Using This Ancient Technique Makes a Raised Bed Last Longer!

This Ancient Japanese method of preserving wood will help your Raised Bed last much longer, and it's all natural! This technique is known as Shou Sugi Ban.
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[@missymoonwillow6545]

We utilize this technique with small building construction utilizing timber wood. Makes for a nice rustic finished look as well. Can prevent bugs from eating away at the wood, and it is utilized a lot in Japanese traditional architecture, which is where we learned the method. Very cool video!

[@jodif8124]

You had me at flamethrower! Thank you for sharing all your builds!!

[@lammzrii1031]

Beautiful! I'd love to see a follow-up video in 1-5 years to see how well it holds up!

[@jamesprigioni]

Me and Tuck are excited to share that. Especially compared to something like a standard raised bed that hasn’t been sealed.

[@davehimlin2374]

@@jamesprigioni will this work on pine pallet wood ?

[@Chuklz70]

@@davehimlin2374 I would not if its has been chemically treated. Did you see his newer video this month, where he reclaimed a pallet?

[@ASSOL3]

Almost time for that 1 year follow up! Can't wait to see it!@@jamesprigioni

[@ciphercollection]

This bed is pretty much a work of art in my opinion and objectively, the amount of research and time you used in the process of making it is apparent in it's beauty. This looks like a lot of joy!

[@Life-ch8rj]

Very concise instructions. You’re a great teacher. I love the new content.

[@GCaF]

We've been doing this in rural areas to protect wood against the elements for quite some years now. The technique I grew up with was putting the wood/stomps/planks directly into a fire - and pay attention!! to ONLY char them and not burn. But blow torches were rare and harder to find (in some areas they still are) - but I can vouch that with proper supervision having a yard fire to do this is fine also. Might not be as uniform, but the effects are virtually the same.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

❤

[@gameenders5017]

Very nice looking bed. One tip though if you are going for longevity, is that you secured the corner with a screw going into end grain on one of the boards. Screwing into end grain are not that strong, with the flex from heat/cold pressure over time it will really loosen up that screw hole in the end grain. If you added a 2x2 to each corner you could screw through side grain of the outside board, and into the side grain of the 2x2, which is a much better and stronger joint. But I bet it would be sufficient as is, just a tip if you want them even more durable. I do like the char/brush/oil combo that's great.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

This is an excellent point that probably even most pros don't always think about. And in hindsight, yes most boards that I can remember "pulling loose" were due to screwing through into an end grain. If adding timbers to inside corners isn't an option then I'd say go extra long and as fat of a course thread that you can achieve if going into end grain. Very insightful and helpful post.

[@freedomofreligion3248]

Fabulous tip, thx much.

[@LoveColorado]

Also, countersinking the screws will keep everything nice and tidy.

[@etet4536]

I love how you always try something new and share your ideas with us. The bed is stunning, can't wait to see it full of plants!

[@Bubbles-n-Bitches]

What a great video! I love how you break down every step!

[@tomst9417]

Excellent work James! Two years ago when I decided to build raised beds in my vegetable garden I purchased 2 x 10' Southern Yellow pine and then scorched all sides as you did , then coated it with the same product you used. Going in to year three and so far they are holding up well with no fungus growing on the wood and no rot. I really like the look of the charred wood.

[@punisher6]

I actually have those type of torches and have heard of this wood burning technique but never would have thought of this. That came out real nice man I may have to replicate this thanks!

[@spencer_wheeler]

Looks like there are Cedar picket fence at Lowe’s for $3.97 for a 6 ft picket. Even though it’s only 5/8 thick, I might try this and cut it down to a 4x4 ft bed for herbs! Could be a cost effective way to achieve a similar look and build one a smaller scale Thanks for the great idea!

[@gremlin282]

I had some last about 4-5 years before i moved away and they still felt pretty solid. Even sitting on pretty wet Southeast Tx soil the entire time.

[@lees7340]

I have the cedar picket fence raised bed lasted me about 10 years now. I do have to replace the bottom part that come in contact with the ground every 3-4 years coz those rotted first. Now I might try this burning technique with the picket fence.

[@wafwaffle1819]

Thank you for your always enthusiastic videos, I'm far from Jersey but one day we hope to follow in your footsteps and make a home garden here in sunny Florida.

