Container Gallery

At Art's we make it easy to have beautiful containers. Pots and planters are a big part of many gardens today. However, there are so many kinds available that making a choice can sometimes be difficult. That's why we've put together this handy resource to give you more information as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

	Glazed Ceramic Pottery Glazed Ceramic planters are probably the most common type of pottery. They come in a huge variety of colours, styles and sizes. Made of terra cotta or stoneware, these planters are baked to a higher temperature and then sealed with a colourful outer glaze. As a result they are less susceptible to cracking due to frosts or chipping from handling. The terracotta is still exposed on the inside of the pot so some winter protection is always recommended. Wall thickness is often a good indicator of pot quality. Outdoor pots are usually much thicker than indoor pots. Glazed ceramic pots are quite heavy, but not as heavy as stone, concrete or cast iron.
	Terra Cotta Pottery Terracotta (Italian for 'Baked Earth') planters are made from baked clay and have a classic natural, brownish orange color due to the presence of iron. The porous nature of this earth-based material means it will allow air and water to permeate through its walls. As a result, plants will have healthier roots by staving off root rot and disease caused by over watering. However, the soil will dry out quickly, which means more watering is required. Terra cotta pots are fairly heavy, and are vulnerable to breakage and cold weather. If water remains in the pot during frost, the pot may flake or crack. As a result, many people choose to either bring their terracotta pots indoors in the winter, or opt to protect them from the elements in some way. Terracotta is available at different qualities. Cheap varieties are more susceptible to cracking as they are baked at lower temperatures and have thinner walls. Higher quality terracotta pots have thicker walls and are baked to a higher temperature to make them harder and less water permeable. This also makes them less susceptible to cracking. A good quality terra cotta, when uncracked, will make a ringing sound if lightly struck.
	Terrazzo Pottery Terrazzo containers are made from a mixture of cement, granite and marble. Granite and marble chips are added to the cement and then ground to a smooth polished finish.They are modern and elegant in appearance. They are equally suited for indoor and outdoor use, but like terracotta are best brought indoors or protected in the colder winter months. These planters are tough and heavy but are susceptible to chipping when knocked against hard surfaces. For added protection use commonly available sealants found at most hardware stores.
	Fibreglass Pottery For those seeking a lightweight alternative to traditional pottery, fiberglass is the answer. Modern fiberglass pots can mimic most other types of pots including terracotta, cast stone, cast iron and other metals. These pots are molded from a viscous polymer laced with fiberglass strands which lend strength to the thin liquid allowing for clearer details and textures than those possible with plastic. As these pots are quite light, they may blow over in extreme winds. They are quite resistant to cracking and frosts, but their outer layers are susceptible to paint peeling, flaking and chipping. The benefit is that even when aged, they can always be repainted.
	Dura Klay DuraKlay pots are attractive containers that look somewhat earthy. They are made with a process that incorporates layers of fiberglass and traditional terracotta. DuraKlay is frost-proof and UV resistant - meaning its colour will not fade as a result of the suns rays. Rather, it undergoes a natural attractive aging process over time. It weighs about 2/3 less than that of typical ceramic pottery. Being lighter, it is easier to move than heavier products like stone or iron. Another benefit of this type of material is that it requires 90% less energy to manufacture that traditional stoneware pots - making it better for the environment.
	Cast Iron While cast iron planters can be heavy and difficult to move, they will never blow over in the wind and can offer an amazingly attractive classic look to a garden. Cold weather will not harm cast iron pots. Dark coloured pots can absorb heat which may harm plants in the warm season. Rust can be an issue as well. Rust can be limited by a yearly application of a weather resistant sealant.
	Cast Stone Cast stone planters are built to last. They are created by pouring a cement/sand/stone mixture into a mold. The finished piece replicates the look of hand carved stone, but at a much more affordable price. They are weather resistant and their weight keeps them from blowing over. As a result, they are also difficult to move - which may be a benefit if they are in a more public area. They offer a classic, regal look in a limited selection of colours. Cast stone is stronger and less permeable than concrete planters, making it more resistant to the elements. Evaluate the quality of cast stone planters by looking for a thin seam line (an inevitable result of the moulding process) as well as the thickness of the walls.
	Concrete Aggregate Like cast stone, concrete planters are heavy and difficult to move. This makes them ideal for areas with high traffic or where the risk of theft is high. They are often finished with exposed aggregate to improve their appearance and are available in a limited number of colours or tones. They weather well, but are more permeable than cast stone.
	Cedar / Wooden Planters Wood planters are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Being wood, they can always be stained or painted to suit any look you are after. Wood will not crack as a result of frost and can be left outside all year. Wood does decay over time so some protection against the elements is suggested for longer life. It is of moderate weight and can be relatively easily moved compared to stone or iron.
	Metallic Planters Pots are available in a variety of other metals. They are very popular in North America due to their sleek, modern styling and urban appearance. They offer a simple elegance, usually in a darker metallic colour palette and a lighter weight making them easier to move about. Zinc planters are equally suitable for indoor and outdoor use, are lightweight and somewhat resistant to rust. However, they will begin to rust as they age if continually exposed to water and harsh weather conditions. The life of zinc planter can be extended if sealed or oiled periodically. Check to see if your zinc planters have drainage holes as not all of them do. Zinc Coated Galvanized Steel An alternative to pure zinc, these planters are available in a variety of weights and are as strong and rigid as steel along with the weather-protection from the zinc coating.

Visit our custom containers page for additional information.

Back to Top