FAQ

Do you work to architect's drawings?

Yes. Most projects start from architectural or landscape drawings, which we develop into shop drawings for sign-off. We can also work from a written brief and a site photograph.

What materials do you offer?

Powder-coated mild steel and marine-grade aluminium, Corten weathering steel, and brushed stainless. Seat tops in Iroko, Oak or Accoya as standard, with other hardwoods on request.

What sizes can you fabricate?

Panel lengths up to three metres in a single piece. Larger runs are formed by joining panels with flush parallel or flanged return joints, designed to allow for expansion and contraction.

What is the typical lead time?

Around six to eight weeks from drawing approval to delivery, depending on scheme size and finish. We confirm a date in writing at the order stage.

Do you install?

Yes. Our own specialist installers fit schemes nationwide, or we can supply only for the main contractor to fix. Method statements and RAMS provided on request.

Is there a warranty?

Ten-year structural warranty on the fabrication. Finishes carry the relevant PPC or coating warranty (typically 15-25 years for marine-grade PPC).

Are metal planters bad for plants?

No — not when they are built properly. The issues people report come from thin, unlined, undrained containers. Our planters are insulated with a liner and air gap, drained at the base and specified with enough soil volume to buffer temperature, so root conditions stay stable.

Do metal planters get too hot in summer?

Bare metal in full sun can heat the soil at the edges. We mitigate this with a bonded liner, a ventilated cavity between skin and soil, light or matte PPC finishes where orientation demands it, and generous planter depth. On south and west-facing terraces we size the section specifically for heat load.

Are metal planters safe for growing vegetables?

Yes. Powder-coated steel and aluminium are inert once cured, and we line food-growing planters with a food-safe membrane so soil never sits against raw metal or coating.

Do metal planters rust?

Powder-coated steel and aluminium do not rust in normal use — we specify marine-grade PPC to Qualicoat/Seaside standard on coastal and exposed roof-level sites. Corten is designed to develop a stable oxide patina; it is a finish, not a failure, and we detail run-off so staining does not reach paving below.

How do you handle drainage?

Every planter gets a drainage layer, drilled or slotted base outlets and, where the build-up requires it, a spigot connected to the terrace drainage. Podium schemes are detailed with the waterproofing designer so nothing penetrates the membrane.

Should planters be lined?

Yes for almost every scheme. A liner separates soil from the metal skin, protects the coating from constant moisture, evens out temperature and lets us keep the visible metal thin and crisp.

Corten or powder-coated steel — which should I choose?

Corten for a warm, weathered, self-finishing look that changes over time and needs no recoating. Powder-coated steel or aluminium when you need an exact RAL, a consistent appearance from day one, or a lighter unit for podium loading limits.

How deep should a planter be?

Roughly 300-400mm for grasses, perennials and herbs; 500-600mm for shrubs and hedging; 800mm-1m for multi-stem and small trees. Deeper units also reduce watering frequency and heat stress at roof level.

How much does a bespoke metal planter cost?

It depends on material, size, finish and whether seating or irrigation is integrated. Send drawings or a rough scheme and we'll return a written cost breakdown — no charge for the estimate.

Can you integrate seating, irrigation or lighting?

Yes. Hardwood seat tops, concealed irrigation feeds and cable routes for lighting are all detailed into the fabrication rather than added afterwards, so no fixings or pipework are visible.

Do you deliver outside London?

Yes — we fabricate and install nationwide, including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and Cardiff.