The Best Cedar Planters for Every Garden Space
Cedar is one of the most reliable materials you can choose for outdoor planters. Here are the best cedar planters you can buy online, from raised beds to compact containers.
The first raised vegetable garden I ever put in was cedar. Even then, before I had years of gardening experience under my belt, I knew cedar had a reputation for holding up beautifully outdoors. This garden proved it. It lasted for years with minimal fuss, and I've been recommending cedar to other gardeners ever since.
If someone is growing herbs or vegetables, cedar is always one of my first suggestions to others. It's naturally rot-resistant and contains oils that help repel insects without any chemical treatments. This makes it a genuinely food-safe option right out of the box. It's also lightweight compared to many other hardwoods, which makes assembly and moving easier. And honestly, it just looks good. The honey-toned wood weathers beautifully over time to a soft silver-gray that fits just about any outdoor space.
Cedar isn't just for veggie gardeners either. It's a versatile material that works across all kinds of planter styles, from large in-ground raised beds to elevated garden boxes and compact patio containers. Whether you're working with a sprawling backyard or a small apartment balcony, there's a cedar planter that fits. Here are some of the best options out there right now.
If you want a raised bed that's built to last and made right here in the U.S., this one from Infinite Cedar is worth the investment. It's handcrafted in Maine from thick, untreated North American Western Red Cedar. The boards are a full inch thick, which is noticeably more substantial than a lot of what you'll find at this price point. Assembly is genuinely tool-free, using aluminum pins through the corners instead of screws or nails that can work loose over time. It comes in multiple sizes if the three-by-six-foot footprint isn't quite right for your space, and you can stack it with others.
- Material Untreated North American Western Red Cedar
- Dimensions 36" D x 72" W x 11" H
- Best For Gardeners who want a made-in-USA, chemical-free bed built to last multiple seasons
This cedar planter from VegTrug comes with a set of individual liners, including eight small ones, two medium and one large. You can arrange them however you want, so each plant can have its own growing zone. For growing plants like herbs, this means your mint stays put instead of taking over everything else. It sits at 31 inches, so there's no crouching involved. Plus, there's a lower shelf underneath for storing small gardening tools or extra pots. It's a more compact footprint than a traditional raised bed, which makes it a great fit for a patio, balcony or deck where space is limited.
- Material Cedar Wood
- Dimensions 30.7" D x 22.8" W x 31.5" H
- Best For Herb gardeners who want to grow multiple varieties in a small, organized space
Not every cedar planter needs to be a full raised bed. Sometimes you just need a good container when you're working with a small space. This is when you'll want this two-pack from CedarCraft. Each planter is made from sustainably sourced, PEFC-certified Western Red Cedar from Canada, and the untreated wood means no chemicals near your plants. The dovetail construction snaps together in minutes without any tools. The polypropylene base is a smart touch because it prevents the bottom from sitting in moisture and rotting out over time. At about $60 per planter for a cedar product, the value is solid.
- Material Untreated Western Red Cedar, PEFC-Certified
- Dimensions 19" x 19" x 15"H each; 1.0 cubic foot soil capacity per planter
- Best For Small space gardening, entryways, decks and patios where you want a classic cedar look without a large footprint
If you want a raised bed with a little more visual interest than standard natural wood, this one from VEIKOUS is worth a look. The dark, almost charred appearance gives it a more modern feel that looks great on patios or decks. Beyond the looks, it's made of cedar and comes in at a generous 71 inches long and 31 inches wide, so there's plenty of room to grow a real mix of vegetables, herbs and flowers. It includes a liner, which is a nice bonus at this price point. The elevated legs mean no bending over to tend your plants.
- Material Cedar Wood with a carbonized finish
- Dimensions 71" L x 31" W and 9.59 cubic feet soil capacity
- Best For Gardeners who want a larger growing space with a modern look
Add some visual dimensions to your garden space with this tiered cedar set from All Things Cedar. Instead of one flat bed, you get three graduated tiers, including a six-foot, four-foot and two-foot section. It's a smart way to grow a variety of plants at once while creating a unique look in your garden. Crafted from untreated Western Red Cedar, the wood maintains all its natural rot resistance without any chemical treatments. The snug-fitting parts go together quickly, and it's also stackable and expandable if you want to add more later. Because it sits lower to the ground at just under 16 inches tall, you'll want to place it somewhere you can comfortably kneel or reach down.
- Material Untreated Western Red Cedar
- Dimensions 68" W x 22" D x 15.75" H
- Best For Gardeners who want visual variety and the ability to grow multiple plant types in a compact, tiered layout
Greenes Fence has been making cedar garden products for a long time, and this elevated planter box is a good example of why they have such a loyal following. It's made in the USA from chemical-free North American Cedar and comes with 3/4-inch boards. It's easy to assemble with boards that lock into leg posts. The gaps between the floorboards allow excess water to drain naturally, and a fabric liner is included to keep soil from washing out. It's a good working height at 31 inches tall and is a great option to grow vegetables, herbs or flowers.
