I designed this because I did not want to keep running to the garden and getting herbs when I could just pop out on the deck and grab some. It is all nominal lumber except the 4x4s. I designed them planed down to 3x3 actual size. 4x4's are always a mess. You could glue 2 2x4's together and plane that to. Whatever works. Basic construction is dado and rabbet joints. They can carry a lot more weight and resist twisting which I occasionally find a problem even in painted pieces left outside. And of course it looks cooler.
It is 36in tall, 48in wide, and 30 in deep.
*** I updated the top frame so the long pieces can be cut from a single 8ft piece of material.
The 2 frame tops give you a choice in what you want to do for construction. I like the look of the mitered corners but the simplicity of the butt joints appeals to me too. I think the butt joints hold up better in the weather using pocket screws and glue. No twisting. I always leave the frame a little proud over the bed. It just makes it look cleaner and does not inter fear in any way with the bed. Another option would be no picture frame at all. I like the frame it gives me some place to set tools and is a more polished look.
My idea for the bed is to line it with heavy plastic to not only keep the mess down but protect the wood. The cleats under the picture frame are there to hold the plastic. You could use plywood, or don't put the gaps in the bottom, and just dump the soil in.
I'm big on using nominal lumber and painting it. No weird chemicals and cheaper. Cedar would be good too.
Enjoy!
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