[vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background__as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]As sustainable gardening increases in popularity, so does the rise in raised garden bed building. Constructing raised beds permits you to compose the picture-perfect soil mixture for your plants, reduces weeds, allows for more dense planting in a given space, makes gardens more accessible, keeps the soil warmer for earlier and later planting, and allows anyone to grow abundantly despite their native soil quality.
While raised garden beds can be constructed out of a plethora of building materials, making a brick raised garden bed can give you sturdy and long-lasting results.
Follow our guide on making a brick raised garden bed and find out all you need to know about building a robust garden bed that will stand the test of time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background__as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]
Hey fellow gardeners! I’ve been experimenting with different raised bed materials over the years, and let me tell ya – dry stacked brick beds are totally worth the effort! Today I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about building these gorgeous and long-lasting garden beds.
Why Choose Dry Stacked Bricks for Your Raised Bed?
Before we dive into the how-to here’s why I’m obsessed with dry stacked brick beds
- Super duper durable – Unlike wooden beds that rot after a few years, brick beds can literally last for decades
- No nasty chemicals – Pure clay bricks won’t leach anything bad into your soil
- Looks amazing – The clean lines and classic brick look adds instant curb appeal
- Flexible design – You can build any shape or size you want
- Better drainage – The tiny gaps between bricks help prevent waterlogging
- Extended growing season – Bricks retain heat and warm up the soil faster
Planning Your Dry Stacked Brick Bed
Location Is Everything!
First things first – picking the perfect spot
- Choose a level area getting at least 6 hours of direct sun
- Allow 2+ feet between beds for easy access
- Keep beds no wider than 4 feet so you can reach the middle
- Stay close to a water source (trust me on this one!)
Materials You’ll Need
For a basic 4′ x 8′ bed that’s 16″ high:
- Clay bricks (about 200-250 depending on size)
- Gravel for the foundation
- Level
- String line
- Tape measure
- Hammer and brick chisel
- Stone dust for filling gaps
Step-by-Step Building Instructions
1. Prep the Foundation
Nobody wants a wonky bed! Here’s how to start right
- Mark your bed outline
- Dig a 4-inch deep trench
- Fill with gravel and compact it well
- Check it’s perfectly level (seriously, don’t skip this!)
2. Laying the First Course
This is super important y’all:
- Start at the corners
- Use a string line for straight rows
- Keep gaps between bricks consistent (about 1/4 inch)
- Check for level after every few bricks
- Adjust with gentle taps from your hammer
3. Building Up the Walls
Now for the fun part:
- Stack bricks in a running bond pattern (like stairs)
- Offset each course by half a brick
- Keep checking for level and plumb
- Build corners first, then fill in between
- Brush stone dust into gaps to stabilize
Pro Tips for Success
After building several of these beds, here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Height Matters:
- 12-16 inches is perfect for most plants
- Go taller (18-24 inches) if you hate bending over
- Double-wide walls for anything over 24 inches
-
Brick Selection:
- Use solid clay bricks (no holes)
- Avoid painted or treated bricks
- New bricks stack easier than salvaged ones
- Get 15% extra for cuts and oops moments
-
Maintenance Tips:
- Check for loose bricks in spring
- Top up stone dust in gaps yearly
- Remove any weeds growing between bricks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from my fails:
- Skipping the proper foundation
- Not checking for level frequently
- Making beds too wide to reach middle
- Using mixed brick sizes
- Forgetting about drainage
Filling Your New Bed
Once your brick masterpiece is done:
- Line bottom with hardware cloth to block pests
- Add good quality raised bed soil mix
- Top with 2-3 inches of mulch
- Water deeply before planting
Final Thoughts
I gotta say, building a dry stacked brick raised bed takes a bit more effort upfront, but it’s so worth it! You’ll end up with a gorgeous, permanent garden feature that’ll last practically forever. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about building it yourself.
Remember, take your time with the foundation and first course – that’s the key to success. And don’t worry if it’s not perfect – a few wobbles just add character!
Happy building, garden friends! Drop me a comment if ya got questions – I’m always happy to help fellow gardeners out!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide in more detail?
Using Recycled vs. New Bricks for a Raised Bed
Brick is a functional and beautiful option for building raised garden beds, but it can be a high-priced option depending on the type of brick you are building with and whether it’s repurposed brick or new.
Brick Raised Garden Bed Without Mortar
You can make a brick raised garden bed with or without mortar. If you are making a deeper raised bed, mortar can be used to keep bricks together. However, be sure to use a sand-based mortar that is only for residential use.
Ultimate DIY garden edging that will last forever
FAQ
What is a dry stacked brick planter bed?
For any gardener looking to elevate their planting beds, dry stacked brick is an elegant and sturdy solution. With a timeless aesthetic and durable construction, a raised brick planter bed adds instant structure and sophistication to gardens and landscapes.
Which brick is best for a raised garden bed?
As a result, it’s best to choose bricks specifically designed for outdoor use, such as clay or concrete bricks. Clay bricks are a popular choice for raised garden beds because they’re durable and visually appealing. They can be stacked or mortared together to create a sturdy structure.
Can you use recycled bricks in a raised garden bed?
Yes, you can use recycled bricks. Are brick raised garden beds safe? Brick-raised garden beds don’t rot or leech chemicals, providing a safe option for growing edible plants. The modular nature of bricks makes it simple for DIY gardeners to build raised beds of various materials and sizes. Do you need a raised garden bed?
Do brick raised garden beds rot?
Brick-raised garden beds don’t rot or leech chemicals, providing a safe option for growing edible plants. The modular nature of bricks makes it simple for DIY gardeners to build raised beds of various materials and sizes. Do you need a raised garden bed? How do you finish a brick raised garden bed?
Can you make a raised garden bed out of bricks?
Following these steps allows you to create a strong raised garden bed made out of bricks without mortar that will last long and look good. To avoid traditional mortar in brick-raised beds, there are several adhesive substitutes that can work well.
What is a raised brick planter bed?
With a timeless aesthetic and durable construction, a raised brick planter bed adds instant structure and sophistication to gardens and landscapes. In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to design and install dry stacked brick raised beds from start to finish.