Organized by section. Every question is answered directly in the first sentence — expand if you need more detail. For deep dives, follow the linked guides.
Materials & construction
What is a fiberglass planter?
A fiberglass planter is a molded composite vessel made of fiberglass cloth and polymer resin, finished with a UV-stable gel coat or pigmented surface. It's lightweight, frost-resistant, and dimensionally stable for ten to fifteen years or more of outdoor use. Full fiberglass guide →
What is a fiberstone planter?
A fiberstone planter is a composite of crushed natural stone aggregate and fiberglass resin, hand-finished to look like cast stone or aged concrete. It's lighter than concrete, frost-proof, and built specifically for the stone aesthetic without the weight. Serene Yards doesn't currently carry fiberstone — see our Material Guide for how it compares to what we do stock.
What's the difference between fiberglass and fiberstone?
Fiberglass has a smooth molded surface; fiberstone has a textured stone-aggregate finish. Fiberglass is lighter (suited to rooftops); fiberstone is heavier but still well under concrete weight. Fiberglass suits modern and minimalist designs; fiberstone suits Mediterranean, traditional, and stone-look projects. We currently carry fiberglass only.
Do fiberglass planters crack in cold weather?
No. Quality fiberglass does not absorb water, so it doesn't crack from freeze-thaw expansion. Jay Scotts finish these planters with an automotive-grade paint system built to withstand extreme conditions, and drilled drainage stops water freezing and expanding inside the wall.
Will the finish fade in the sun?
No. We only stock planters with UV-stable factory finishes — either pigmented resin or gel-coat. Surface-painted planters do fade, which is why we don't carry them. Jay Scotts specify an automotive-grade, UV-resistant paint system built for demanding outdoor environments.
Can I grow herbs or vegetables in these planters?
People do, and fiberglass is inert and non-porous. We can't make a food-safety claim, though: Jay Scotts publish no food-contact certification for these planters, and we don't publish figures we can't source. If food contact matters for your project, plant into a separate food-grade liner or nursery pot and use the planter as a cachepot.
Sizing & weight
How do I choose the right planter size for my plant?
The standard rule: the planter height should be roughly one-third to one-half the mature height of the plant. The planter diameter should be at least 2 inches wider than the plant's root ball, plus room for root growth over 2–3 years. Use the Planter Size Calculator for a precise recommendation.
How heavy is a fiberglass planter?
It depends on the shape and size — a low, wide trough and a tall column of similar volume weigh differently. Every product page lists the exact empty weight for that specific planter and size, so you can plan for handling and rooftop load limits precisely rather than by rule of thumb.
How much soil does a planter hold?
Soil volume depends on planter dimensions. Every product page lists exact inside dimensions; the Planter Size Calculator estimates soil volume for any size.
What's the maximum size you offer?
Our catalog changes as we add shapes and sizes — browse the current range for what's available today. Larger or custom sizes may be available on a project basis through the Trade Program.
Drainage & care
Do your planters have drainage holes?
Not by default — planters ship without a pre-drilled hole so they can double as a liner-friendly cachepot. You can request drilled drainage at checkout; note that a drilled planter is finished to order and becomes final sale.
How do I water a planter without overwatering?
Push a finger 1–2 inches into the soil. If it's dry at that depth, water deeply until you see runoff at the drainage hole. If it's moist, skip the watering. In hot weather, most planters need water every 2–4 days; in cool weather, every 5–10 days. Full care guide →
Do I need to put gravel in the bottom for drainage?
No. The gravel-layer practice is a long-standing myth — research shows that gravel actually impedes drainage by creating a perched water table. Use quality potting mix all the way down, with a small piece of landscape fabric over the drainage hole to keep soil from washing out.
How do I clean my planters?
Mild dish soap and warm water with a soft cloth. For commercial installs, a soft-bristle brush is fine. Pressure washing at low to medium pressure is acceptable on fiberglass. Avoid harsh chemicals — they can dull the finish.
Can these planters stay outside in winter?
Yes, in the great majority of US climates. Fiberglass does not absorb water, so it does not crack from freeze-thaw the way terracotta and concrete do. Empty saucers of standing water before freezes, and don't let snow accumulate against the planter base, but the planter itself stays out.
Shipping & returns
Is shipping really free?
Standard sizes ship free by ground within the contiguous United States. Large and oversized planters ship by freight at a flat $495, free on orders over $2,000. Freight deliveries are curbside with a scheduled delivery appointment; the method and cost for your size are shown on each product page.
How long does shipping take?
Every planter is finished to order, so allow 1 to 2 weeks of production before your order ships. After dispatch, ground deliveries usually take another 2 to 7 business days and freight deliveries 3 to 10 business days, with the carrier calling to schedule a window. You'll get tracking once the order ships.
What if my planter arrives damaged?
Inspect the shipment before you sign. If it arrives visibly damaged or not intact, you may refuse it. If you accept it, note the damage on the bill of lading or delivery receipt before signing — to the boxes, the planter, or the packing material. You are entitled to open each box and inspect the goods; if the driver will not wait, write on the paperwork that you could not check for concealed damage. Report it to us in writing within 2 business days of delivery at customerservice@sereneyards.com, with photos of the damage, the cartons and the packing material, and keep all packaging until the claim is resolved. Damage noted at delivery and reported this way is covered — contact us and we'll make it right, either by replacing the planter or refunding you. Damage not noted at the time of delivery is much harder to resolve, because the carrier claim depends on that record.
What's the return policy?
Unused items in original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery for a refund; contact us first for a Return Authorization number. Drilled-drainage planters are final sale, because drilling is done to order and cannot be undone. This does not affect your rights if the planter arrives damaged or defective. See the refund policy for full terms.
Do you ship outside the United States?
Not currently. We ship within the 48 contiguous US states. For Alaska or Hawaii, contact us and we'll quote a firm price before you commit. We do not ship to US territories or internationally.
Trade & multi-unit orders
Do you work with designers and landscapers?
Yes. The Trade Program offers volume pricing, project consultation, and rapid quote turnaround for landscape designers, interior designers, hospitality FF&E teams, property managers, HOAs, and contractors. Volume pricing and project consultation are available — get in touch through the Trade page with your unit count and timeline and we'll quote.
What's the lead time on a multi-unit commercial order?
Lead time is confirmed with your quote.
Can you provide CAD or product data for spec packages?
We provide dimensions, weights, material specifications, and product photography for every SKU. We don't currently offer CAD or Revit files across the catalog. Get in touch through the Trade page and we'll provide what you need for your spec package.
Do you offer custom finishes or sizes?
We work within our stocked finishes and the size range our manufacturers produce. We don't custom-fabricate. If your project needs custom dimensions or color matching, we can often point you to the right manufacturer to work with directly.