Cedar planks are valued for their natural aroma, durability, and potential to create a living mulch or decorative edge around garden beds. While many cedar planks are marketed for grilling, their natural Western Red Cedar composition can be repurposed for garden-friendly uses such as weed suppression, soil moisture retention, and aesthetic edging. This guide highlights five cedar plank options commonly sold for culinary use that can also support garden projects, along with a buying guide to help you select safe, suitable, and effective cedar planks for outdoor garden applications.
| Product | Size | Pack | Origin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (12-Pack) | 5” x 11” | 12 | USA | Edge/ground mulch base, decorative border |
| Langxinese Bigger 11″ x 5.5″ Cedar Planks (12 PK) | 11″ x 5.5″ | 12 | USA | Bordering and light mulch support |
| 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More | Unknown (approx. 5.5″–11″ range) | 12 | USA | Decorative edging and mulch surface |
| Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA | 5.5” x 11” | 12 | USA | Soil-friendly edging and natural barrier |
| Western Red Cedar Grilling Planks, XL 7×15, 8 Pack | 7” x 15” | 8 | USA | Large garden border and moisture control |
Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Planks
These USA-made cedar planks are sourced from Western Red Cedar and produced in Idaho in a food-safe facility. For garden use, they offer a stable, breathable surface that can be repurposed as a decorative border for raised beds or as a slow-release moisture layer beneath mulch. The 12-pack size provides ample supply for multiple garden projects, and the planks’ natural aroma can discourage some pests in a non-chemical, non-toxic manner when used as edging or mulch contact material.
Features: USA-sourced Western Red Cedar, food-safe facility, 5” x 11” size, 12-pack. For garden projects, consider placing planks as low edging around beds or as a small, organic mulch mat to help suppress weeds and maintain moisture. Always ensure the planks are dry and clean before contact with soil.
Langxinese Bigger Cedar Planks (11″ x 5.5″)
Langxinese offers 11″ by 5.5″ planks in a 12-pack, made from 100% natural cedar. The larger surface area can work well for edging along paths or the top layer of a garden bed where you want a defined border with natural aroma. The planks are in a restaurant quantity size and are described as sanded for a smooth surface, which can reduce splinters when handled carefully for garden projects.
Features: 11″ x 5.5″ planks, 0.3″ thick, 12-pack, sanded surface, natural and chemical-free. Soak in water to prevent warping if repurposed for moisture-friendly garden uses, though air-drying before placement is also recommended to avoid mold in damp conditions.
12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More
These planks are marketed as Western Red Cedar, sourced and made in the USA, with a design that emphasizes added flavor for cooking. For garden beds, their broad surface area can be used as a decorative weed-suppressing mat or as a protective base under raised-bed soil to reduce soil compaction around root zones. The included QR guidance can help with general usage in outdoor settings, which translates to simple garden applications as well.
Features: Added cedar aroma, USA-made, safe for food, helps with flavor in culinary use; in garden contexts, suitable as edging or mulch support with proper placement and moisture considerations.
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA
This 12-pack includes textured planks designed to generate more smoke and flavor. The 5.5″ x 11″ size makes them versatile for various outdoor applications, including small garden edging projects or as a temporary moisture-retaining layer in high-heat bed areas. Note that these planks are intended for single use, which aligns with garden use where durability is less essential but hygienic, clean installation remains important for soil contact.
Features: Textured surface for more smoke, upgraded thickness, single-use only, USA-made. For garden projects, reuse is discouraged; instead, use fresh planks for borders or moisture control as needed.
Western Red Cedar Grilling Planks XL 7×15
These larger planks provide a generous surface area and are inspired by traditional Native American grilling practices. In garden use, the 7” x 15” size can serve as a substantial border panel around a raised bed or as a decorative base under plantings. The planks are described as versatile for infusing a smoky flavor in cooking, but for garden applications, their natural wood properties translate into durable edging with a rustic appearance and airflow under mulch layers.
Features: Authentic cedar experience, versatile usage, large size for full bed coverage. In garden contexts, they offer a sturdy, aromatic edging option that can withstand outdoor conditions with proper placement and maintenance.
Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Planks (2-Pack)
A compact pair of cedar planks made in the USA, suitable for small garden border accents or accent pieces along pathways. The 5” x 11” size is handy for tight garden spaces or to create a neat, natural edge around raised beds. The same food-safe, Western Red Cedar sourcing applies, making it a safe material to place near edible plants when used as decorative mulch or edging in dry, well-ventilated areas.
Features: USA-sourced, food-safe, 2-pack, 5” x 11” size. For garden uses, place planks as borders or decorative edging to enhance visual appeal while maintaining soil moisture beneath mulch layers.
Bigger 12 Pk Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon
With a focus on larger cooking surfaces, these cedar planks offer substantial usable area that also translates to garden edging potential. The 11″ x 5.76″ size and 0.3″ thickness provide rigidity suitable for forming defined borders around beds or creating a raised path. The planks are described as “Alaskan Old Growth Western Cedar” with no chemical additives, aligning with safe garden practices where natural materials are preferred near edible crops.
Features: 11″ x 5.76″ planks, 0.3″ thickness, 12-pack, no chemicals. For garden projects, their substantial surface can create a durable border or a moisture-retaining underlayment for pathways and mulch beds.
Buying Guide: Cedar Planks For Garden Beds
Key considerations help ensure cedar planks perform well in garden settings while remaining safe for edible plants and outdoor use.
- Wood Type and Safety: Look for Western Red Cedar or Alaskan Old Growth cedar that is untreated or processed in a food-safe facility. Avoid planks with glue, chemicals, or unknown wood species not specifically listed for safe contact with food or soil.
- Size and Shape: Larger planks (e.g., 7×15) are ideal for borders and edging; smaller planks work well for decorative accents and compact beds. Choose thickness based on required rigidity and placement area.
- Purpose in the Garden: Use planks as edging to define beds, as mulch mats to suppress weeds, or as moisture-retaining bases under mulch. Avoid direct soil contact with rough or splinter-prone surfaces; consider sanding or sealing where appropriate, but avoid chemical sealants that may leach.
- Moisture and Durability: Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, but prolonged exposure to soil moisture requires monitoring. Elevate planks with spacers to allow airflow and prevent direct soil saturation.
- Maintenance: Replace planks as needed when warped or cracked. For garden aesthetics, reusing clean, dry planks in new layouts keeps costs down and reduces waste.
- Installation: For borders, bury a portion below soil to anchor the planks or use stakes; for decorative edging, place leaves-down with the grain oriented away from the bed for stability.
- Safety: Ensure planks are free of chemical additives and avoid using in contact with edible crops where planters or raised beds may accumulate moisture or soil dust that could contact plants.
Glossary Of Cedar Plank Garden Uses
- Edging: Define bed boundaries with a natural cedar border that blends with garden aesthetics.
- Weed Suppression: Use planks as a barrier to inhibit weed growth under mulch or soil layers.
- Moisture Management: Place planks under mulch to help distribute moisture and reduce soil evaporation.
- Aesthetic Feature: Create rustic paths or framed beds that highlight plant displays and edible crops.
- Temporary Seating or Plant Supports: Stack or repurpose treated planks for non-soil-contact supports in the garden as needed.