How to build a Magnolia Market-inspired raised garden bed

Below is an updated design that we will be using for our community garden after much discussion.

It was inspired by the photo below from Magnolia Market's Instagram. Kudos to Chip and Joanna Gaines for giving us the idea. These beds are more expensive to build than the ones we originally considered, but we love the look.

We have decided to go with 3.5' by 10' beds because these proportions work best for our space. The beds will be built out of 2x8 lumber with posts and railings made out of 2x4s.

Materials list:

• 2 in. x 8 in. x 16 ft. untreated lumber for sides - 4 boards
• 2 in. x 4 in. x 8 ft. studs for posts and railings - 7 boards
• #9 2-1/2 in. wood screws
• 1/2 in. 19-Gauge Steel Hardware Cloth
• staples for securing the steel mesh
• linseed oil for weatherproofing the wood

Parts for walls and supports:

Cut 2x8s to make 4 10-foot pieces and 4 42-inch pieces.
Cut 3 2x4s to make 12 2-foot pieces

Assemble the bed:

1. Assemble two frames. If the boards have any wording or unwanted markings, be sure they are facing inside the frame. You may wish to pre-drill the long boards to ensure that they don't split when you drive in the screws.

2. Attach corner posts with screws from inside the frames. Again, you may wish to pre-drill the frames to prevent wood from splitting.

3. Now mark location for the side posts by measuring 35 inches from corner posts, and attach side posts with screws from inside the frame.

4. Cut and attach mole mesh with staples, and flip the bed over to install the bench trim.

5. Cut pieces for the frame from remaining 2x4s. You will need two 48-1/2-inch boards, two 42-inch boards, and two 81-1/2-inch boards. If you have a miter saw, you may wish to do the 45-degree cuts rather than chopping the boards to length first and cutting the corners later.

6. Assemble the frame. The frame should overhang the inside walls and the outside posts by 1/4-inch. You may wish to use wood glue for the corners and drive a screw from the side to secure the joints. Attach the frame to the bed sides and supports with screws from the top.

7. Coat the bed with boiled linseed oil to weatherproof it, and install it by digging 10-inch holes for each of the posts. The posts only stick out 9-1/2 inches, but it is easier to start with deeper holes and fill them as you level the bed.

You will need 1.5 cubic yards of compost/garden soil to fill the bed.