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The Best Wooden Compost Bins for 2025
Do you need a compost bin? Are you looking for an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to dispose of your organic waste? Do you want to get the most out of your garden? If you answered yes to these 3 questions, then this blog post is perfect for you!
Compost bins can be made from all sorts of materials – even metal or plastic, but here at Garden Junkie, we like to recommend the use of wooden compost bins.
Wooden compost bins are great because they last longer than other materials, such as plastic and metal. They also have a rustic ‘natural’ look when placed in any garden or allotment, and are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. With several options currently available on the market, a wooden compost bin could be your best solution!
When it comes to buying a wooden compost bin, we know you do not want to spend hours online searching for what is best, so we did that work for you!
We have compiled a ‘shortlist’ below of the best wooden compost bins for 2023. We have scoured through all the Amazon reviews and found these top picks by looking at quality, price, and customer feedback.
Have a read through our list of the best wooden compost bins and see what we recommend, you may be surprised!
Wood is a Good Insulator
Did you know wood is also a good insulator? Wooden bins are good at retaining your bin’s heat, which in turn speeds up the decomposition of your organic matter.
Please Note: We independently selected all the products mentioned in this Buyer’s Guide. This guide includes amongst others, Amazon affiliate links, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through these links. For more information, please refer to our affiliate’s FAQ page.
In a Hurry?
Wooden Compost Bins If you don’t have much time, use the link below to quickly find out my ‘Top Pick’ for the Best Wooden Compost Bins available for you on Amazon. You can be assured we only recommend products based on our research, product quality, usability, and value for money… ‘Best Overall’ Rowlinson Beehive Composter
Best Wooden Compost Bins: Wooden Bins Are Good at Retaining Your Bins Heat
Wooden Compost Bins – Our Top 3 Compost Bins
Product Image
Best Overall 
Recommended 
Recommended 
Model/Make
Rawlinsons Beehive
Lacewing
Rawlinson Budget Composter
Volume
432L
893L
439L
Dimesions
74cm (W) x 79cm (H)
113cm (W) x 70cm (H)
100cm (W) x 60cm (H)
Construction
Pressure Treated Timber
Pressure Treated Timber
Pressure Treated Timber
Lid
More Information
Best Overall
Product Image
Model/Make
Rawlinsons Beehive
Volume
432L
Dimesions
74cm (W) x 79cm (H)
Construction
Pressure Treated Timber
Lid
More Information
Recommended
Product Image
Model/Make
Lacewing
Volume
893L
Dimesions
113cm (W) x 70cm (H)
Construction
Pressure Treated Timber
Lid
More Information
Recommended
Product Image
Model/Make
Rawlinson Budget Composter
Volume
439L
Dimesions
100cm (W) x 60cm (H)
Construction
Pressure Treated Timber
Lid
More Information
Last update on 2025-06-26
Best Wooden Compost Bins – A Buyer’s Guide
Rowlinson Beehive Composter
The Rowlinson Beehive Composter is a natural, environmentally-friendly way to dispose of your kitchen and garden waste.
This wooden compost bin is made from FSC-approved, environmentally friendly pressure-treated wood, and thus the wood is protected against insect attack, rot, and fungus.
Though additional treatment is not necessary, some customers recommend additional wood treatments periodically, for a belt-and-braces approach.
Being sturdily built with an attractive natural finish, the compost bin is able to withstand the worst the British weather offers.
The composter has a lifting lid with a ‘stay’ that prevents it from falling back into the compost bin when opened.
A ‘removable’ bottom panel also allows easy access to the finished compost for collection or removal.
The Rowlinson wooden compost bin has a 328L capacity and measures just 74cm x 74cm x 79cm (29in x 29in x 31in), so this small compact design can be sited almost anywhere in a garden and is suitable for most homes composting needs.
Coming flat-packed, with a fixing kit and assembly instructions, the Rowlinson Beehive Composter is not difficult to assemble, with minimal tools needed.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Pressure Treated Timber
- Compact
- Sturdily Built
- Lifting Lid With ‘Stay’
- Removable Bottom Door
- Easy Assembly
- 10-Year Guarantee
- A Little Pricey
- No Larger Model Option
Lacewing Outdoor Wooden Compost Bin – XL – 893 L
Composting has become an integral part of sustainable living, and if you’re looking for a robust and eco-friendly composting solution, the Lacewing Outdoor Wooden Compost Bin – XL – 893 Litres might just be the right fit for you.
Designed with practicality and durability in mind, this compost bin caters to large households and garden enthusiasts looking to manage waste effectively while contributing to a greener planet.
Key Features
Generous Capacity of 893 Litres
With a capacity of 893 litres, this compost bin is ideal for households producing a significant amount of compostable waste. Whether you’re disposing of kitchen scraps or garden trimmings, this size ensures you won’t run out of space anytime soon.
