Which planter material is right for you?
Material decides how a planter handles weight, weather, and time. Here's how the main options compare, and which fits what you're after.
Tell us about your spot
Climate
Location
Priority
-
Fiberglass
Light, tough, and frost-safe. The premium all-rounder.
FrostLightFadeLife- Best for
- Rooftops, hospitality, large and tall pieces
- Look
- Any finish: matte, gloss, metallic, or faux stone
- Watch out
- Edges can chip; cheap versions crack at the corners
-
Fiberstone
The look of stone at a fraction of the weight.
FrostLightFadeLife- Best for
- A stone statement on patios and sturdy balconies
- Look
- Natural stone texture, neutral tones
- Watch out
- Edges can chip; more porous than fiberglass
-
HDPE Resin
The lightest and most freeze-proof. Great value.
FrostLightFadeLife- Best for
- Rooftops, self-watering, cold climates, low upkeep
- Look
- Matte solid colours, modern, some stone-look
- Watch out
- Reads less premium; so light it can blow over (add ballast)
-
Corten Steel
Architectural rust patina that lasts decades.
FrostLightFadeLife- Best for
- Modern landscapes, commercial plazas, statement pieces
- Look
- Warm orange-to-brown weathered steel
- Watch out
- Rust runoff stains paving. Not for coastal salt air
-
Powder-Coated Aluminum
Sleek, rust-proof, and built for the coast.
FrostLightFadeLife- Best for
- Coastal sites, rooftops, modern and hospitality
- Look
- Any powder-coat colour, clean modern lines
- Watch out
- Dents on impact; chips need a touch-up
-
Cast Stone / GFRC
Luxury stone presence; GFRC keeps it lighter.
FrostLightFadeLife- Best for
- High-end, permanent, classic-to-modern installs
- Look
- Carved-stone look, many patinas
- Watch out
- Solid cast stone is very heavy; GFRC is the lighter option
-
Concrete
Heavy and permanent. Tough at ground level.
FrostLightFadeLife- Best for
- Permanent ground-level and windy sites
- Look
- Raw, modern, industrial
- Watch out
- Very heavy (a 24 in. can top 300 lb); seal it in freeze zones
-
Terracotta
Classic breathable clay for mild climates.
FrostLightFadeLife- Best for
- Mediterranean style, hot and dry climates, herbs
- Look
- Warm rustic red clay
- Watch out
- Cracks in freeze-thaw; dries out fast in heat
-
Glazed Ceramic
Rich glazed colour for statement accents.
FrostLightFadeLife- Best for
- Decorative accents, mild climates, covered patios
- Look
- Glossy, vibrant glazes
- Watch out
- Brittle; cracks in a hard freeze if water is trapped
-
Wood (Cedar / Teak)
Warm natural wood; teak lasts the longest.
FrostLightFadeLife- Best for
- Raised beds, natural and rustic gardens, decks
- Look
- Natural grain that silvers over time
- Watch out
- Needs oiling; cedar lasts 10 to 20 years, less in soil contact
A general guide. Exact specs vary by maker and are listed on each product page.