I started my raised beds over 20 years ago, and as I couldn't afford anything I thought I would do a temporary job, then improve them later. They are 26 ft long (which I now find too long, and will split with a narrow throughway when I get round to it) and 4 ft wide - being only 5 ftish myself I find it a bit too wide, and if I was starting again might go for 3 ft, but if you are a usual height I am sure 4 ft will be fine.
I used cheap 1" x 6" tanalized board, and I know some will say the chemicals are bad for the veg, but everything has done ok - in fact done well - then held it in place with 2"x2". Ok some of the first beds are looking a bit tatty, but they are still useable after all this time. Again if I was starting afresh I would extend these 2" corner posts up to about 18" maybe as it would stop the hose pulling over the beds, and gives something to tie potato haulms etc up out of the way with
The paths are black polythene underlay and scalpings on top. I measured the wheelbarrow before I set the garden out so everything fit, though you dont need a path wide enough for a wheelbarrow except every other bed.
I am on heavy clay soil with ground springs, and there is no way I could manage the garden without the bed system. Originally being young and fit (20 odd years ago now) I double dug the bottom spit, and have added loads of compost and my own, (or at least my own animals) FYM, plus Lawrence Hills clay soil conditioner of 1 part dolomitic limestone to 4 parts gypsum. That and 20 odd years blood sweat and tears (literally that is!!) have made an immense difference.
All the best
Sue