Sustainably Sourced Wooden Construction
The bin is crafted from FSC-certified wood, ensuring it is both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing. The natural wood seamlessly blends into outdoor spaces, making it a more attractive option compared to plastic alternatives.
Slatted Design for Optimal Aeration
The slatted wooden design promotes airflow throughout the compost pile, accelerating decomposition and insect activity. This feature is especially useful for maintaining a healthy composting process and reducing odours.
Easy-to-Assemble Structure
The bin arrives flat-packed for easy transportation and can be assembled with minimal tools. Many reviewers on Amazon UK have praised its straightforward assembly process, which typically takes less than an hour.
Eco-Friendly and Weather-Resistant
The wooden panels are pressure-treated to withstand outdoor conditions, offering resistance to moisture and decay. This ensures the compost bin will last for years without compromising its structural integrity.
Warranty Information
Although specific warranty details are not always highlighted in some product descriptions, the Lacewing compost bin uses FSC-certified wood and weatherproof treatments, providing a 15-year manufacturer’s warranty against rot.
Additional Information
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions: Approximately 70 cm (H) x 113 cm (W) x 113 cm (D)
- Weight: 20 kg (approximate, depending on wood type)
Colour and Finish
The bin comes in a natural wooden finish, which you can leave untreated for a rustic look or paint/stain to match your garden aesthetic.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Pressure-Treated Timbers
- Promotes Aeration
- Easy Assembly
- Large Size
- 15-Year Warranty
- Sustainable-Eco Friendly
- No Built-in Lid
- Periodic Maintenance
Final Thoughts
The Lacewing Outdoor Wooden Compost Bin – XL – 893 Litres stands out as a sustainable, functional, and visually appealing option for eco-conscious households. Its generous capacity and thoughtful design make it an excellent choice for those serious about composting. While it may require occasional maintenance and an additional cover, its benefits far outweigh these minor inconveniences.
Whether you’re new to composting or an experienced gardener, this compost bin provides a practical and eco-friendly solution that supports your green initiatives.
Rowlinson Wooden Composter Bin
The Rowlinson wooden composter bin is perfect for the garden enthusiast on a budget.
The Rowlinson bottomless compost bin is a simple design, which makes it easy to assemble.
With 15mm (1/2in) pressure-treated timber planks in the construction, it’s durable enough to last for years.
Though additional treatment is not necessary, some customers recommend additional wood treatments periodically, for a belt-and-braces approach.
The Rowlinson Budget Composter has a capacity of 439 Litres, making it perfect for grass and garden waste.
It is the ideal composter for gardens with little spare space, as it stands just 60cm (H) x 100cm (W) x 100cm (L) (.6m x 1m x 1m) when assembled.
With its simple design, this compost bin assembles in minutes without the need for tools or specialist skills.
Just a note to advise that all wooden compost bins should be ‘sited’ on fairly firm level ground. If not, then assembly can sometimes become difficult.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Quick & Easy Assembly
- Value For Money
- Large Capacity
- Pressure-Treated Timbers
- Good Ventilation
- No Manufactures Warranty
KCT 300L Large Outdoor Wooden Compost Bin
Composting is one of the simplest ways to reduce household waste while creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
The KCT 300L Large Outdoor Wooden Compost Bin is a popular choice for UK homeowners looking for an eco-friendly and practical composting solution.
With its natural wooden design and 300L capacity, it is perfectly suited for small to medium-sized gardens and households.
Below, we delve into the key features, warranty details, and additional information about this compost bin to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Key Features
Compact Yet Spacious Capacity
The 300-litre capacity makes this compost bin ideal for households producing moderate amounts of organic waste. It’s perfect for garden clippings, kitchen scraps, and other compostable materials, striking a balance between size and practicality for smaller outdoor spaces.
Eco-Friendly Wooden Construction
Crafted from natural, treated wood, the KCT compost bin is a sustainable and environmentally friendly option. The wooden slats are designed to blend seamlessly into your garden, offering a more rustic and natural look compared to the many plastic alternatives.
Slatted Design for Improved Airflow
The slatted structure also allows for optimal aeration, which is crucial for speeding up the composting process and preventing unpleasant odours. This feature ensures that your compost remains well-aerated, helping bacteria and microorganisms break down organic materials efficiently.
The design also allows gardeners to gain easy access through a ‘hinged roof’ with an ‘arm prop’ to keep the roof open when in use. In addition, at the other end, a removable base panel is provided for convenient compost removal.
Flat-Pack Design for Simple Assembly
The compost bin is delivered flat-packed, making it easy to transport and assemble. According to reviews on Amazon UK, the assembly process is straightforward and requires minimal tools, typically taking 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your DIY skills.
Weather-Resistant Finish
The wood panels have been treated to withstand the elements, ensuring the bin remains durable even in the UK’s unpredictable weather conditions. However, some users recommend additional weatherproofing for prolonged longevity.
