Raised beds in Beckenham
Planting where you can enjoy it.
Planting brought up to where you sit, a change in level held neatly, and a patio given a proper edge.
Why raised beds
Structure first, planting second.
A raised bed is a small wall with soil behind it. Built on a proper footing with drainage through the base, it holds its line for years and gives the garden a clear shape.
Frames the patio
Beds along the edge of a terrace give it a finished boundary and divide paving from lawn without a fence.
Holds a change in level
Where the garden steps up, a raised bed does the job of a retaining wall and puts planting on the slope.
Planting at a working height
Beds built to seat height are easier to weed and water, and can double as a ledge to sit on.
Materials
Choose your build.
The finish sets the tone. Match it to the house, the paving or the fence, and think about how much upkeep you want.
Rendered block
Blockwork with a smooth render coat, usually white or pale grey. Crisp and contemporary, and pairs well with porcelain.
- Upkeep
- Low; an occasional clean
- Best for
- Modern gardens
Brick
Laid to match or complement the house. Warm, traditional and very durable, with a coping on top to shed water.
- Upkeep
- Very low
- Best for
- Period homes and traditional gardens
Stone cladding
A block core faced in natural stone slips or split-face panels. Gives the look of solid stone with more texture than render.
- Upkeep
- Low
- Best for
- Stone houses and feature walls
Timber sleepers
Stacked and fixed sleepers make quick, natural-looking beds and steps. Softwood weathers to silver over time.
- Upkeep
- Moderate; timber ages and may need treating
- Best for
- Relaxed and family gardens
Raised beds projects
View full portfolio Raised beds we’ve built.
Featured project
Sleeper garden
Timber sleeper raised beds and steps, white gravel around a mature tree and a paved terrace in front of the summer house.
View project →
Contemporary split-level garden
A large-format grey patio with broad steps, raised white rendered planters and a lawn with stepping stones.
Geometric contemporary garden
Pale paving and dark edging framing a rectangular lawn and a dark raised planter outside a modern home.
Lit garden with sunken seating
A wide porcelain terrace, a long lawn with lit paths and a sunken seating area around a fire pit, with lights along the fencing.
What’s included
Everything, start to finish. One fixed price.
The same way of working on every job, from the first conversation to the handover.
- A design visit at homeWe look at the space with you, talk about how you’ll use it and sketch out the options.
- Samples in your own lightSee the materials against your house before you choose.
- A plan drawn to scaleLayout, levels and materials shown in place, with any lighting and planting your project needs.
- One fixed quoteClear and itemised, with no surprises halfway through.
- One number to callA single point of contact from the first visit to the handover.
- Handover and care guideA walk-through when we’re done, and simple tips to keep it looking new.
- Our written guaranteeUp to 10 years on our workmanship, in writing.
How tall should a raised bed be?
It depends on the job. Around seat height makes the bed easy to tend and doubles as seating; a lower bed suits a border edge. Where it holds back a slope, the height follows the level change.
Do raised beds need drainage?
Yes. Water has to leave the soil, or the planting sits wet and the walls take the pressure. A free-draining base and weep holes or gaps low in the wall let it escape.
Will render crack?
Render on a solid block wall with a proper footing and coping is stable. Hairline cracks usually come from movement in the base, which is why the footing matters more than the finish.
Can I grow vegetables in a raised bed?
Yes. Raised beds warm up earlier in spring and drain well, which suits vegetables and herbs. Lining timber beds keeps soil off the wood.
Can raised beds have lights built in?
Yes. Small recessed lights can be set into the face of a rendered or brick bed, which picks out steps and edges after dark.
Often paired with raised beds
All services →Start your raised beds
Give the garden some shape.
Book a design visit. We’ll look at your levels, paving and planting, and suggest the build that suits them.
- Written guarantee of up to 10 years on our workmanship
- Fully insured
- A family team. We never subcontract
Thank you, there.
Your enquiry is with our design team. We’ll be in touch within one working day to book your free visit.