Concrete Planters vs. PolyMade's Three-Layer Construction Commercial Planters: How Concrete Planters Compare

Have you ever purchased a large concrete planter from a big-box home improvement store only to be disappointed or replace it sooner than you’d like? That’s because mass-produced planters from big industries aren’t built to last nearly as long as one built by PolyMade; our commercial planters feature a three-layer construction that offers many advantages.

So how exactly does a concrete planter compare to a custom commercial planter from PolyMade? Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons of concrete planters and how they compare to PolyMade’s commercial planters so you can make the best purchase for your business and budget.

Concrete Planters vs. PolyMade: Construction Differences

Concrete planters are available at nearly every big-box home improvement store, making them easily accessible. Made from one of the most durable manmade materials, concrete planters can be durable, but they aren’t nearly as long-lasting as PolyMade planters, especially when comparing how they’re made.

Made from a mixture of water, cement, sand, and gravel, concrete is arguably one of the most durable materials, hardening as it dries and offering performance and strength. However, concrete planters aren’t the most durable and fall short in several ways. For one, it requires cranes and heavy equipment to install, making it difficult to place large concrete commercial planters on rooftop bars or balconies. They also don’t resist freeze-thaw cracking over time and wear down easily from exposure to the elements. Concrete is also a porous surface that dries out and leaches, leading to many issues.

PolyMade is made differently, offering the same aesthetic with roughly 75-90% less weight, for easier installation. Our commercial planters feature a three-layer construction for extreme durability. Our three distinct layers include a high-density polystyrene core that offers extreme insulation, then encasing the core in our polyurea layer, ensuring durability and sturdiness. Finally, our planters are finished with a synthetic stucco layer, allowing for customization.

Concrete Planters: Pros & Cons

It’s always wise to compare the pros and cons of various commercial planter materials, including concrete planters. Below are some pros and cons of concrete planters to help you decide whether it’s best for your budget and needs:

Pros

• Strong materials

• Decent insulation

• Lower maintenance than other materials like wood

Cons

• Heavy

• Doesn’t protect from freeze-thaw cycles

• Doesn’t allow for full customization

• Offers limited durability

• Poor drainage

• Wears down from exposure to the sun’s UV rays

• Can’t be modified

While there are a few benefits to adding concrete commercial planters to your business, they have several drawbacks, including their weight, a high likelihood of cracking from freeze-thaw cycles, and an increased risk of plant disease due to poor drainage. For commercial planters with superior durability and root protection, consider PolyMade.

The PolyMade Advantage

Unlike concrete—metal, wood, and fiberglass—PolyMade’s custom planters are built using flexible, lightweight materials, offering distinct advantages. Our planters are made with a three-layer construction for superior durability, flexible strength, and a premium customizable look. Below are some of the many benefits of building a custom-made commercial planter with PolyMade:

• Completely customizable with custom shapes, sizes, and color options

• Moisture retention

• Root protection

• Weatherproof

• Excellent drainage and irrigation integration

• Lightweight - nearly 75-90% less weight than concrete planters

• No maintenance required

• Lower lifetime cost

PolyMade’s planters are different; they weigh only 6lbs per cubic foot, with no forklift or heavy equipment required for most. Extra-large planters can include forklift channels for easy moving. 

Our Process

The process of designing a planter with PolyMade differs greatly from big-box store concrete planters. Below is a glance at our process from start to finish:

Step 1: Shape Your Piece

Unlike heavy, rigid concrete planters, PolyMade offers the freedom to create distinctive shapes and custom designs without sacrificing strength or performance. Whether you have a specific concept in mind or need help developing the perfect design, PolyMade brings your ideas to life with durable, lightweight solutions built for modern spaces.

Step 2: Define Your Specs

Think bigger with PolyMade; when your project calls for oversized custom planter boxes, we can create substantial dimensions without the challenges of heavy concrete. Our modular design system, featuring Infinity Connections, makes large-scale projects even more practical. Whatever scale your project demands, PolyMade can help bring your vision to life. Tell us what you need, and we’ll make it happen.

Step 3: Choose Your Colors

Whether you want matching planters in a series of classic hues or bold, distinct colors, your piece is weatherproof, UV-protected, and boasts a custom, premium finish with the appearance of concrete or stone without the weight or limitations.

Step 4: Customize Your Planter

PolyMade planters can be more than functional containers. They can become an integral part of your brand, space, and visitor experience. We give you the freedom to make every piece uniquely your own, allowing customizations such as embossed logos, artwork, branding, or wayfinding messaging directly on the surface.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Planter

The last step in our process is to enjoy your planter! PolyMade supports every stage of your project, from the initial design to shipping and installation. With PolyMade, you get more than a planter; you get a durable, thoughtfully engineered solution backed by a team that’s there to help bring your vision to life.

Let’s Build Your Custom Commercial Planter Today

If you envision planters around your property and aren’t sure which material is best for your needs, consider adding PolyMade planters. They’re the most durable option, offering excellent drainage and superior root protection while adding elegance to your property. Your PolyMade planters will outlast the seasons regardless of severe weather or fluctuating temperatures.

Our process is simple: from shaping your piece to defining your specs, choosing your colors, and finalizing customization options, we’ll work directly with you every step of the way. Our team will 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.