Warranty Information
The manufacturer does not explicitly state a warranty for the KCT 300L Wooden Compost Bin. However, many users have commented on the quality of the materials and the sturdy construction, which may suggest good durability. For peace of mind, it’s always advisable to confirm warranty details directly with the seller or through the manufacturer’s customer service.
Additional Information
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions: Approximately (L)75 x (W) 72 x (H) 88.5cm
- Weight: Around 12-15 kg, making it lightweight yet sturdy enough for outdoor use.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Compact Design
- Environmentally Friendly
- Promotes Aeration
- Easy to Assemble
- Blends Aesthetically
- Some Maintenance Required
- Limited Capacity For Larger Household
- Lack of Manufacturer’s Warranty
Final Thoughts
The KCT 300L Large Outdoor Wooden Compost Bin is an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners and gardeners with smaller outdoor spaces. Its natural wooden design, combined with its sustainable construction and efficient aeration system, makes it a practical and aesthetically pleasing addition to your garden.
While it could benefit from additional weatherproofing, its affordability, ease of assembly, and functional design make it a worthwhile investment for composting enthusiasts.
Whether you’re new to composting or looking for a compact solution, this compost bin offers a great balance of style, functionality, and sustainability.
Dobar Green Label ‘Stecki’ Composter 320 L
The Dobar Green Label Stecki Composter is a 320-litre wooden composter crafted for environmentally conscious gardeners in the UK.
This composter enables users to transform kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost, reducing waste and eliminating the need for chemical fertilisers.
Its sustainable FSC-certified pine wood construction and practical design make it ideal for small to medium-sized gardens, offering an environmentally friendly solution for sustainable gardening.
Key Features
Sustainable Materials
The composter is constructed from FSC-certified pine wood (Pinus sylvestris), sourced from responsibly managed European forests. This certification ensures that the wood is harvested sustainably, appealing to eco-conscious consumers who prioritise environmental responsibility.
With a 320-litre capacity, this composter is well-suited for small to medium-sized households. It can handle a substantial amount of organic waste, including vegetable peelings, grass clippings, and leaves, making it versatile for various gardening needs.
320-Litre Capacity
With a 320-litre capacity, it’s perfect for small to medium-sized households, handling organic waste like vegetable peelings, grass clippings, and leaves efficiently.
Tool-Free Assembly
The plug-in system allows for quick, tool-free assembly, with rounded, splinter-free edges ensuring safe and easy setup, even for those with minimal DIY experience.
Excellent Ventilation
Gaps of approximately 1¼ – 1/3⁄4 in (3.5–4 cm) between wooden boards provide optimal airflow, promoting efficient composting and reducing odours without letting material escape.
Sturdy and Stable
The square 78 x 78 x 78 cm (WxHxL) design ensures stability, even when filled, making it robust for outdoor use in various weather conditions.
Aesthetic Design
Its natural wood finish blends seamlessly into garden settings, offering a rustic, attractive alternative to plastic composters.
Warranty
No specific warranty details were found. This lack of clarity may concern some buyers. It’s advisable to contact Dobar directly or check the product packaging for warranty information upon purchase.
Maintenance Tips
The pine wood, while treated, may require periodic maintenance like staining or wood preservative to protect against the UK’s wet climate.
Conclusion
The Dobar Green Label Stecki Composter is a solid choice for UK gardeners seeking a sustainable, attractive composting solution. Its 320-litre capacity, tool-free assembly, and FSC-certified wood make it appealing for eco-conscious households.
However, potential wood durability issues, the need for maintenance, and unclear warranty details are drawbacks. With proper care and waste management, this composter can support a greener garden.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Eco-Friendly
- Easy Assembly
- Spacious
- Good Ventilation
- Attractive
- Maintenance Requirements
- No Manufactures Warranty
- A Little Pricey
Conclusion
The Dobar Green Label Stecki Composter is a solid choice for UK gardeners seeking a sustainable, attractive composting solution. Its 320-litre capacity, tool-free assembly, and FSC-certified wood make it appealing for eco-conscious households.
However, potential wood durability issues, the need for maintenance, and unclear warranty details are drawbacks. With proper care and waste management, this composter can support a greener garden.
Dovetailonline Garden Composter
If you’re a gardener with heavy-duty needs, this is the composter for you. Made from 10cm x 2.5cm (4in x 1in) thick ‘slatted’ timbers that are ‘fully’ treated against rot and fungus, the Dovetailonline garden composter will last years.
Although the manufacturer does not provide a protection warranty period, treated timbers usually last between 10 -15 years with minimal maintenance.
The bin’s durable ‘construction’ will make sure that all section parts are ‘glued and screwed’ together, ensuring durability in all UK weather environments.
