Budget Raised Bed Bracket System

I WOULD HEAVILY RECOMMEND TO PRINT IN ASA or ABS IF YOU HAVE ACCESS, PETG AND PLA MAY GET BRITTLE OR DEGRADE OVER A SEASON OR TWO HOWEVER YOUR MILAGE MAY VARY. USE DARKER COLORS OR PAINT FOR BEST UV RESISTANCE. 

I have not tested these in PLA/PLA+ however after about a year or two of an older model the PETG (which was in white so didn't help) started cracking and becoming brittle. YMMV based on your climate; these were used in Southern Virginia.

Recommended Print Settings

I would recommend you set your infill to 15% or higher and 2 or more walls. Obviously the stronger the better however there is a balance to cost/performance. I recommend toying with your slicer settings to try and get it to kill a full roll for 8 or half a roll for 4. Supports are not required.

You can also adjust the interlocking tightness by inducing elephants foot; I had a slightly different tolerance with ABS than I did ASA which caused the connection to be quite loose however I increased my bed temp and the lip caused by the elephants foot acts to lock in the connection better.

PARTS REQUIRED

• 5/8-in x 5-1/2-in x 6-ft Picket (found for about $2 a piece in US local  hardware stores) I WOULD ALSO RECOMMEND PRINTING ONE PRIOR TO BUYING THESE TO CHECK FIT BEFORE BUYING PICKETS, SOME PICKETS ARE NOT CUT CLEANLY AND MAY NOT FIT. EX - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Outdoor-Essentials-5-8-in-x-5-1-2-in-x-6-ft-Pressure-Treated-Pine-Dog-Ear-Fence-Picket-102560/202319053
• (Optional but more expensive) 5/8-in x 5-1/2-in x 8-ft Cedar Picket. Will theoretically last a bit longer and has no possibilities of leeching treating chemicals into the ground. Based on my research the chemicals don't reach harmful levels however I reccomend you do your own research on the topic if you're concerned.  Also a couple feet longer so will have a larger bed unless you make cuts.
• #8 Wood screws at LEAST 1-¼ long (be careful digging around corners if longer though!) Could also possibly use nails however I have not tested with them.
• Garden Stakes (Optional, however recommended especially if not on level surface OR using 180 Degree brackets) YOU WILL NEED TO CUT OFF ONE END OF THE STAKE TO USE THEM. It's pretty easy to do with anything decently sharp; I used my hatchet to both cut and drive the stakes. EX - https://www.amazon.com/48inch-Garden-Stakes-Support-Vegetable/dp/B0BTD4HGRJ/ref=sr_1_7?sr=8-7
• (NEW 5-31-25) 3D Printed Spike attachment (WILL NOT WORK WITH ABOVE SAID STAKES) This is if you want to avoid buying the stakes and would rather have something printed. Easiest way to press them in is to attach them onto a bracket first then simply press them into the ground. Pretty important to have good interlocking strength at the connection point so if you don't have a tight fit I'd recommend gluing them on so they don't come out. I also recommend you print these a bit stronger (more walls, higher infill) to prevent them from shearing and breaking as easily.

I made this to make some raised beds to start a garden for as cheap as possible as a drop in quick and easy solution. 4 Brackets usually takes about half a roll of filament (or a whole roll for 8) and the pickets are only $2 a piece making the total price for a single layer 6x6 bed as low as $14~(assuming you're not using stakes, using old screws laying around, and buying your filament at around $10/kg). You are also able to stack them higher if you wish to have a deeper bed however I typically only go 2 high to save on soil costs (you may also need additional bracing for taller beds but I'm not sure 100% as I havent stacked them higher than 3 so far). Included are also additional addon items to expand the usefulness of the bed and take advantage of the modular system. If you have any ideas for new parts or pieces feel free to reach out and also if you have any problems with said design.

ALL PARTS ARE NOT PICTURED. SOME ITEMS ARE STILL BEING TESTED AND EXPANDED UPON

I encourage remixes and additional attachments and have included the f3ds for the base models. If you make any attachments or have any ideas for anything new let me know!

UPDATED 3-18-25
-Added 3-way and 4-way brackets with top covers to go along with to greater customize layout

UPDATED 5-31-25
-Added a spike attachment to allow fixation to the ground without using purchased stakes.