- Material Chemical-Free North American Cedar, Made in USA
- Dimensions 27" W x 50.5" L x 31" H; 9.6" interior depth
- Best For Gardeners who want a no-tools elevated bed with proven construction and a generous growing depth
This cedar cube from VITA is made from 100 percent FSC-certified cedar lumber, which means the wood is sourced responsibly, and a water-based stain is applied to help protect against insects and decay. The square cube shape makes it incredibly versatile. It works just as well at a front entrance as it does on a patio corner or sitting on a deck. It's sized just right for a single ornamental shrub, a small herb collection or a seasonal flower display. If you want more than one, the uniform shape means they stack and arrange neatly together. It's a simple, classic cedar planter that doesn't try to do too much.
- Material 100% FSC-Certified Cedar
- Dimensions 22" W x 22" D x 22” H
- Best For Patios, entryways and small outdoor spaces where you want a clean, classic cedar planter
If you want to get into cedar gardening without spending a lot, this elevated bed from Maple99 is a good option. At under $110, it's significantly less than most cedar raised beds, and the size gives you a solid amount of growing space for vegetables, herbs or flowers. The 30-inch height is a good standing height, and it comes with a bed liner. It's worth noting that the specs list a mix of materials, so if pure cedar construction is a priority for you, one of the other picks on this list might be a better fit. But if you're looking for an attractive, functional elevated planter at an affordable price, this one will meet your needs.
- Material Cedar Wood
- Dimensions 48" W x 24" D x 30" H
- Best For Budget-conscious gardeners who want an elevated cedar bed with a generous growing area
How to Choose the Best Cedar Planter
Size & Depth: The right size cedar planter depends on what you plan to grow. Herbs and annuals can thrive in a shallow planter with just six to eight inches of soil depth, but vegetables like tomatoes, carrots and peppers need more like 12 inches to develop strong root systems. For width and length, think about how much you can comfortably reach.
Construction & Thickness: Thicker boards hold up better over time. Look for cedar that's at least 3/4 inch thick, with one inch being even better for longevity. Pay attention to how the corners are joined. For instance, dovetail designs and aluminum pin systems tend to outlast beds held together with screws and nails. This is also a good time to read the reviews, as people often leave comments about this.
Untreated vs. Treated: Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, which means untreated cedar is a perfectly viable choice, especially if you're growing food. Treated wood can introduce chemicals into the soil that you'd rather keep away from edible plants. Many gardeners simply leave their cedar untreated and let it weather naturally to a soft silver-gray over time.
Drainage: Good drainage is non-negotiable for healthy plants. Look for planters with drainage holes, slatted bottoms or gaps between floorboards that allow excess water to escape. Without proper drainage, soil stays waterlogged, roots suffocate and the wood deteriorates faster. If your planter comes with a liner, make sure it also has drainage holes.
Placement: Think about sun exposure, accessibility and what the planter will be sitting on before you fill it with soil. Most vegetables and herbs need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If your planter sits on a wood deck, consider adding feet or a barrier underneath to protect the surface from moisture. Elevated beds are a great choice for decks and patios since they keep the planter off the ground entirely. And remember that a filled planter can be heavy, so choose your location up front.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cedar planters last?
A well-made cedar planter can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the thickness of the wood, your climate and how well you maintain it. Cedar's natural oils make it resistant to rot and insects, which gives it a significant advantage over other woods. Applying a sealant or stain every few years can extend the life even further, though many cedar planters hold up beautifully with no treatment at all.
Do cedar planters need to be sealed?
They don't have to be, but sealing can help preserve the wood's color and extend its lifespan. If you prefer the look of fresh cedar rather than the silvery-gray it naturally weathers to, a coat of exterior wood oil or water-based sealant applied every year or two will do the trick. Just make sure whatever product you use is food-safe if you're growing edibles.
Is cedar safe for growing vegetables?
Yes. Untreated cedar is one of the best choices for vegetable gardens because it contains no added chemicals. Its natural oils actually help repel insects without any intervention on your part. Just make sure you're choosing untreated cedar and not pressure-treated lumber, which uses chemical preservatives that can get into soil.
Can cedar planters stay outdoors year-round?
In most climates, yes. Cedar handles freeze-thaw cycles better than most woods, and its natural resistance to moisture means it won't deteriorate quickly in wet conditions. If you live somewhere with extreme winters, emptying the planter of soil and storing it in a covered area can help it last longer.
Do cedar planters need a liner to protect the wood?
A liner isn't strictly necessary, but it can help in two ways. First, it keeps soil from direct contact with the wood, which can slow moisture absorption and extend the planter's life. It also helps retain soil and prevent it from washing out through gaps. Many planters come with a fabric liner included. If yours doesn't, a simple landscape fabric cut to size works well and is inexpensive to add.
What's the difference between Western Red Cedar and other types of cedar?
Western Red Cedar is considered the gold standard for outdoor planters. It's lighter than many other woods, naturally resistant to rot and insects, and has a beautiful grain. Eastern Red Cedar and other varieties are also durable but tend to be denser and heavier.
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