[@Kimipu]

Wow! The goth (lol) raised beds look fantastic 😍 On the point of price - The first 4 raised beds I put in are cedar and still look basically brand new after 6+ upper midwest winters. I've slowly added a couple pine ones each year and those are starting to look rough. My point being, ~$300 may seem kinda steep (I'm cheap) , but even my untreated cedar is pushing a decade so I'd imagine cedar after shou sugi ban & that other treatment should last quite a while. That $300 would be relative peanuts, if you can do the up front cost of course. I've been wanting to try this and you made it look so easy but I'm a little too clumsy for a flamthrower sooo maybe not quite yet😅

[@JuxstLer]

Ive been suggesting this technique to gardeners for awhile now. Surprisingly many dont know it. Glad you caught on! Should get excellent results. I shou sugi ban all my wood projects.

[@laurielangley2306]

Love this technique! My son did his entire deck that way. (Took him forever!), but worth it!

[@jamesprigioni]

That's a great idea! It may take a bit of time, but its supposed to last a long time. So me and Tuck think it will be worth it. 😁

[@nightrunner14]

From fellow Jersey Goomba that relocated to the South.... GREAT VIDEO! Having gone WFPB back in 2015, I got my health & my whole life back. I am now retired and am having a TON of fun gardening with my two young sons. We watch your videos together and are HUGE Tuck fans! It's been a while & would like another Tuck update. Keep up the INCREDIBLE job in sharing your vast knowledge & experience!

[@jerseygirl5486]

Someone I know did their deck like this and it was absolutely stunning.

[@mistyme7]

I made a raised bed just like yours several years ago, using quality fence boards from Home Depot. However, it only lasted about 3 years as it rotted from the inside. Hopefully the added charring and finish will make yours last much longer than mine did.

[@GSMMW]

That came out real nice James. Nice job.

[@jamesprigioni]

Thanks!

[@WEFAT13YQUE]

You make gardening look like it is, a skill, which it is. Good luck and Keep on Growing 👍

[@ibenholst]

The raised bed looks absolutely stunning with the charred wood.

[@freedomofreligion3248]

That's the prettiest raised garden bed I've ever seen built.

[@lupinsensei]

I’ve used this technique for various projects for the past few years. Raised beds, hiking staffs, bamboo planters etc. I’ve used pine due to cost…it’s somewhat sap heavy but a good trick is to wipe that sap across the panels whilst it’s still molten (take care and be well gloved!!) it hardens like glass and provides that extra touch of waterproofing. If you’re lucky enough to have bamboo at hand (I’m based in kyoto city so there’s an abundance of bamboo forests) the sap itself is all the waterproofing you’ll need. Not ideal for raised beds but perfect for long planters.

[@Wicked_urban_garden]

It looks amazing James. You have great carpentry skills

[@BGP369]

A couple tips for such raised bed longevity. Raise it up a bit on rocks or bricks slightly above ground. Add some non Galvium (Galvanized is ok, zinc coated is best) sheet to the inside, using elbow sheets in the corners to separate the dirt from the wood. When placing the sheet metal, cut it slightly longer than the height of the bed, so that the metal goes into the ground slightly, to prevent dirt errosion (because the bed is raised up on bricks slightly). You will find your wood lasts several years longer.

[@PhilippTimokhin]

Very nice, thank you James. I recently milled couple cedar tress in order to make my new raised garden beds. I was researching on how to make sure these cedar boards will last me a long time and keep it cost effective! And then you come out with this video! Thanks!!

[@cheeseymccheese7249]

The gold headed screws really bring it together

[@sunnysmilessunshine4060]

You're right, it is beautiful. Thank you for showing all that you did in Detail, very helpful!

[@tc9459]

I really like the bed! I think I might try it with larger plank pine. Glad to see Tuck and you back in action!

[@jackzampella5758]

Great video, James. I wish I had seen this video a few years ago when I built my raised beds. You're right. It does look great! Thanks for the instructive video.

[@launsoulblade3946]

This inspired me to buy the supplies for a couple raised beds. 1 is a Christmas gift for a family member that I had been struggling to find the right materials to build it out of. I found Red Cedar deck boards for 8.99 on sale and rebate at Menards, the sale ended today so I ran to get them. Going to put them together soon.

