Width guidelines: 4 feet maximum for two-sided access

The maximum recommended width for a raised bed accessed from both sides is 4 feet (48 inches). This allows the average adult to reach approximately 24 inches from each side to the center without straining. For beds accessible from only one side (against a fence or wall), limit width to 2-3 feet. For children's gardens, 3 feet wide is optimal. Width beyond 4 feet forces you to step into the bed or lean uncomfortably, defeating the purpose of raised beds (no soil compaction from foot traffic). Test your comfortable reach before building: kneel at ground level and measure how far forward you can comfortably work with hand tools. Most adults find 20-24 inches from the edge to be their practical working limit. If you have existing beds wider than 4 feet, place stepping stones through the center to distribute weight, though this reduces planting area. Interior width may be slightly less than exterior dimensions due to material thickness (e.g., a 4-foot exterior bed with 2-inch thick walls has only 44 inches of interior growing width).