The Raised Bed Company FAQs – your questions answered

Welcome to The Raised Bed Company FAQs. Here you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions about our handcrafted Yakisugi raised beds, covering materials and finishes, delivery, and sustainability. Whether you’re planning your first order or just exploring how we work, this page should help you understand exactly what makes our beds unique. To learn more about how we craft each bed, visit our Process page.

Looking for something in particular? Use the links below to go straight to that section.

General
Materials & Craftsmanship
Sizes & Customisation
Installation & Maintenance
Ordering & Delivery
Sustainability

General questions – The Raised Bed Company

We’re the only company in the UK dedicated to crafting Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) raised beds. Each bed is made to order in Dorset from locally sourced Western Red Cedar or Douglas Fir, then carefully charred to create a natural, chemical-free barrier against the weather. Solid boards, stainless fixings, and a zero-VOC oil complete a finish that’s both beautiful and built to last. Every project is delivered and assembled by us to ensure the best possible result.

Raised bed longevity depends on exposure, drainage, climate, and the materials used. Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir are naturally durable species, and our Yakisugi treatment further improves resistance to weathering. We do not use liners, because they trap moisture against the timber rather than allowing it to breathe naturally. As lifespan is shaped by several interacting factors, we have covered the subject in more detail in our article, How long do raised beds last?

Yes. The charred surface is pure carbon and contains no harmful chemicals. We use a zero-VOC oil to seal and protect the wood, ensuring it remains completely safe for growing edible plants. There’s no need for liners or plastic barriers, just natural, breathable timber that performs as intended.

Yakisugi is a traditional Japanese technique where timber is carefully charred to protect it from weather and insects. The process seals the surface naturally and brings out the grain’s beauty. We adapt this method for Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir to achieve the right depth of burn and a tactile, long-lasting finish. A dedicated blog post will soon explain the process in more depth.

All our raised beds are made in Dorset. We work closely with local sawmills to source timber responsibly, keeping transport miles to a minimum and supporting the regional economy. Every piece is cut, burned, oiled, and assembled by hand right here before being delivered to our customers.

We personally deliver and assemble within Dorset and the surrounding counties. For larger or bespoke orders outside this area, we’ll quote individually and may travel if the project size justifies it. We don’t currently offer collection, as on-site assembly is part of our quality process.

Materials & craftsmanship

We use Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir. Western Red Cedar is chosen for durability and stability, while Douglas Fir offers a bolder grain and a different visual character. Western Red Cedar is the king of garden woods, naturally resistant to decay, dimensionally stable, and filled with oils that protect it from weather and insects. It’s lightweight yet strong, with rich tones and a subtle fragrance that define its quality. Douglas Fir, meanwhile, is chosen for its strength and pale, clean grain, ideal where a different aesthetic or specification is required. Both are sourced locally from trusted sawmills to minimise transport miles and ensure consistent quality.

We use Yakisugi because it protects the wood naturally, improves weather resistance, and creates the distinctive surface character that defines our raised beds. It’s a sustainable way to extend the life of already durable woods using only fire and craftsmanship.

Yes. The final tone depends on the timber species, the Yakisugi process, and the oil finish applied. Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir each have their own natural character, which we allow to remain visible beneath the finish. For our 50 mm Western Red Cedar range, we also offer optional colour washes that sit over the grain. We can discuss the finish and overall look as part of your bespoke raised bed commission.

Sizes & customisation

Our raised beds are made to order, so dimensions are set according to your site and requirements. We can build to a wide range of lengths, widths, and heights, whether for a courtyard, private garden, or larger commercial setting. We usually begin by discussing the space, the intended use, and the proportions that will work best.

Yes. We build raised beds using 30mm or 50mm boards, and can work to other thicknesses if the design requires it. The choice mainly affects the look and overall proportion of the bed, although thicker boards naturally offer a longer service life simply due to the extra timber. Both options are built to the same high standard, and the Yakisugi burn is applied to a controlled surface depth regardless of thickness, giving consistent protection and finish across every bed.

Yes. Bespoke raised beds are at the heart of what we do. We can adapt dimensions, timber species, board thickness, height, and overall configuration to suit your site, planting requirements, and design intent. Each project begins with a conversation so we can understand the setting, the purpose of the bed, and the proportions that will work best.

Installation & maintenance

All raised beds are delivered in component form and assembled on site by us. This prevents damage during transport and allows for a precise fit once in position. We ask that the site is prepared and level before we arrive, ensuring installation goes smoothly and the finished bed sits correctly.

No. Liners trap moisture against the timber and can shorten its lifespan, so we don’t recommend or supply them. The Yakisugi surface and natural durability of Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir are more effective and far more sustainable. No gimmicks, no liners, just a raised bed made to last.

The Yakisugi surface itself needs no routine maintenance. The zero-VOC oil continues to protect the timber for a long period, even as the surface becomes more matte. In time, exposure to sunlight and weather will gradually reduce the oil’s UV and water resistance. When that point comes, a single light re-coat with the same topcoat oil will restore full protection and keep the bed looking as it did when first installed. We can supply the original oil whenever you need it. Some people prefer to let their bed develop a gentle, natural change in tone over the years, while others choose to recoat occasionally to retain the freshly finished look. Both approaches are perfectly fine.

Usually, yes. The area should be clear and reasonably level before we arrive, so the bed can be installed correctly. The exact preparation depends on the size of the bed, the site conditions, and access to the space. If needed, we can advise in advance on the best preparation to ensure the bed sits properly and performs well over time.

Ordering & delivery

You can contact us directly through our website or social media pages to start your order. We’ll confirm the size, timber choice and any optional colour finish available on our flagship 50 mm Western Red Cedar beds. Once you’re happy with the details, we’ll provide a clear quote including delivery. To begin production, we take a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due five days before delivery. Once your deposit is received, we schedule the build and confirm your delivery date.

A delivery charge applies to every order and depends on distance, access and the number of beds. We’ll confirm this cost before you commit so there are no surprises. You can also visit our Delivery page for more detail on standard rates and areas covered.

Yes. Every raised bed is installed by us, ensuring it is assembled correctly, sits properly on site, and reflects the design and finish we intended.

Sustainability

Every element of our process is designed with sustainability in mind. We use locally sourced Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, both naturally durable timbers that need no chemical treatment. Our Douglas Fir comes from a sawmill and forest less than 10 miles from our base, while our Western Red Cedar is milled under 30 miles away. The Yakisugi finish replaces synthetic preservatives with a combination of fire, air and zero-VOC plant-safe oil. All materials are sourced as locally as possible, avoiding the thousands of transport miles typical of imported timbers.

Still have a question about The Raised Bed Company?

Our aim has always been simple: to build a raised bed that lasts longer through sustainable design. The natural result of this approach is a product that looks every bit as good as it performs, rich in texture, full of character and finished to the highest standard. Every choice, from the wood we source locally to the finish we apply by hand, supports that goal. If there’s anything you’d like to know that we haven’t covered here, please get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you.