4 Reasons Why Traditional Commercial Planters Crack Under Pressure

Cracking, spalling, crumbling, and leaking - these are not the words you want to describe what your commercial planter does, so why settle for one that will inevitably crack under pressure? Whether you own, manage, or rent your commercial property, or you’re a landscaper or architect, you understand the importance of maintenance and how adding curb appeal can improve business, especially if your business is a B2C or B2B. 

Keeping your commercial property looking its best includes maintaining the exterior, like mowing the grass, removing weeds, and caring for your commercial planters. Unfortunately, some commercial property owners settle for big-box planters or others made from heavy, unreliable materials that will inevitably crack under pressure. Fortunately, PolyMade has a solution for all commercial properties: our custom commercial planters that won’t crack under pressure. Continue reading to learn about our custom commercial planters that won’t crack under pressure and what makes them so durable.

Why do Traditional Planters Crack?

Traditional planters are made from materials prone to cracks: concrete, metal, wood, or fiberglass. Oftentimes, these commercial planters aren’t durable enough to help plants flourish or withstand the elements. Below are some of the many reasons why traditional planters crack:

Fluctuating Temperatures

No matter where your commercial property is located, odds are your area experiences fluctuating temperatures, especially when the seasons shift. Shifting from winter to spring to summer and fall brings chilly temperatures, warm temperatures, strong wind gusts, pop-up thunderstorms, and possibly snowstorms if your region gets them. Fluctuating temperatures cause soil to contract and expand, putting pressure on the inside walls of the commercial planter. Concrete planter boxes, fiberglass planters, and other lower-grade planters will develop cracks and other damage over time, creating an eyesore.

Freeze-Thaw Cycle

Unless you live on a tropical island (if so, we’re jealous), you likely have some sort of freeze-thaw cycle, especially as the seasons shift. Even the southern region can experience frosts or occasional freezing temperatures. As fall turns to winter and winter turns to spring, fluctuating temperatures create plenty of freeze-thaw cycles. Daytime highs above freezing and nighttime lows that are below freezing can wreak havoc on traditional planters, causing them to expand and contract, eventually cracking or breaking under pressure.

Overloading

How much weight can your concrete planter box support? What about your fiberglass planter? Traditional commercial planters can’t support the weight of large, complex root systems, wet soil, or heavy plants, causing an overload and eventually cracking or breaking the planter. Plants get heavier as they grow and thrive, and unfortunately, traditional planters aren’t manufactured to support heavy soil or plants.

Poor Manufacturing

There are plenty of commercial planter companies and big-box stores that make planters. Unfortunately, most planters are poorly manufactured, often carbon copies that offer little to no durability, made from poor materials that aren’t built to withstand extreme weather, fluctuating temperatures, and the weight of heavy soil and plants.

The PolyMade Difference

PolyMade’s custom commercial planters are built to last, engineered to endure, and are manufactured to be beautiful for years to come. Unlike traditional concrete planters, PolyMade’s three-layer construction is built to withstand the elements, including severe weather, freeze-thaw cycles, fluctuating temperatures, and support for your plants.

Our planters are made with three high-quality layers: high-density polystyrene (a material known for its lightweight, insulating properties), polyurea (a durable material resistant to cracking and breaking), and synthetic stucco that offers ultimate UV protection, protection from the elements, and fluctuating temperatures. Our planters can withstand salt spray, mold and mildew, dirt pickup, and extreme temperatures!

PolyMade’s Process

Our process is simple with one goal in mind: helping you bring your vision to life, regardless of size, quantity, or design. We encourage creativity throughout the process, and our creative team can help you design a custom-made planter complementary to your business and building. Below is our process:

Shape Your Piece

Do you have a concept for your custom planter but need help making it a reality? Our expert design team partners with you to bring your ideas to life in a fully realized, one-of-a-kind creation. From concept to completion, we offer unlimited design flexibility—empowering you to explore shapes, sizes, and finishes that perfectly reflect your brand and space.

Define Your Specs

The next phase in our process focuses on defining your project specifications. Using our modular design system and innovative Infinity Connections technology, we precisely tailor every detail of your custom planter, regardless of size, shape, or complexity.

Color Selection

Whether you desire classic colors or bold, distinct hues, PolyMade offers a variety of color options. We customize your planter using Sherwin-Williams™ colors and a final coat of Dryvit™, ensuring it’s weatherproof and UV-protected.

Customization Options

Your planters can be used for greenery or branding and signage - completely up to you! Our customization options include images, tone-on-tone engravings, and more.

Delivery & Assembly

We handle delivery straight to your specified location and supply all necessary hardware, sealants, and step-by-step installation instructions. Plus, our team offers dedicated installation support—ensuring a seamless setup experience from start to finish.

Let’s Build Your Customizable Commercial Planter Today

PolyMade planters will outlast the seasons regardless of severe weather or fluctuating temperatures. No matter the design or size of your commercial planter boxes, your PolyMade planter will have a DryVit™ finish, made to withstand all weather conditions and resist cracks, chips, and UV damage. You can customize your planter’s DryVit™ finish to be smooth, giving the appearance of stucco, concrete, or stone. 

Our attentive support staff will guide you every step of the way, from project design to installation.

Our team will work with you to create the perfect, lightweight planter regardless of size or design, and will assist with installation. Contact our team for more information about our lightweight, custom commercial planter boxes.