Raised Garden Beds in NZ: What Timber Works Best?
Raised garden beds have become more than a functional trend in New Zealand backyards—they offer a clever, space-saving way to grow fresh produce and flowers while boosting drainage and cutting down on weeding. But before you grab your shovel, you'll need to make a crucial decision about the type of timber to use.
From untreated macrocarpa to H3 treated pine, your timber choice will have an impact on your garden's durability, safety, and eco-friendliness. Let's examine your options and help you pick the best wood for your garden in the New Zealand climate.
Why Timber Choice Matters for Garden Beds
Wood is the top choice for raised garden beds in New Zealand. People like it because it looks natural, you can find it , and it's simple to work with. But not all wood works the same way—when you need it to stand up to outdoor weather, fight off rot, and keep your soil (and food) free from chemicals.
At Plankville, we offer different types of outdoor wood that can handle New Zealand's changing weather and what people need for their backyards. Whether you want something that looks old-fashioned or lasts a long time, picking the right wood is the first thing you need to do to build a good raised bed.
Treated vs Untreated Wood: How Are They Different?
Treated Wood (like H3 Pine)
Wood that's been treated (with copper-based chemicals) resists rot, bugs, and fungus. You can find H3 treated pine in New Zealand, and it's good for outdoor use above the ground.
Pros:
Cheap and easy to get
Holds up against decay and critters
Works well for non-food plant beds (flowers, bushes)
Cons:
Has chemicals that might seep into the dirt
Not the best choice for organic or veggie gardens without a barrier
Doesn't last long when it's always touching soil
If you want to grow food, you can still use treated timber—just line the inside with thick plastic to create a barrier between the timber and soil. But for peace of mind and purity many Kiwi gardeners like natural untreated options.
Untreated Timber: The Natural Choice
Untreated timber provides a chemical-free solution making it perfect for organic gardeners or those growing vegetables, herbs, or medicinal plants.
However untreated softwoods like regular pine or spruce will rot in damp NZ conditions. That's where tough species like macrocarpa come in.
Macrocarpa: NZ's Favourite Timber for Raised Garden Beds
Lots of people are looking up "macrocarpa garden beds NZ" online. Macrocarpa is a local favorite because it lasts a long time, has beautiful wood grain, and fights off rot—without needing any chemicals.
Why Macrocarpa Makes Great Garden Beds
Tough on Its Own – Macrocarpa wood has plenty of natural oils that keep bugs and rot away.
No Added Chemicals – Great for growing organic food or plants that touch the wood.
Looks Good – The wood starts golden and turns a nice silver color over time.
Grown Here – Helps NZ forests and cuts down on shipping distances.
At Plankville, we take pride in providing milled macrocarpa slabs and timber. This makes it simple to construct durable friendly raised beds that look great and benefit the environment.
Check out our selection of macrocarpa timber here »
Other Timber Choices for Raised Beds in NZ
Redwood or Cedar (If You Can Locate It)
These woods have natural resistance to rot and work well in gardens, but they come with a high price tag and limited availability in New Zealand. Most DIY enthusiasts and hobby gardeners find them impractical.
Recycled Timber
Using old wood can be a green option, but you need to check its previous use. Old railroad ties or treated fence posts might still have dangerous chemicals. Always sand, clean, and if you can, test the wood.
How Long Will Each Wood Type Last?
Timber Type Expected Lifespan (Unlined)
Untreated Pine 2–5 years
Treated Pine (H3) 7–10 years
Macrocarpa (Untreated) 10–15 years
Cedar / Redwood 10–20 years (rare in NZ)
Building Raised Beds: Things to Think About
After picking the right wood, building becomes pretty simple. Pick thick slabs or flitches to make it last if your ground is heavy. Use galvanised brackets or screws to join the corners. This stops splitting and sagging as time goes on.
At Plankville, we think macrocarpa slabs or sleepers work best if you want a natural, country look. Our DIY timber guide has more tips on building with slabs.
Sustainability and Timber Sourcing in NZ
Picking local timber like macrocarpa cuts down on harm to the environment. It also helps NZ's sustainable forest management. Plankville teams up with responsible mills. This makes sure your timber is good for the planet and your garden.
What's the Best Wood for NZ Raised Beds?
If you want to make flower beds or a quick garden fix, treated pine (with a liner) is cheap and works well. But if you care about your garden lasting long, being safe, and not hurting the environment, macrocarpa is the top choice for raised garden beds in NZ.
It doesn't need treatment, lasts a long time, and looks great in the natural Kiwi setting—whether you're growing plants in busy Auckland or a quiet spot in the South Island.
Want to Start Building Your Garden Beds?
Whether you're new to gardening or have years of experience, picking the right wood forms the base of a great garden. Check out Plankville's complete wood selection or get in touch to get custom sizes and expert tips.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Yes, but make sure to cover the inside with thick plastic to stop chemicals from seeping into your soil.
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Untreated macrocarpa can hold up for 10–15 years even in New Zealand's damp weather.
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Untreated pine costs less but rots —plan on 2–5 years of use unless you seal or line it.
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Choose timber at least 150mm tall and 40mm thick. Macrocarpa sleepers or slabs work best.
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Check out Plankville, your go-to local source for outdoor-ready slabs and garden timber.
