How PolyMade’s Custom Commercial Planters Outperform Metal, Wood, Concrete & Fiberglass Planters
When considering adding commercial planters to their property, most consumers compare these two top considerations: cost and material. While grabbing any old metal, wood, concrete, or fiberglass planter from a big-box store is convenient, you’ll likely regret your purchase and will need to replace it sooner rather than later.
So how do metal, wood, concrete, and fiberglass planters perform? And how do they compare to PolyMade’s custom commercial planters? Keep reading to learn how PolyMade’s custom commercial planters outperform metal, wood, concrete, and fiberglass planters.
Planter Material Comparison
Commercial planters are available in a variety of materials; metal, wood, concrete, and fiberglass are the most common and readily available at big-box stores or online. Below is a comparison of these materials and how they perform in the elements:
Metal Planters
Commercial metal planters are rising in popularity thanks to their sleek appearance and availability of finishes, such as silver, gold, copper, or black metal. Though they can give a luxurious appearance, there’s more to metal planters than their looks; they come with many downsides, and commercial property owners need to replace them frequently. For one, metal planters can rust depending on the material and finish. Planters made from copper or carbon steel can oxidize when you water them or when there’s moisture/precipitation in the air, resulting in rust spots on the metal planter, possibly staining your concrete patio, walkways, or storefront.
Next, metal planters also trap heat, causing the soil to heat up and leading to overheated or dried-out plant roots. Plants need moisture, and when a metal planter overheats, moisture evaporates, and the plants will dry out and wilt. Metal planters are also heavy, especially when full of soil and plants, making them difficult to move and requiring the rental of expensive equipment.
Wood Planters
Commercial property owners who want a rustic vibe often consider purchasing wood planters, but they can cause more headaches than they’re worth. All wood planters have an expiration date and must be replaced if not properly maintained. Whether made from cedar or teak, wood planters can resist rotting, but they require frequent maintenance, including seasonal applications of sealants and finishes to protect the wood from moisture.
Commercial wood planters placed in direct sunlight will fade and deteriorate quickly as the sun’s UV rays break down the wood, leading to cracks and fading. Wood planters also poorly perform in extreme temperatures, especially in climates with fluctuating temperatures. Because wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature, gaps and cracks develop quickly in wood planters. Wood planters also become heavy quickly, making them nearly impossible to move around a property without renting expensive equipment.
Concrete Planters
Known as one of the most durable manmade materials, concrete offers some benefits when used for commercial planters. However, the cons of using concrete planters greatly outweigh the benefits. For one, concrete planters are extremely heavy, weighing over 1,500 lbs. While the heavy construction concrete planters offer durability, they’re too heavy to move easily, if at all. This makes shipping concrete planters very difficult, resulting in high shipping costs.
Next, concrete planters aren’t as customizable as other planter materials, limiting the options to make a unique one that represents your brand. Concrete planters are also prone to cracking in freeze-thaw cycles and lack the insulation needed to keep the planter and plant protected from extreme temperatures.
Fiberglass Planters
Made by combining resin with threaded fiberglass, fiberglass planters are a popular choice for their lightweight and attractive appearance. Though they are lighter than concrete, wood, or metal planters, fiberglass planters have their fair share of disadvantages. That lightweight advantage quickly turns to a disadvantage because they’re prone to tipping and breaking, and they’re easily scratched and cracked. They’re also not a great choice for colder regions or regions that experience occasional freezing temperatures; the fiberglass can crack when exposed to frigid temperatures.
The PolyMade Difference
Unlike metal, wood, concrete, and fiberglass commercial planters, PolyMade’s custom planters are made from flexible and lightweight materials, offering distinct advantages. Our planters are made with a three-layer construction: high-density polystyrene for lightweight construction, a polyurea coating
that offers flexible strength and durability, and a Dryvit™ stucco finish that provides 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
Specially insulated planters that protect from fluctuating temperatures
Retains moisture
Protects roots
Modular planters that are easy to assemble and move
CAD capabilities for precise manufacturing
Proudly handmade in the USA
Food-safe certified
Built to ship and easy to install
PolyMade’s planters are different; they weigh only 6 lbs per cubic foot, with no forklift or heavy equipment required for most. Extra-large planters can include forklift channels for easy moving.
Let’s Build Your Customizable Commercial Planter Today
Do you envision planters around your property, and aren’t sure which planter material is best for your needs? PolyMade’s planters are the most durable, and we can bring your vision to life with extremely durable, customizable planters that will add elegance to your property. Your PolyMade planters will outlast the seasons regardless of severe weather or fluctuating temperatures. Our attentive support staff will guide you every step of the way, from project design to installation.
Our process is simple: from shaping your piece, 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.