[@jrive075]

I’m sitting on a lot of cedar I bought for four 4x8 beds but wasn’t sure how I was goin to do it… this is it! Thank you!!!

[@toniatalley1977]

That raised bed is absolutely gorgeous!!!

[@mathewpennington7049]

I use logs and do Sho Sugi Bahn to keep them lasting. Locust trees last a long time and way longer than oak or pine.

[@pescatariangardener]

Beautiful raised bed that's gonna last ty for sharing.

[@DabblinDawn]

Absolutely beautiful! I’m rebuilding one of my raised garden beds which has almost completely degraded over 7 years of use. I >really< want to try this method of wood preservation. Thanks for sharing your tutorial!

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

The new bed looks great, James. Charing the wood and applying oil really gave it a great color and should help it last 10 years.

[@marshallartist2012]

Awesome brother your joy and excitement is contagious 💚🙏 bless you

[@keithjohnson4242]

Love the video, James! Just a warning to others trying the Outdoor Defense Oil 4:35: this stuff has a very strong citrus smell and is corrosive. I left it in a small plastic container overnight after applying one coat and the next morning found it melted through and the oil had spilled. If you're going to use it, find a proper container (unfortunately the product does not list recommendations for storage, at least not that I saw) and when applying try to keep a nice distance from your home. I did it in my garage since it's been raining heavily in my area and now my garage / house reeks of citrus. I'm sure I'll survive, but just wanted to give folks a heads up 😊.

[@coast2coast00]

Reading the SDS for it, it is just 50% tung oil, 50% pine oil, and 3% zinc oxide. It also says never to store it in anything but the original container. I'm guessing the terpines (Limonene) from the pine oil are eating the plastic, so glass would be safe.

[@allonesame6467]

Wonderful Innovation! Thank you for sharing your awesome build!

[@jacksoner8053]

I use this method on my pine wood raised beds. I go with 2" x 12" x 12' boards which run about $24 a piece at Lowes. My beds are only a foot deep, but I have never found any annual plants that needed to expand down beyond that. It also saves money on wood and soil, which costs a small fortune these days. - Great looking beds though, I like the look of those support pieces.

[@99megrob]

That looks great. What a great garden bed.

[@jamesprigioni]

Thanks Michelle! It was fun working with the garden torch too hahah

[@tamararoberts9307]

It's beautiful ❤

[@sweetlaughter78]

Gosh, it's a wonderful time of year!

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo!!

[@megfigshk2689]

I have also built many raised beds, but I have always protected them with a pond liner on the inside.Your raised bed looks great 👍

[@StoneyVision]

Nice James you the gardening genius 💚

[@karens3670]

A great video with such a thorough explanation and demonstration. I really appreciate your valuable channel and your enthusiasm and all the good recommendations that you give. Thanks to you and Tuck!!💕

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Those prices are like insane... wow. But I sure am impressed with the results. Wow.

[@lindabuchan5855]

I have raised beds that height too, love the way you done the corners, what an amazing finish 👍

[@jamesprigioni]

Thanks Linda!

[@karengiorella2690]

Love your channel. I made four raised beds from reclaimed 12in cedar siding bought at a construction reclamation supplier. Spent $120 for all four. A bargain. Wish I knew of the burn technique. It looks amazing. Ty for this informative video. ✌️

[@jperin001]

Looks very nice! Keep us posted on its longevity. Hi Tuck!

[@chrisconnell8523]

Have done this for my raised beds with pine/random Lowe's white wood. Works just fine, obviously looks a bit different but I think part of the charm is how the flames bring out the individual characteristics of the pieces of wood you selected. Also I've used the Milk Paint pure tung + with citrus solvent (rather than the outdoor treatment you got from them) and I think it works just fine too for longevity.

[@resourcefulgirl]

I did have one question, is this technique used on just the outside or also the inside of the raised bed if you're growing veggies?

[@ausfoodgarden]

@@resourcefulgirl You'd do this inside and out and make sure the edges are done too.

[@resourcefulgirl]

@@ausfoodgarden Thanks Gerry!!

[@peggycole616]

Great instruction! I did 80' linear feet of horizontal cedar fence using this ancient way. So satisfying to watch the grain char & be pronounced. A labor of love. I enjoy it so much 2 years in looking good! One tip is i used stainless steel screws so the cedar did not create a reaction with other metal which causes a black tear drop like stain. Good tip on oil for mildew resistance!

