PVC planters are setting a new standard
Planters are a great way to add curb appeal to your home. It is a great way to combine a well-designed garden with the home. There are many things to consider when trying to make your selection. Questions include: How much does it cost? Can it be painted? How long will it last? Can it be installed at home? Are custom lengths available? How does it look? How long will we live in the house? These are all very valid questions and to help you make your decision, I’ll go through the pros and cons of each of the different styles currently being used in the industry.
Planters come in a variety of materials. Wooden planters are the traditional standard and can be mounted directly to the house to add value. The downsides to wooden planters are that they will rot, it’s just a matter of when. Wood is not ideal for moisture-prone applications and once water seeps into the material, it typically lasts 2-3 years before it rots and five years before it starts falling off the house. The advantages of wood are that they can be custom made to fit almost any size and are usually the most affordable for custom windows.
The next option is vinyl. Vinyl planters can be affordable and are often made of a thin molded material that is typically vulnerable to cracking over time. The advantages of vinyl are that they are very light and do not rot like a wooden planter. The disadvantages of vinyl planters are that they cannot be mounted directly to the house, but will need to be placed on top of supports. The advantages of vinyl are that it resists rotting and works well for small windows. The downsides are that they tend to have a shiny plastic finish which may put some people off.
Additionally, wrought iron is an often-used option for flower boxes. Wrought iron planters achieve a distinctive look found nowhere else with any other material choice. For many people who want this look, wrought iron is the only option for them. The disadvantages of wrought iron are rust. You may need to spray the boxes with a primer and black spray paint periodically to prevent peeling paint from being exposed. This will keep the box looking new for a long time. Also, wrought iron planters often act more like a cage than a true planter. Often potted plants are placed inside the cage or in a separate window box all together. The advantages of wrought iron is that they add a distinctive look of class, can be customized, and can be maintained to last a long time. Aluminum is considered a potentially better alternative to wrought iron, due to its ability to never rust and its low maintenance, in addition to its light weight. Today many aluminum planters can be fabricated and painted black to look like wrought iron with less maintenance.
Next, PVC is a newer material option for flower boxes. PVC planters are ideal for those who are in it for a long time, otherwise they may be out of your price range. Unlike vinyl, PVC window boxes are made of a strong material that won’t crack and can be screwed from the back for a heavy-duty installation. And unlike wood and vinyl, PVC planters are low-maintenance and will retain paint for 15 to 20 years without fading. They are a must for watering, which makes them good for this type of application. The downsides to PVC planters are that they can be expensive, sometimes double the cost of wood or more.
Keep in mind that each material will offer its own advantages and disadvantages. By knowing what look you are trying to achieve, you can decide if wood, vinyl, PVC, or metal is the best option for you. Good luck and happy gardening!