Planters Buyers Guide
One of the simplest yet most impactful tools for enhancing the look and sustainability of spaces is the commercial outdoor planter. They serve multiple roles, defining pedestrian areas, improving air quality, guiding traffic flow, and introducing greenery into otherwise hardscaped environments.
This is Broxap’s comprehensive, technical guide to outdoor planters for commercial and public spaces. It aims to transform the way you think about commercial outdoor planters as elements that shape welcoming, sustainable, and engaging public spaces.
Planters by Material
Steel planters are one of the most common and reliable choices for commercial use. Their galvanising process protects the metal from rust, while the powder coating provides an additional weather-resistant and decorative finish. Steel planters can be produced in almost any size or shape, from small streetscape units to large feature pieces, and can be colour-matched to other street furniture.
Cast iron planters are a traditional option often used in heritage or conservation areas. They have a timeless appearance and an extremely long lifespan when properly maintained. The material is heavy, which makes it stable and difficult to move, and it can be cast into decorative forms that suit classic streetscapes or historic town centres.
Stainless steel planters offer a clean, contemporary finish that works well in modern architectural settings. Stainless steel is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion and tends to be used for premium developments or where a high-quality surface finish is desired.
Timber planters bring a softer, natural character to hard urban landscapes. They are often constructed from durable hardwoods such as iroko and include a waterproof liner to prevent moisture damage to the wood and extend their lifespan. Over time, timber will weather and take on a silver-grey tone, which can be left natural or maintained, depending on the aesthetic preference. They are well suited to parks, public squares, and hospitality areas where a warmer, more organic look is preferred.
Recycled plastic planters are an increasingly popular sustainable choice. Made from post-consumer waste, they offer long-term durability, resistance to rot, and zero maintenance requirements. They are lightweight, easy to clean, and do not require painting or sealing. Recycled plastic planters are especially useful for coastal environments or projects prioritising low environmental impact and circular economy principles.
Concrete planters remain a classic choice for public realm applications due to their strength and permanence. They are extremely stable, resistant to vandalism, and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. They can be produced in a variety of finishes, from smooth polished surfaces to exposed aggregate textures.
Planters by Shape and Style
Rectangular and linear planters are highly versatile and are often used to define boundaries, separate pedestrian and vehicular areas, or create continuous bands of planting along streets and walkways. Their modular nature creates rhythm and repetition, establishing strong visual lines that guide movement or enclose seating areas. Square planters provide symmetry and formality, fitting neatly into structured layouts.
Round or cylindrical planters offer a softer alternative. Their curved forms help to break up hard-edged urban spaces and promote a sense of openness and flow.
The choice of shape should be guided by the intended spatial function of the planter, whether it is to act as a boundary, a focal feature, or an integrated part of the wider street furniture composition. The best results are achieved when form, material, and planting design work in harmony with the overall urban context.
Size and Scale Considerations
Small planters work best for compact areas such as entrances, narrow pavements, or café terraces. They suit low-growing species like herbs, grasses, or small shrubs that don’t need deep root systems.
Medium-sized planters are the most versatile and are often used in streetscapes, pedestrian zones, or around seating areas. These provide enough soil volume for perennials, ornamental grasses, and small trees, offering a strong visual impact without overwhelming the space.
Large planters are typically used in open spaces, transport hubs, or large public squares. Their generous soil capacity supports trees and larger shrubs, helping to create structure, shade, and a sense of permanence. Because of their weight and volume, large planters are usually positioned as fixed features and may require mechanical handling during installation.
Plant Selection
The success of any planter depends on choosing plants that suit both the container and the location. Urban environments can be harsh (hot in summer, windy, and often polluted) so selecting resilient species is key. The right mix of plants also ensures visual interest throughout the year and keeps maintenance manageable.
In small planters, focus on compact species with shallow roots. Hardy herbs like lavender, thyme, and rosemary work well, as do grasses and evergreens such as dwarf boxwood, adding both scent and texture.
Medium planters offer more scope and can support mixed planting schemes. Try shrubs such as hydrangeas, euonymus, or pittosporum, combined with perennial colour from salvia, geranium, or hosta.
Large planters can host more substantial plantings, including small trees and large shrubs. Species such as holly, birch, or ornamental cherry can bring seasonal interest, while underplanting softens the edges.
For year-round planting, combine evergreens for structure with seasonal varieties for colour and texture changes through the year.
Technical Specifications & Installation
Planters are manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit different applications. Our modular designs allow multiple units to be linked or arranged for continuous streetscape layouts. Heavy units, such as concrete or cast iron, are stable and secure, while lighter materials like steel or recycled plastic include optional fixing brackets or anchor points to prevent movement in public areas.
Installation is straightforward and designed to minimise disruption. All units include drainage outlets, and where required, pre-drilled holes for irrigation connections or anchoring systems. Surface finishes are selected for durability, with powder-coated steel, cast iron, recycled plastic and stainless steel able to retain colour and resist corrosion over time.
Our planters are tested for stability, structural integrity, and weather resistance, ensuring that they perform reliably in public spaces. With proper placement and simple anchoring, they provide a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution for streets, parks, and commercial developments.
Integration With Other Street Furniture
Commercial planters can be integrated seamlessly with other street furniture to create functional and attractive public spaces. One common approach is a seated planter. They can be designed with built-in bench tops or ledges, providing natural seating while defining pedestrian areas and pathways. This dual-purpose design maximises space in busy streetscapes and encourages social interaction without requiring separate furniture pieces.
Planters can also be coordinated with standalone benches, bollards and bike racks. Using matching materials and finishes helps maintain a cohesive streetscape aesthetic.
Commercial Planters FAQs
What
materials are best for outdoor commercial planters?
Steel, concrete, timber, and recycled plastic are the most common choices. Galvanised and powder-coated steel offers strength and weather resistance, while concrete provides permanence and stability. Timber and recycled plastic are ideal where a softer, more natural look is desired.
Can
planters be made to custom sizes or colours?
Yes. Most commercial planters can be manufactured to bespoke dimensions and RAL colour finishes to match specific design requirements or coordinate with other street furniture.
How
do planters drain excess water?
All our planters include integrated drainage holes or systems to prevent waterlogging. Depending on the design, these can be fitted with filter layers or gravel bases to improve performance and protect plants.
Are
your planters suitable for public spaces?
Yes. Our planters are designed for durability, stability, and safety in public environments. Heavier models resist tipping or vandalism, and lighter units can be fixed or anchored securely on-site.
Can
seating be integrated with planters?
Absolutely. We offer seated planter designs that combine planting and public seating in one structure, ideal for public spaces, courtyards, and pedestrian areas.
Do
you provide installation guidance?
Yes. Each product is supplied with installation information, including fixing options, handling advice, and maintenance recommendations. Our team can also advise on site-specific requirements.
Are
your products sustainable?
Where possible, we use responsibly sourced or recycled materials. Many of our steel and plastic planters are fully recyclable, and timber products are made from certified sustainable sources.
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