Metal vs Cedar Raised Beds?
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
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Vego Garden 17" Tall 6-in-1 Modular Metal Raised Garden Bed
A premium modular metal bed whose Aluzinc coating and 17" depth make it a buy-it-once choice for serious vegetable growers who don't want to rebuild wood beds every few years.
| Type | Modular metal raised bed |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluzinc (zinc-aluminum-magnesium) coated steel, 20+ yr rated |
| Size | 17" tall, 6 configurations (up to ~6.3 x 3 ft); needs ~45 cu ft soil at full config |
| Drainage | Open bottom (drains into ground) |
| Best for | Deep-rooted vegetables and long-term raised-bed gardening |
Infinite Cedar Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed (4x4x11")
A thick, untreated Western red cedar kit that assembles fast and looks natural in the yard, ideal for gardeners who prefer wood over metal and accept that it will slowly weather over the years.
| Type | Cedar wood raised bed kit |
|---|---|
| Material | 1"-thick natural Western red cedar (rot-resistant, untreated) |
| Size | 4 x 4 ft, 11" tall (~15 cu ft soil) |
| Drainage | Open bottom (drains into ground) |
| Best for | Gardeners who want a natural, chemical-free wood bed |
Our verdict
Coated metal beds (like Aluzinc) are the buy-it-once option: they never rot, resist rust for 20+ years and come in modular shapes, though they cost more, need a large volume of soil at full depth and can heat the soil edges in summer. Cedar looks warmer, is naturally rot-resistant without chemicals and is cheaper up front, but it slowly greys and breaks down over several years and is usually shallower. Pick metal if you want maximum lifespan and flexible layouts; pick cedar if you prefer a natural wood look and lower initial cost and don't mind rebuilding eventually.