[@s-c..]

Peggy, out of curiosity, did you char the wood before you built the fence or after?

[@ВладимирИВиктория-ф9э]

Благодарю за видео! Надеюсь, можно перевести мой текст автопереводчиком) Мы также сделали такие грядки и теплицу из обожженного дерева. По прошествии 3 лет они стали из темнокоричневых светлосерыми но все равно красивыми) Можно обжигать гораздо быстрее: складывать доски треугольником, с небольшим расстоянием для горелки на вершине, и вести горелку вдоль внутри треугольника. Так вы будете увеличивать интенсивность огня и скорость обработки и уменьшать расход газа. И еще одно замечание: доски довольно тонкие для высоких грядок, у нас их земля раздвинула. Нужны доски минимум 2х4 Но результат очень красивый!

[@rhondacharlett8216]

I know you braced the corners and sides on the outside but no cross boards on the inside. The boards are very thin so I would worry about the weight of the soil making the side boards bow out over time. Aside from that concern ... it is a beautiful looking raised bed.

[@GingerKral]

Thank you, James. The bed looks amazing!

[@xmobile.]

Very cool. I've seen the technique many times before, but never thought about it for garden beds. It looks stunning and I'm sure filled with lush green veggies it'll look even better! Happy Gardening from PA!

[@lexi-vx1pd]

James, thanks for the vids! Trees scheduled to ship this week, can’t wait!

[@jamesprigioni]

Let’s Gooo Lexi!

[@mikemiller209]

Beautiful raised bed well built!

[@Grow_with_Michael]

Wow! 🤩 Thanks for sharing! Such a striking look! Definitely want to get some of these beds into the garden!

[@gremlin282]

Cedar fence pickets cost about $3 a piece in here Tx. That's what i usually use for my raised beds. It's naturally kinda resistant to a lot of bugs. In my experience even the cheap fence post last longer then most of the other woods i have used.

[@matthewhall9692]

I made the same mistake as the guy in the video and bought some expensive cedar planks in the project lumber isle that charged you by the foot. Weeks later I was back to Lowe's to look for some landscaping borders and I saw that they have cedar fence pickets that are a couple bucks a piece. Not only are they basically the same dimensions as the cedar I bought previously (except for the pointed picket end) but it was basically the same quality cedar, many of which had better looking color and grain.

[@chasinglife43]

Thank you for sharing your experience / mistake so that others can learn room it too. I'm going too too take a look at the fence pickets tomorrow. I was thinking that this was not going to be in the budget this year but knowing that the fence pickets were so affordable makes this an option. Thank you!

[@cheyneturbyfill4727]

Learned an interesting fact today, my wife and I were wondering why barns were traditionally painted red and learned that farmers would mix tung oil and blood from their slaughters. The iron in the blood helped to prevent mold growth which prolonged the life of the barn. Interesting how old techniques were the best but all but forgotten

[@lindaseel9986]

James, your gardening skills are amazing! This raised bed highlights your woodworking skills too! Yes, cedar is expensive, but well worth it for longevity. Just gorgeous!

[@emptynestgardens9057]

Now that's *chef's kiss. What a gorgeous bed 😍

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

I think burning the wood makes it look so much nicer! it looks so nice!

[@jamesprigioni]

Thanks!! Me too 😁

[@justinbrison112]

Funny to see this video pop up. I am planning on doing this technique on my new raised beds this year. I will be using locally sawn hemlock and cedar to do a comparison on longevity. As always a great video and looking forward to the new gardening season

[@jeanlanz2344]

Thank you for sharing how you did an ancient Japanese technique to make a beautiful raised wooden bed frame. You're cheerful and generous. God bless you!

[@fletchybabe6172]

The oil won't be absorbed as you've sealed the wood by scorching it but it will give a nice subtle sheen and add a water resistance for a while, I have used this technique before but I don't use the oil as it's not needed but I could 😁🌱☀️

[@jenniemondragon6423]

Do you think there would there be any benefit to treating the boards with the oil first and then scorching them?

[@amen7692]

the oil would probably burn and evaporate, just use it after @@jenniemondragon6423

[@shellisspace]

Those are beautiful! I look forward to seeing how they age. I am not a fan of the weathered gray wood gets so I use metal beds, but this I think I could get behind.

