Premium Cedar Board 31 in x 3.5 in: Raised Bed Cutting Guide
By Greenes Fence Company: Cedar Raised Garden Beds ... | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: How-to Guides
Plan and cut the 31 in x 3.5 in cedar board for a raised bed. A step-by-step cutting guide with layout, saw choice, and fit checks for DIY garden beds.
Quick answer
Use the 31 in cedar board as a full-length side or end piece when your bed plan calls for a 31 in span, and cut it only when a post or corner detail requires a shorter piece. Measure against your assembled posts before making any cuts, and test-fit one board first.
Why board thickness matters for raised bed cuts
The 3/4 in thickness of the Premium Cedar Board 31 in x 3.5 in (3/4 in Thick) RCB31 affects how it seats in Greenes posts and how it behaves when cut. Thinner boards flex more, so a clean, supported cut matters more than with thicker lumber. If your plan mixes board sizes, keep the 3/4 in boards for straight runs and avoid using them as structural corner braces.
When to cut versus when to redesign
Cutting a 31 in board shortens it permanently, so reserve cuts for intentional design changes such as fitting around a post or creating a stepped bed. If your layout needs many short pieces, consider whether a different board length would reduce waste. The 31 in board is mid-sized; it fits short and tall posts, so it works in both low and tall bed configurations without cutting if your plan aligns with 31 in increments.
Step-by-step cutting process
- Map your bed layout on paper: Sketch each side and end of the bed, marking where posts fall and which boards span full lengths. Count how many 31 in boards you need uncut before deciding on any cuts. Checkpoint: confirm every cut board has a specific purpose in the layout.
- Measure against the actual posts: Dry-fit one 31 in board into the post channel you plan to use. Measure the actual opening rather than relying on nominal dimensions, since post spacing can vary slightly. Checkpoint: if the board fits without cutting, do not cut it.
- Mark the cut line with a square: Use a carpenter's square to carry the measurement around all four faces of the board. A wrap-around line prevents tear-out on the back side. Checkpoint: the line should meet itself on the fourth face.
- Choose a fine-tooth saw: A fine-tooth handsaw or a miter saw with a sharp finish blade reduces splintering on the sanded cedar surface. Support the board on both sides of the cut. Checkpoint: test the saw on a scrap or the board's end grain first.
- Cut slightly proud of the line: Leave about 1/16 in of waste and sand to the final line with a sanding block. This gives you a correction margin if the post opening is tighter than expected. Checkpoint: dry-fit the cut board before sanding further.
- Seal or stain cut ends: Untreated cedar end grain absorbs moisture faster than the face. Apply the same stain or sealant you plan for the rest of the bed to the cut end, following the product's instructions. Checkpoint: label cut boards by location so sealed ends face outward.
Product facts
- Premium Cedar Board 31 in x 3.5 in (3/4 in Thick) RCB31: The board is 3/4 in thick, 3.5 in high, and 31 in long, made from smooth, sanded untreated cedar. The sanded surface is ready to stain or leave natural, and the 3/4 in thickness means you should support the board fully when cutting to avoid splintering.
Premium Cedar Board 31 in x 3.5 in (3/4 in Thick) RCB31
