 41" horizontal boards

1 - 24 x 43" galvanized roofing sheet - this can be cut down with tin-snips, a jigsaw, or any other metal cutting tools.

8 - 3" deck screws

6 - 1 1/2" self tapping roofing screws

The sides are assembled with the horizontals in between the verticals. Each corner is fastened with two 3" deck screws. We had a lot of luck by using a pilot drill and small countersink before sinking the screws in. 

After the frame is assembled with all four boards, attach the galvanized roofing sheet with six roofing screws. Just keep it consistently flush to one side of the frame so that it doesn't interfere when assembling the full garden bed. 

Assembly is no more than placing the four sides together, overlapping the end of the first side with the edge of the second side as shown. Each corner is sufficiently held by three 3" deck screws. 

Assuming you have  basic hand-tools already, each bed can be built for around $90 with brand new materials. This can be brought down dramatically through sourcing used materials, often Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace will have galvanized roofing or other sheet materials that only need a clean or a coat of paint.

Don't hesitate to change dimensions to adapt to your needs, these beds can be easily made to go under trellises, lengthened, shortened, or turned into keyhole beds.