[@misterdubity3073]

@6:51 shows a good view of how all the corner pieces are oriented

[@deirdreberger1363]

I am looking forward to seeing your trees and veggies fill in your food garden.

[@brettzicarelli9064]

Gotta love this guys energy!!

[@TheFabel1337]

Such a beautiful raised bed, super good job 👏 happy harvests bro 😎

[@jameswilliams8372]

Good job! Did my whole barn using this technique Using Sitka Spruce. If you like the wood grain popping out... after the first burn and scrub, burn and scrub again. it'll pop the wood grain out even more.

[@kheventplanner]

I'm trying to get my husband to put burned wood flooring in my kitchen buy I may have changed my mind for that price lol. That turned out so beautiful!

[@kaosbboi]

Great job. Only thing I would add is a 4"-6" inch ledge. We made a 3*9 similar to this and wanted a ledge to sit on while working in the bed. Your came out great! I like the how the yellow deck screws pop against the charred wood.

[@April.R646]

I really like it. Can't wait to see it full with food.

[@RocketPipeTV]

Nice job, you deserve an A+! Love the golden colored screws, it makes it look high end.

[@upliftlife11]

I think this is the method I want to use! Thanks. Those garden beds look great!

[@laz0rama]

i've been doing shou sugi ban for a few years now, and i absolutely LOVE it! i even did it on the inside of my cabin, which is finished with rough cut hemlock.

[@kedeglow2743]

It's gorgeous. If I ever win the lottery I'll build some.

[@grantking8175]

That looks amazing…well done! And thanks for all the great videos to help us amateurs out…I love them! 🤙🏽

[@dranamarie]

You are always stepping it up a notch! What a beautiful raised bed ! ❤

[@eklectiktoni]

That bed looks awesome! I've heard that tung oil is highly resistant to decay so the combo of it with the Japanese charring treatment should protect that bed for years and years.

[@realjosephanthony]

That turned out super bad ass.

[@PleasantPrickles]

It looks gorgeous! Built to last! Thanks for breaking down the process! 🌱🌱🌱😃

[@misscandicern]

That looks amazing!

[@jamesprigioni]

Thanks Candace! ❤️

[@jenniferanderson8050]

Absolutely love the idea of preserving the wood with the oil,I only wish I could do all my beds the same way. My favorite is seeing 🐾Tuck🐾 he is looking so handsome 🥰

[@malo8631]

Very cool way to treat lumber. I'd suggest that after wiping excess oil with rags, oil soaked rags should be safely disposed of because of the chance of spontaneous combustion. It's a real danger that I've learned of the hard way . Cheers.

[@jamesprigioni]

Good info. Thanks for sharing that

[@jenniferdawson2536]

Watching... not even one minute in I have QUESTIONS!!! James, you are the GOAT! TUCK- you are simply the best. I heart this- thank you!

[@stephendaurie9344]

love the design I think adding a top railing made of 2x4s unburnt would make it pop, keep us posted on how it works out

[@jazstar7681]

It turned out great!

[@simplifygardening]

Great video I used to do this a long time ag with my old garden. and I'm slowly adding more raised beds so might be time to revive its method. brill stuff James

[@jamesprigioni]

Thanks Tony! It was fun to do as well! 😁

[@cindypendleton7901]

Gorgeous raise bed! Great project!

[@throwaway692]

I just wanted to say "thank you" for the videos you've posted on raised beds. The Mrs and I are going to (with some small modifications) build your pallet, raised beds garden. Your vids have been super helpful.

[@kele1264]

Thanks, James, it's beautiful! I knew cedar was expensive, but this was even more than I'd have guessed. You gave very clear instruction, love the tools used.

[@Heathers-p8m]

I was just looking at this for both my compost bins and building some wood seed trays!

[@donaldlemoine3032]

Beautiful style! I'm gonna have to try this with some of my wood crafts.

[@Pickles6115]

My neighbor made me some , but he used 2x12x12 cut them in half to make 4x6 beds and he used that garden seal. I love my garden beds.

[@maxx620s]

Any issues with bowing in the middle from the weight of the soil? Id imagine a simple brace in the middle might help if it is bowing. Looks fantastic