How to Assemble a Two-Tier Elevated Cedar Garden Frame

By Greenes Fence Company: Cedar Raised Garden Beds ... | Published: 2026-10-20

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to assemble the Two-Tier Elevated Cedar Garden Frame for buckets. Step-by-step instructions for a tool-free, sturdy setup in minutes.

Quick Answer

Assemble the Two-Tier Elevated Cedar Garden Frame by interlocking the dovetail ends of the cedar pieces—no tools required. Then place standard 5-gallon buckets into the frame and start planting.

Why Choose the Two-Tier Design

The two-tier elevated frame lets you grow more in less ground space. The upper tier holds buckets for shallow-root crops like lettuce or herbs, while the lower tier accommodates deeper buckets for tomatoes or peppers. This vertical layout also makes watering and harvesting easier on your back.

Because the frame uses North American Cedar, it resists rot and insects naturally. You won’t need to treat the wood, and it will last for several seasons with minimal care.

What You Need Before You Start

The frame comes as a kit with pre-cut cedar boards that have interlocking dovetail ends. You do not need any tools, glue, or fasteners. You will need a flat, level surface—a patio, deck, or leveled garden bed works well. Also have six standard 5-gallon buckets (sold separately) ready to insert after assembly.

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

Unpack and Identify the Pieces: Lay out all cedar boards on a flat surface. You should have four long side boards and four shorter end boards for the two tiers. The dovetail slots are pre-cut—match the ends that fit together snugly. Check that all pieces are present before you start. Missing a board means the frame won’t lock together.
Assemble the Lower Tier Frame: Take two long side boards and two short end boards. Insert the dovetail ends of one side board into the corresponding slots on an end board. Repeat for the opposite side. Press firmly until the joints click into place—you should hear a light snap. The frame should be square and stable. If a joint feels loose, check that the dovetail is fully seated. Do not force it; realign and try again.
Assemble the Upper Tier Frame: Repeat the same process with the remaining four boards to create the upper tier. The upper tier is slightly smaller than the lower tier so it stacks on top. Ensure all joints are tight. The upper tier must sit flush on the lower tier. If it wobbles, one of the joints may not be fully engaged.
Stack the Tiers and Level the Frame: Place the upper tier on top of the lower tier. The dovetail slots on the top of the lower tier should align with the bottom of the upper tier. Press down gently to lock them together. Use a spirit level to check that the whole frame is level side to side and front to back. Shim with a flat stone or wood scrap if needed. An unlevel frame can cause buckets to tip or water to pool unevenly. Take a moment to level it now.
Insert the Buckets and Start Planting: Place standard 5-gallon buckets into the frame openings. Each tier holds three buckets. Fill the buckets with potting mix and your chosen plants. The elevated design gives you easy access without bending. Drill a few small drainage holes in the bottom of each bucket if they don’t already have them. This prevents waterlogging.

Product Details

Two-Tiers Six Bucket Elevated Cedar Wood Garden Frame, 43 in. x 30 in. x 30 in. RCBG3TW3SV-15: The Elevated Cedar Garden Frame is made from North American Cedar and assembles tool-free with interlocking dovetail ends. You can set up the frame in minutes without any hardware, making it ideal for gardeners who want a quick, sturdy structure.
Two-Tiers Six Bucket Elevated Cedar Wood Garden Frame, 43 in. x 30 in. x 30 in. RCBG3TW3SV-15