Fay
December 16, 2022
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Composite Planters
Fay
December 16, 2022-
Decking Ideas
Planters made from composite decking are becoming increasingly popular as consumers nowadays not only consider functionality but also prioritise aesthetics within their home improvements.
What are planters?
Decking planters are free-standing, enclosed containers designed to plant your plants, herbs, and vegetables. They are most commonly made from wood, composite material, metals, plastic, and terracotta, adding a beautiful aesthetic to any garden.
How to make a planter
The easiest way to create a planter is to use a readymade kit. Please see the steps below:
The Kit Method
Composite planter kits are available in various sizes. Unlike the DIY method, the composite planter kits are easy to set up without using any tools. Most of these kits contain manufacturer instructions on how to assemble them. If yours does not come with a manual, follow the simple steps below.
Get the kit ready
Get a planter kit from a garden centre, and make sure you purchase one based on the size of your garden bed. The kits usually contain a grid base and an aeration sheet to promote proper air circulation.
Assemble the base
Assemble the base of your raised garden bed by laying out the grids and pushing them together. Manufacturers make the grids in square segments that make it simple for you to fasten them together. If your kit comes with an aeration sheet, place the sheet on the grids.
Install vertical corner posts
Start installing the corner posts by fastening each post to the corners of the base grid. When installing the post, ensure the holes are positioned inwards to hold the boards in place.
Fill it with soil
Now that you have completed the composite garden bed, fill it with soil and start planting.
However, many planters are made from leftover decking, making the most of the materials that were not used during the decking installation.
Why use composite decking to create your planter?
Planters made with decking have become a popular trend. Not only can you use leftover material to create them, meaning you have zero waste, but they also match perfectly with your garden aesthetic.
Using composite material extends the longevity of the planters’ service life whilst remaining low maintenance and resilient against the elements.
Composite decking is also resistant to insects meaning less damage is caused over time which ensures less time and money spent on repairs.
Choosing to build your planter from excess decking is not as easy as buying a kit. However, it is still fairly simple…
Step-by-step building of a planter from:
Get the materials ready
Firstly, gather all the materials you will need to make the planters with composite decking. The materials you will need to make the size of the planter you have decided upon. You will also need tools such as a power or manual drill, screws, screwdriver, handsaw, measuring tape, and base material. Once you have all the materials needed, you can now start building your planter.
Lay down the base
Start by laying down the base of your planter. The base should be a grid base or lattice base. This will allow for an easy flow of water, and it will also promote air circulation.
Create the holes
Using a measuring tape, calculate the length of the composite board and cut it to your preferred size with a handsaw. After cutting the boards to size, use a manual or power drill to make pilot holes in two of the decking boards. The pilot holes will keep the composite decking from cracking when you insert a screw in it. Make three pilot holes on two of the shorter boards. Create these holes from the end edge of the board.
Fasten the boards
Attach the boards with galvanised screws. Galvanised screws are suitable for planters; they won’t rust when exposed to air and moisture. Then, line the boards up so that you can position the pilot holes on the outside corners. Using a power or manual drill to fasten the screws to the boards. If you don’t have a drill, use a screwdriver instead.
Attach the boards
Place the grid base inside the planter. Use a drill or a screwdriver and screws to fasten the grid base to the planter box. The grid base is important if you intend to put the planter on your decking or balcony. Once you’ve attached the grid or lattice base to the planter box, your composite decking planters are ready.
Fill it with soil
Now that you have finished making your composite decking planters, it’s time to fill them with soil. Fill the planter with your garden soil. Now you are ready to start planting.
Conclusion
It is possible to build planters from composite material, whether you use a kit or leftover composite decking cuts from your decking project. Having planters made from composite decking will not only be functional, but it will complement your outdoor space. Using waste from a previous project saves money and repurposes the material to avoid landfill.
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