With so many materials to choose from, it can be hard to distinguish which is the best material for garden pots, planters and containers. So let us help you choose with our review of planter materials!
Wood
➡ Shop Wooden Planters ⬅
Wood is a traditional planter material that is naturally beautiful. It is highly durable and can withstand fluctuating outdoor temperatures so it’s a reliable choice when building a strong and robust container. The versatility and flexibility of timber means it can be crafted into many shapes and sizes, and painted with a range of colours and finishes. This diversity therefore makes wood containers particularly suitable for commercial use where displays need to be long-lasting. In order to maintain this quality and prevent rot, wood should be pressure treated and suitably lined before it is planted. 
There are different types of lumber that can be used to build a planter box, some better than others. Here at Taylor Made Planters, we use a selection of high-quality hardwood and softwood. This includes Redwood Cedar, Pine, Iroko, Accoya and Yellow Balau. Cedar wood is favoured for its long-lasting qualities and natural resistance to rotting. It is naturally fungal resistant and contains natural oils that preserve the wood’s quality. Redwood Cedar has a smooth appearance and a beautiful red tone that will enrich any exterior space.
All of the timber we use comes from a sustainable source. Find our more about the benefits of sustainable wood.
Fibreglass
➡ Browse Fibreglass Pots ⬅
Fibreglass is a lightweight material that allows for planters to be easily moved around, unlike some large and heavy timber designs. This makes fibreglass containers particularly suitable for residential use. High-quality reinforced fibreglass is a sturdy compound that can withstand harsh weather conditions, so fibreglass containers offer the flexibility to be displayed indoors and outdoors. This contemporary material is a popular choice when creating a garden display with multiple planters due to the elegant and modern look Fibreglass offers. Some maintenance is required to maintain the colour and quality of this material by cleaning each planter at least twice a year with a non-abrasive material.
Ceramic
➡ Shop Ceramic Plant Pots ⬅
Glazed ceramic adds beauty to a garden planter with its distinctive surface and can be crafted into a variety of designs. The natural quality of this material means that every ceramic planter is completely unique. Unlike un-glazed ceramic such as terracotta, glazed materials retain water better and therefore dry out less quickly, making it a much more favourable material for garden displays. Ceramic planters can be very heavy and are 
prone to breaking so you will need to consider where you place your containers.
Metal
➡ Browse Steel & Metal Planters ⬅
There are a wide range of metal materials that can be used to craft a planter, and they can vary in quality. Cheap metal materials can rust quickly and be negatively affected by outdoor elements. However, sturdy metals like Aluminium and Galvanised Steel are highly durable and won’t crack or break. They provide a solid look that works well with a variety of large plants, and can be finished with a scratch resistant coating.
Terracotta
➡ Shop Clay Pots ⬅
Clay Terracotta plant pots are functional and beautiful, and every individual planter is completely unique. This makes terracotta one of the most sought after garden planter materials. A precise heating and cooling process goes into make terracotta pots, which are hand thrown by skilled manufacturers. Clay is a porous material so it ensures a healthy environment for roots to grow, whatever you need to plant. At Taylor Made Planter, we offer a 50 year frost proof guarantee on all of our Terracotta products, so you can rely on our quality Clay to last for many years to come.
Composite
➡ Browse Composite Planters ⬅
Composite is a highly affordable material for outdoor planters that provides a wide range of benefits. Made from recyclable materials, Composite planters are environmentally friendly whilst delivering on style and durability. The flexibility of composite materials enables outdoor planters to be made in endless shapes and colour finishes, as well as providing a final product that is low maintenance and insect repellent.
Composite products are also available integrated with LED lighting so you can turn your planters into an amazing feature in your garden! And like all of the materials we work with here at Taylor Made, we can provide a custom size and design to suit your specification.
Get a Free Planter Quote
For more advice about the best material for your outdoor planters, speak to the Taylor Made Planters’ team. We’re planter specialists with a quality range of both traditional and contemporary containers. Get in touch for a free quote today!
