Garden Enclosure

garden enclosure diy plans
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Easy DIY Garden enclosure plans by ANA-WHITE.com - minimal cutting and easy assembly!

Photo by Furniture Dreamer with increased raised bed height.

Build your own garden enclosure and keep your plants safe and contained! 

Garden Enclosure Features

  • Minimal board cutting and less waste
  • Beginner friendly - you'll only need a drill and a saw to complete
  • Finish in a weekend
  • Built in raised beds for planting
  • Keeps animals and pests out of the garden
  • Keeps garden area enclosed

What type of wood to use?

The ideal wood choice is cedar.  If you don't have cedar or cedar is too expensive, you can use regular framing lumber.  We recommend douglas fir if possible, treated with a non toxic exterior stain or oil (ask at your local hardware store stain for raised beds).

 

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Garden Enclosure

Dimensions
garden enclosure
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 4 – 4x4 @ 72”
  • 3 – 2x4 @ 144” (cut the 72” long 2x4s from these)
  • 13 – 2x4 @ 96” long
  • 14 – 2x6 @ 96” long
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 6 feet long (Recommend exterior grade lumber)
  • About 200 - 3” self tapping exterior decking screws (I like these ones)
  • 32 feet of 48” width chicken wire or mesh
  • Staples for attaching chicken wire
Cut List

FRAME

  • 4 – 4x4 @ 72”
  • 6 – 2x4 @ 72”
  • 7 – 2x4 @ 96”
  • 7 – 2x6 @ 96”
  • 2 – 2x6 @ 30-1/2”
  • 2 – 2x4 @ 30-1/2”
  • 8 – 2x4 @ 31” – Long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 45 degrees off square, NOT parallel

RAISED BED

  • 4 – 2x6 @ 96”
  • 4 – 2x6 @ 38”

DOOR - suggest cutting door to fit the final opening

  • 2 – 2x4 @ 46”
  • 2 – 1x2 @ 33-1/2”
  • 1 – 2x4 @ 53”
  • 1 – 2x4 @ 33-1/2”
  • 1 – 2x6 @ 33-1/2”
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw

Instructions

Step 1

On a flat, level surface, lay the 4x4 posts out and attach the 2x4 and 2x6 to the top and bottom with 3” wood screws and exterior glue. Attach to the center a 2x4 @ 72” long on edge. Adjust for square by taking diagonal measurements and making sure the two measurements match. Build two side walls.

Step 2

Use 3” wood screws and exterior wood glue to attach 2x4s to top and 2x6 to bottom to create the front and back wall framing. Adjust for square by taking diagonal measurements. At this point the enclosure should be placed in final position.

Step 3

Attach remaining 2x4 @ 72” long on edge to front and back walls, 24” fron the 4x4 corner posts. Use the 3” exterior screws and exterior wood glue.

Step 4

Wrap the bottom exposed 4 feet of the enclosure in chicken wire or mesh, securing with staples. Leave opening for door between 2x4 @ 72”long.

Step 5

Add additional rows of wood to cover the ends of the chicken wire with screws.

Step 6

Ensure the enclosure is square. Then attach cross supports to insides of project with 2-1/2” exterior wood screws and exterior glue.

Step 7

Attach 2x6 boards to inside to create raised beds. 2x12 boards can also be used. Use 2-1/2” exterior screws.

Step 8

Attach 1x2s to top and bottom of 2x4 boards to create door frame. Use 2-1/2” exterior wood screws. Check and adjust door frame for square.

Step 9

Lay cross support board over door frame. Mark with a pencil. Cut off ends with a circular saw or jigsaw.

Step 10

Staple mesh or chicken wire to the door frame.

Step 11

Attach 2x4 and 2x6 door trim to the door frame with 2-1/2” screws. Also attach cross support.

Step 12

Attach door to enclosure with gate hinges.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

balloongal247

Thu, 12/31/2015 - 09:57

Would this garden enclosure be sufficient to deter bears?  My area apparently has some kind of bear problem, but I'd still like to be able to have a vegetable garden.

balloongal247

Thu, 12/31/2015 - 09:58

Would this garden enclosure be sufficient to deter bears?  My area apparently has some kind of bear problem, but I'd still like to be able to have a vegetable garden.

scottu

Mon, 01/13/2020 - 09:27

Note - Gate support in cad drawing is on backwards. Gate support in main photo is correct. 

support should point down into the hinge, or gate will sag. 
 

Love the design 

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!