Fiberglass Planters vs. Metal Planters: A Comparison

The increasing popularity of industrial design has made metal accents and finishes more prevalent. This look works well in streamlined, modern, and sophisticated design settings, but are metal planters the best choice for your plants?

The answer isn’t so straightforward. When choosing a planter, you have numerous factors to consider beyond aesthetics. Location, plant choice, durability, and climate all come into play. You will also encounter a wide variety of planter materials, including low-maintenance fiberglass planters. When deciding between metal and fiberglass planters, consider these comparisons before selecting the next foundation for your greenery.  

Appearance

The charm of a metal planter is hard to ignore, even if industrial design isn’t your style. Metals like bronze, copper, and steel can be attention-getters, adding a modern, upscale look to a space. This can be especially appealing for landscaping projects in urban environments or elegant settings such as restaurants, retail complexes, hotels, and resorts. When it comes to aesthetics, both metal and fiberglass planters can deliver on this appeal.

Metal

With their inherent qualities, metal planters can serve as focal points for entryways, lounges, spas, poolside areas, and other spaces where people gather. This category of planters is available in a variety of metals, such as corten steel and aluminum. However, it’s worth noting that different metals come with unique maintenance needs, which may affect their long-term suitability.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass planters, available in various shapes, sizes, and finishes, can be an excellent alternative to metal planters without the fear of tarnishing or rusting from weather or environmental exposure. While quality fiberglass planters often come in standard finishes like silver, gunmetal, and bronze to mimic the look of metal planters, you can also request custom projects to match your design vision.

Suitability for Plants

Considering the health of your plants is essential when choosing a planter material. If you’re comparing metal and fiberglass planters on this factor alone, fiberglass may be the better option. Here’s why:

Metal

Most plants thrive with sunlight, but metal planters that sit in the sun can hold and transfer heat and will often bring the soil and plants inside to harmful temperatures. If you’re considering metal planters, it’s important to take precautions. One option is to use a plastic liner to insulate the soil and roots from the heated metal.

Fiberglass

The composite material and finish of fiberglass planters are UV resistant and offer a temperature-absorbent barrier for your plants. This makes instances of plants overheating and experiencing root damage very rare. With the right conditions, your plants can thrive, which makes fiberglass planters a preferred choice for optimal plant health.

Durability

You probably want your planters to last season after season. While metal planters may seem just as durable as fiberglass, their susceptibility to oxidation is a leading factor that can affect their long-term performance.

Metal

When choosing a metal planter, it’s important to consider the differences among various metals. Corten steel and aluminum are both popular options. While corten steel develops a patina that strengthens it, this process takes time, and aluminum requires a protective powder-coated finish to prevent oxidation. Although metal planters are designed to last in nearly any weather condition and withstand heavy foot traffic, their maintenance needs should be a consideration.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass planters, on the other hand, are nearly indestructible—resistant to rain, wind, extreme heat, and freezing temperatures. They can be left outdoors year-round, season after season, without fear of structural damage. Fiberglass planters are also valued for their durability in high-traffic areas, making them a top choice for designers who landscape both exterior and interior commercial spaces.

Ease of Use

Planter use will help determine the best material. For instance, if you plan to move planters around frequently, then weight is an important factor. Here’s a quick comparison of metal and fiberglass planters when it comes to weight and maneuverability:

Metal

The type of metal can affect planter weight. A large corten steel planter is significantly heavier than an aluminum one, but in general, metal planters are fairly heavy. Compared to other materials, the weight of metal planters makes them much harder to move.

Fiberglass

No matter the size, fiberglass planters will generally be the lighter option when compared to their metal counterparts. In addition to impressive durability, fiberglass planters are surprisingly lightweight because of the composite materials used during the manufacturing process.

Cost

As with most purchases, planter costs can vary widely based on size and shape. When choosing a planter, it’s important to consider all factors, including location (indoors or outdoors), climate, and long-term durability. Here are some key points to keep in mind when comparing the cost of metal and fiberglass planters:

Metal

If you’re in the market for a metal planter, you’ll find that solid aluminum or corten steel options can cost significantly more than others. Planter size, metal thickness, and quality—often based on the reputation of the manufacturer—also contribute to the final cost.

Fiberglass

Quality fiberglass planters are surprisingly cost-effective. In most cases, when comparing similar sizes, fiberglass planters are less expensive than their metal counterparts.

Whether you’re choosing between metal or fiberglass, it’s important to take a careful look at your needs and explore the pros and cons of each material to make the best choice for your plant designs. Both metal and fiberglass planters are excellent accents for any space.