More Durable Than Standard Brick: The Long-Lasting Alternative For Garden Beds

Brick is one of the sturdiest building materials for everything from houses to long-lasting retaining walls and raised garden beds. So, it's no wonder people have used them for over a thousand years. Bricks have designations based on their application, but did you know there is also a separate grading system that classifies blocks by durability and weather resistance? For example, when used for outdoor construction, like raised garden beds, they must withstand rain and wind and endure seasonal freezing and thawing cycles, which can cause significant wear and tear over the years. If you want the best material for building a durable raised garden bed, choose severe weathering bricks. 

The severe weathering grading (abbreviated SW or SX) means these blocks are built to survive harsh weather and freezing and thawing cycles in the winter. Their low-porosity composition prevents moisture from absorbing into the bricks, so they won't crack or break. Severe weathering is the highest standard for grading brick durability, making these the bricks you want for a raised garden bed in a colder climate.

Most brick makers offer severe weathering brick, so you should be able to find it at local hardware stores like Lowe's or Home Depot. However, before you buy them, examine your environment. Since they are made specifically for winter weather, severe weathering bricks might be overkill for a warmer climate. You also don't need these types of bricks for projects that will stay indoors. That's why manufacturers also make bricks in other grades: moderate weathering and negligible weathering.

You can use moderate weathering bricks (MW or MX) for projects where the blocks won't be exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. These have lower compressive strength (how strong the brick is against cracking or breaking) than severe weathering brick but are still graded to withstand general outdoor conditions, including frost. Negligible Weathering bricks (NW or NX), which are lowest on this grading scale, are rated only for indoor use where they won't be outdoors at all.

Using the correct brick grade is just as important as choosing a good spot for your garden bed. Severe weathering bricks are the safest choice here, but moderate weathering bricks can work for your garden bed if you live in a climate that doesn't experience winter freezes. Avoid negligible weathering bricks altogether. Keep this weather grading in mind, especially if you're planning to upcycle old bricks for your garden bed. Using secondhand building materials is economical and eco-friendly, but make sure the bricks you reuse are actually suitable for your project.