Although treated against certain wood diseases, the composter will benefit from being stained or painted with a high-quality exterior wood sealer to protect against UV light damage.
A hinged lid keeps birds and squirrels away from gathering you’re ‘organic’ kitchen waste, while also trapping any smell coming from within the composter.
This garden composter is not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye but also practical! The Dovetailonline Garden Composter comes with its own ‘removable’ bottom door at the base of the bin, which is ideal for the removal of usable compost. No more ‘unstacking’ of bin panels to access your compost, who wouldn’t want that?
Measuring 63cm (W) x 63cm (L) x 90cm (H) (2ft x 2ft x 2ft 9in), giving a total volume of over 300L. The Dovetailonline is probably the perfect size for many gardens in the UK, You can place this ‘beehive’ bin almost anywhere in your garden or yard.
With 5 (five) separate stackable and unstackable sections, it means that as your compost heap grows, so can your bin, as you can add separate sections. Additionally, you can unstack your sections and easily move the bin to a new location.
As with all bin designs, bins should be ‘sited’ on fairly firm level ground. If not, the sections may not sit correctly on top of each other.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Stackable Sections
- Treated Timbers
- Hinged Lid
- Heavy Duty Construction
- Aesthetically Pleasing
- Bottom Access Door
- No Formal Warranty
- A Little Pricey
Forest Garden – Beehive Compost Bin
A compost heap is a necessary but often ignored issue in modern life.
The Forest Garden Compost Bin combines a stylish and easy-to-use solution to keep your kitchen scraps and other organic matter out of the landfill, probably for all of its 15 years!
It’s designed with an opening bottom section and should sit on the ground directly, as it has no floor.
Sitting directly on the floor is better for decomposition, as the bin will provide a home for worms and other microorganisms that will quickly convert all your organic waste into valuable compost.
Measuring 74cm (W) x 75cm (L) x 85cm (H) (2ft 4in x 2ft 4in x 2ft 9in), the Forest Garden Beehive compost bin provides around 250L of usable compost.
Designed with an opening hinged lid at the top, so that you can easily put kitchen scraps and other organic matter in and close the lid, keeping your organic matter dry in the worst of the wet UK weather.
This compost bin is made from pressure-treated timber, which will naturally weather over time. The ‘slits’ in the wood allow air to flow freely through the ‘bin’ during decomposition, providing anaerobic conditions within the pile.
This ‘Beehive’ bin is really easy to assemble as it’s shipped flat-packed, with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and all the fixings you need for a simple build.
Although treated against certain wood diseases, the composter will benefit from being stained or painted with a high-quality exterior wood sealer to protect against UV light damage.
The Forest Garden Compost Bin makes a beautiful addition to any garden or yard while also being functional for gardening enthusiasts who want to produce their own quality compost right in their own backyard (sorry for the pun).
As with all bin designs, bins should be ‘sited’ on fairly firm level ground. If not, the sections may not sit correctly on top of each other.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- 15-year Warranty
- Flat Packed
- Top Propped Lid
- Slotted Design
- Bottom Access Door
- Pressure-Treated Timber
- A Little Pricey
Before You Go
Some Quick Compost Usage Tips
- Position the bin on soil to allow worms and microorganisms easy access to the compost.
- Layer your compost with a mix of green (wet) and brown (dry) materials for best results.
- Turn the compost every couple of weeks to speed up decomposition.
FAQ’s
Is a Wooden Compost Bin Better Than a Plastic One?
The choice between a wooden compost bin and a plastic one is one of personal preference and circumstances. Wooden bins are aesthetically pleasing and biodegradable, but do require maintenance from time to time and can also attract pests.
Plastic bins are durable, low maintenance and have a higher heat retention, which is good, but they are not environmentally friendly and may not blend well in some garden settings.
What Size Wooden Compost Bin Should I Choose?
The size of a wooden compost bin depends on several factors, including the size of your garden and the amount of waste you produce.
Generally, a compost bin with a capacity of around 600-800 litres is suitable for most households. However, if you have a larger garden or generate a lot of waste, you may want to opt for a larger bin.
It’s important to choose a bin that you can comfortably manage and turn the compost in.
Do Wooden Compost Bins Smell?
Wooden compost bins can emit odours if they are not properly maintained. Generally, two sorts of smells occur — rot and ammonia, or if the contents are too wet or too dry.
Adding the right mix of green and brown materials, aerating the compost pile, and ensuring adequate moisture levels can help prevent unpleasant smells.
Conclusion
If you have been looking for a way to compost your household and garden waste, this post will help you achieve that goal, especially if you were looking for wooden compost bins.
Composting is an important part of sustainable living; it reduces the amount of organic waste that goes into landfills, helps maintain soil quality, and provides nutrients for plants.
We hope this post has helped you achieve your goal of composting! If you need any more help with anything else, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help!