How to Build Raised Beds With Pavers

How to Build Raised Beds With Pavers
Written By
Jenny Green
Jenny Green
Published: Jun 29, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

To eliminate the need to cut pavers, build circular beds or beds that measure a multiple of the pavers' length plus one width. For example, if the pavers are 12 inches long and 6 inches wide, create beds 8 feet 6 inches long and 4 feet 6 inches wide.

Things You Will Need

  • Builder's line and pegs
  • Landscape paint
  • Spade
  • Rake
  • Builder's level
  • Gravel
  • Garden fork
  • Landscape fabric
  • Compost
  • Soil
  1. Mark the dimensions of a raised bed with a line and pegs, and spray the ground along the intended edges with landscape paint. Remove the line and pegs.

  2. Dig a trench along the marked edges of a raised bed, 6 inches wider than the pavers and 2 inches deep.

  3. Fill the trench to the top with gravel and level it with a rake.

  4. Place the first layer of pavers along the center of the gravel-filled trench and check they are level with a builder's level. Add or remove gravel as necessary to level the pavers.

  5. Place a second layer of pavers on top of the first in a staggered pattern. At the corners of the raised bed, turn one paver 90 degrees so that its width completes the end of the row. Continue in the same way until the pavers reach the desired height, and create the other raised beds in the same way.

  6. Till the ground inside the raised beds with a garden fork to loosen the soil. Place landscape fabric against the inner raised bed walls before filling them with a mix of 1 part compost and 2 parts soil.

The Drip Cap

  • Building raised beds with pavers takes longer than using timber but gives a sturdier, more durable result.
  • To eliminate the need to cut pavers, build circular beds or beds that measure a multiple of the pavers' length plus one width.
  • Dig a trench along the marked edges of a raised bed, 6 inches wider than the pavers and 2 inches deep.
  • Place the first layer of pavers along the center of the gravel-filled trench and check they are level with a builder's level.

Photo Credits

Craig Veltri/iStock/Getty Images

Craig Veltri/iStock/Getty Images

Jenny Green

Jenny Green has a Masters in English literature and has been a freelance writer since 2008.

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