Raised Wooden Planters: Pros, Cons, and What to Look For
If you’re thinking about upgrading your garden this season, raised wooden planters are one of the best investments you can make. They look great, make gardening easier, and give your plants a healthier growing environment — but only if you choose the right ones.
Here’s what you need to know before you buy.
What is a raised wooden planter?
A raised wooden planter is simply a planter box that sits above ground level, either on legs or on a raised base. Unlike ground-level beds or plastic pots, raised planters:
• Improve drainage
• Reduce bending and kneeling
• Keep plants warmer
• Look more structured and premium
They’re ideal for patios, decks, balconies, and gardens where soil quality isn’t great.
The real benefits of raised wooden planters
1. Healthier plants
Raised planters allow excess water to drain properly, which prevents root rot and mould. Your plants get the moisture they need without sitting in soggy soil.
2. Better soil control
You choose the compost and soil mix. That means fewer weeds, better nutrients, and healthier roots.
3. Easier to work with
No more crouching or digging into hard ground. Raised planters are much easier on your back, knees, and wrists.
4. Warmer soil = faster growth
Wood insulates naturally, helping soil warm up earlier in spring. This gives you a longer growing season.
5. Looks great in any garden
Wooden raised planters soften hard patios, make small gardens feel structured, and give a premium handcrafted feel.
The honest downsides
There aren’t many — but here’s what matters:
Cheap wood won’t last
Untreated or thin timber will rot quickly outdoors. This is why pressure-treated wood is essential.
Some raised planters are poorly built
Stapled corners, thin boards and weak bases can collapse once filled with wet soil.
Good ones cost more
A well-built raised planter costs more upfront, but lasts years longer than budget versions.
You’ll need more compost than you think
Raised beds and deep planters use a fair amount of soil. Before you order compost, measure the internal space and calculate the volume so you’re not caught short.
Tip: If you want, you can use our on-site soil calculator here:
Soil Volume Calculator
What to look for when buying
If you’re comparing raised wooden planters, here’s what really matters:
Pressure-treated timber
This protects against rot, damp and insects — essential for UK weather.
Thick boards (not flimsy panels)
Look for solid timber, not thin decorative cladding.
Strong base and supports
Soil is heavy. A proper raised planter needs a reinforced base.
Drainage holes
Without drainage, roots will drown.
Built to order or handmade
Mass-produced planters are often rushed and weak. Handmade ones are built properly.
What can you grow in raised wooden planters?
Almost anything:
• Herbs
• Salad leaves
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Flowers
• Small shrubs
• Root veg in deeper beds
They’re especially good for herbs and vegetables because the soil stays loose and warm.
Are raised wooden planters worth it?
If you want:
• Healthier plants
• Easier gardening
• A smarter looking garden
• Long-lasting outdoor furniture
Then yes — absolutely.
A well-built wooden raised planter will last for years, look better with age, and improve how your whole garden works.
Which style suits your garden?
Raised planters / raised beds
Best for comfortable gardening, strong root space, and defined growing areas
Decking planters
Ideal for patios, balconies, and clean modern layouts. Great for herbs and flowers near the house.
Rustic planters
More character, more texture — perfect for cottage gardens and softer planting styles.
Need a specific size?
Every garden is different. If you need a raised planter made to a particular size, depth, or layout, we can build it for you.
👉 Use our Bespoke Orders page to get a free, no-obligation quote.
