How to Specify Planters with Integrated Seating for Public Spaces

What is a planter with integrated seating?

A planter with seating is a planter with a bench built into the frame. It is a single structural frame that sits on a single foundation, occupying approximately half the ground-level footprint that a separate planter and bench would.

Typically, landscape architects, council officers, facility managers, and hospitality operators will invest in seated planters to add greenery and seating to public areas.

When does a planter bench work better than separate products?

Planters with seating can often solve many problems associated with space, greenery, and budget constraints.

Tight footpaths on high streets, small pub gardens, and campus courtyards would benefit from a seated planter, creating more space and preventing trip hazards.

For councils and facility managers running competitive tenders, an integrated planter bench can save both time and money, as it’s a single product that requires one specification line, and one installation visit.

Where visual consistency is important, these planter benches can ensure matched materials and visuals across other planters or seating elements. 

These benches can also define the edge of a specific area, like a dining area, pedestrian zone, or public square without the need for bollards or railings.

In any of these conditions or scenarios, a planter with integrated seating would be the better specification for you, both visually and structurally.

What materials are available for seated planters?

Seated planters can come in a variety of materials, ranging from concrete to steel to timber. 

Broxap’s own range comes in galvanised steel frames with timber seating and powder-coated planter bodies, with concrete options also available. 

Steel-framed planter with timber seating

Utilising a galvanised steel planter body with timber bench seating, this planter bench provides structural stability and longevity combined with a natural design. This can be powder-coated in any BS/RAL colour to match other outdoor furniture. It is best suited for town centres, high streets, hospitality venues, campuses, and other public spaces.

Concrete planter with timber or steel seating

This combination is most common for large-scale public realm schemes. The concrete and timber combination provides both comfort and durability, and serves as a permanent structure in many town centres, university campuses, and public areas.

Timber planter with timber seating

For a completely natural appearance, timber bench planters work with parks, heritage settings, and rural public areas. 

What should a seated planter specification include?

A seated planter specification needs to take many variables into account, including materials, capacity, seating type, fixing methods, accessibility, colour and finish, and whole life costs.

The materials of the planter should match the setting around it, including the maintenance budget and visual character required.

Planting capacity of the bench itself should also be taken into account, as the depth will dictate what can and can’t be planted there. Shallow planters allow for seasonal bedding, whereas deep planters support shrubs and small trees. Optimal drainage should also be considered to allow for watering.

Deciding on the type of seating for your planter bench can affect its usage. The choice affects comfort, dwell time and the type of use encouraged. A full bench with backrest and armrests will likely encourage long use compared to a perch seat which discourages long stays.

Your planter bench should also be DDA compliant (Equality Act 2010) and follow BS 8300 guidance (British Standards Institution) to support accessibility. Seated planters near accessible routes should include transfer space, and seat heights need to be around 450mm to 500mm. 

When deciding on the final finish for your product, you’ll likely choose a powder-coat in BS/RAL colours for steel and metal elements, and timber treatment for wooden components. Colour-matching to existing areas and using corporate branding will help to make your planter bench more distinctive.

Before your planter bench is installed, you’ll need to think about the whole-life cost and maintenance. Concrete and steel combinations will have the lowest maintenance requirements, whereas timber combinations will need re-treatment. 

By understanding the specifications of your seated planter, you can stay within your budget whilst also knowing how to ensure its longevity.