The 9 Best Woods for Planter Boxes
- Pressure Treated Pine. Natural pine is a softwood and is damaged very easily, which means that in that state, it is not considered suitable as a material for making ...
- Teak. Teak is a very strong and durable hardwood that is used for indoor and outdoor furniture because of its durability.
- Cedar. ...
- Cypress. ...
- Redwood. ...
- Douglas Fir. ...
- Walnut. ...
- White Oak. ...
What is the best wood for planter boxes?
Below are some of the best woods you can choose for planter boxes, including the pros and cons of each, so that you can find the best timber for your planter project. 1. Pressure Treated Pine Natural pine is a softwood and is damaged very easily, which means that in that state, it is not considered suitable as a material for making planters.
Do wood planter boxes need to be treated?
Unfortunately, commercial wood planter boxes are seldom treated with a protective coating to make it last even longer.
What kind of pine is used to build planters?
Natural, untreated pine can also be used to build planters, but it must be sealed to make it resistant to weathering, rot and fungus. Pine is also soft, which makes it vulnerable to nicks, gouges and other damage. Renee Miller began writing professionally in 2008, contributing to websites and the "Community Press" newspaper.
Can you use pressure treated pine for planters?
Pressure Treated Pine Natural pine is a softwood and is damaged very easily, which means that in that state, it is not considered suitable as a material for making planters. However, pressure treating the softwood enhances its durability and increases its strength: at which point, it is considered one of the best woods for this purpose.
What wood should I use for planter boxes?
So what type of wood is best for planter boxes? Cedar and Redwood are two of the most wood types available and you can't go wrong with either one. Cedar is particularly favoured due to its durable, lightweight and crack resistant qualities.
How long will a pine planter box last?
In optimal conditions, they'll last up to 10 to 20 years. However, longer-lasting materials are available as well. Besides durability, be sure to consider the material's availability, budget, climate, and preferences to make the right choice.
Can you make a planter box from pine?
Natural, untreated pine can also be used to build planters, but it must be sealed to make it resistant to weathering, rot and fungus. Pine is also soft, which makes it vulnerable to nicks, gouges and other damage.
How do you treat pine in a planter box?
Because they are non-toxic, natural oils are safe to use on wooden planters. Natural oils like linseed oil, tung oil, and hemp oil deeply penetrate the wood for a water-resistant seal. Using a natural oil will also enhance the natural colors and grains of the wood.
What wood should not be used in a raised garden bed?
Gardeners have used pressure-treated wood for decades in raised beds and as posts, but on December 31, 2003, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the sale of lumber treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) for residential use.
Is pine OK for raised beds?
Pine is a common wood for raised beds, since it's easy to work, and can be purchased for roughly 60 cents per foot vs. $4.00 per foot for cedar. However, pine is less resistant to rot, compared to other woods like douglas fir, cedar, and oak.
Is untreated pine good for garden beds?
Treated lumber and organic garden just don't go together, plain and simple. The chemicals in the lumber are right next to the roots of the plants that will grow our veggies. No, thanks. An untreated pine raised garden bed is much closer to mother nature's way of growing, so it's what we opt for as well.
What kind of wood should I use for a raised garden bed?
What Kind of Wood to Use? In most cases, cedar is the best wood to use for garden beds because cedar is naturally rot resistant. Western red cedar is commonly used, but white cedar, yellow cedar and juniper are also high-quality choices for outdoor construction projects.
How do you keep wooden planters from rotting?
Plastic liners inside your wooden planters will also help to minimise contact with moisture and keep wooden planters from rotting. ... Plastic containers are very useful in wooden planters made from poor quality wood or those without drainage holes. ... Varnish is also a very effective method of preserving wood.
How do you waterproof the inside of a wooden planter box?
0:080:32How to Waterproof a Wooden Planter Box - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith a putty knife apply roofing cement to the inside of the planter that will protect it from waterMoreWith a putty knife apply roofing cement to the inside of the planter that will protect it from water and keep it from rotting.
What is the best material to use for raised garden beds?
