Making a raised bed has a number of advantages. These include, for example, durability. But which stones are suitable and what are the differences between the different types? This guide shows it and gives useful tips.
Advantages of brick raised beds
A crucial difference between stone walls is the construction method. Stones stacked using the dry construction method can be quickly built into external walls for the raised bed. With this variant, foil can be used on the inside to keep the substrate and liquid inside the bed. Nevertheless, corresponding walls can be dismantled quickly and easily, which can also be an advantage.
Less materials are needed and the time required is significantly less with dry construction. However, stronger forces, for example from wind or rain, can cause the individual elements to shift and thus lead to instability.
If, on the other hand, the raised bed is built with bricks, this will initially require more effort, but also more stability.
Tip:
Gabions are another alternative. They combine the advantages of both variants.
Concrete blocks
Concrete blocks are inexpensive to purchase, durable and available in numerous different designs. The outer surface can also be very easily varied using various decoration techniques. These are, for example:
- Laying a mosaic, for example made of tiles
- Paint
- Attach the paneling
- plastering
- choose different colored stones
In this way, the raised bed made of concrete blocks can be kept in a natural stone look or be a colorful eye-catcher.
Due to the uniform design, building walls is also very easy. Staggering the rows of stones is recommended, as this improves the appearance and increases stability.
However, the weight is comparatively high, so a solid foundation is recommended. The effort required for this is extensive, especially when creating several raised beds. Dismantling, if necessary, also requires considerable effort.
Aerated concrete
Aerated concrete has several advantages. For example:
- Exterior can be quickly adjusted
- easy to vary
- available in different sizes
- can be sawn to size
- cost-effective
- light in weight
- Quick assembly of rows possible
Due to the shape and comparatively low weight, the raised bed can be built within a very short time from the aerated concrete, also known as Ytong. However, there is one potential disadvantage – the material is not waterproof. Over time, the stones could weather.
These means, among others, provide suitable protection:
- Acrylic varnish
- Sealing slurry
- Foil
- Nano sealing
Tip:
The raised bed made of aerated concrete should be treated outside and inside to extend its service life.
Brick
Bricks or bricks have some advantages. These are:
- resistant and durable
- easy to build
- even shape
- easy cleaning
- easy care
- stable
- Cropping is possible
Due to their comparatively high weight, they offer a great deal of stability. The shape makes it child's play to lay the stones. In addition, the dimensions can be varied as cutting is possible.
Natural stones
Natural stones offer the greatest variety in terms of color, shape and size as well as surface quality. Well-suited and decorative items include:
- Bas alt
- Fieldstones
- Granite
- Greywacke
- Limestones
- Sandstone
- Travertine
This makes it possible, on the one hand, to select the stones very individually. On the other hand, the different sizes and shapes offer variety. However, these are not the only advantages of natural stones. These also include:
- appealing, natural look
- also suitable for gabions
- particularly decorative
- serves as a habitat for animals
- interesting design options
- can be coordinated regionally
- can be planted easily
- numerous variation options
However, it is a challenge to build the walls of the raised bed row by row due to the different shapes and sizes. Like a mosaic, all elements have to be put together and coordinated by hand.
The effort involved is comparatively high and takes some time. However, the result can be an eye-catcher in the garden.
Tip:
Special mortar for natural stone should be used to avoid undesirable effects. It is also important to ensure that the material is suitable for the respective type of stone.