Cedar or Redwood Cedar and redwood are the two best choices of wood to build raised garden beds with. They're both very durable, beautiful, and naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and even termites. The cost of each can vary significantly depending on where you live.
Should I stain the inside of a planter box?
Semi-transparent penetrating stains can be beneficial to soft woods like cedar and can prevent the planter or raised bed from being damaged by rain or sun. Some stains may have an adverse effect on plants, so either stain the planter when it's empty or protect the plants inside.
How long do wooden planter boxes last?
Any kind of wood will eventually rot, but some types are more durable than others. Choose a rot-resistant variety, and plan to replace it every 10 to 20 years, depending on your climate.
How long will untreated pine last outside?
Untreated redwood, depending on it's age, has a projected life span of 50 years or more when exposed to the elements. Pine varieties have a projected life span of only 5 to 10 years.
Will wooden planters rot?
Wooden planters don't have as long of a lifespan as plastic, clay, or concrete containers. Eventually they will start to rot from holding damp soil and being exposed to the elements.
Do wooden garden beds rot?
Untreated wood may rot in as little as 3 years when exposed to water, soil, and insects. However, not all wood is created equal when it comes to raised beds. Wood will eventually rot – there is no way around it! An untreated wood planter box (raised bed) will rot like any other wood.
What wood is good for planters?
Redwood. Redwood is a fast-growing species of wood, making it a readily available planter material. This wood is durable and resists weathering and rot, but requires sealing to prevent cracking. Like teak and cedar, redwood left unsealed will also turn a grey color.
What is pine used for?
Pressure-treated pine is also commonly used to build planters, but it has some drawbacks that natural woods do not. Pressure-treated lumber is treated with chemical preservatives to make it rot, insect and weather resistant, but these are not ideal for planters that contain edible plants such as vegetables or herbs. Pressure-treated wood also tends to shrink over time and it doesn't take stain or paint well unless the wood has dried out. Natural, untreated pine can also be used to build planters, but it must be sealed to make it resistant to weathering, rot and fungus. Pine is also soft, which makes it vulnerable to nicks, gouges and other damage.
What is the best wood for outdoor furniture?
Teak. Teak is a commonly used wood for outdoor furniture and planters. This honey-colored wood is highly resistant to rot and decay, making it ideal for the moist environment needed to grow plants. Teak produces natural oils that protect it from the elements, but it will turn a weathered grey color if it is not sealed about once each year.
How to restore redwood planter?
If your redwood planter has weathered, the rich red color can be restored with a colored redwood sealer. Clean the wood with soap and water and rinse thoroughly before applying sealers to redwood planters.
What is pressure treated lumber used for?
Pressure-treated lumber is treated with chemical preservatives to make it rot, insect and weather resistant, but these are not ideal for planters that contain edible plants such as vegetables or herbs.
Do cedar planters need maintenance?
Cedar planters require little maintenance. A coat of sealant or stain will preserve the color, but if left bare, cedar planters typically weather to an attractive silvery grey patina. Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You | SmartAsset.com. Loading.
Can you use pressure treated pine for planters?
Pressure-treated wood also tends to shrink over time and it doesn't take stain or paint well unless the wood has dried out. Natural, untreated pine can also be used to build planters, but it must be sealed to make it resistant to weathering, rot and fungus.
What is the best wood for a planter box?
Cedar is a perfect choice for garden furniture and planters. Credit: Shutterstock
Can I make a planter box out of pine?
Pine is usually treated to ensure its durability and stability in construction so it’s a really good option for an outdoor planter box. Just make sure that is pine from a responsible source and if possible, aim to buy local, FSC wood. If you can find the “Grown in Britain” logo, the pine is probably Scottish.
What do I use cedar fence boards for?
I use the cedar fence boards to make my hanging basket baskets out of.
Can you put epoxy paint on wood?
A thick layer of epoxy paint on the inside might make it last beyond what mere paint will do if you can get a good bond to the wood. Even better if you can get a close fitting liner to keep the water off the wood.
Can you leave a plastic planter open?
With a plastic planter, you can leave the bottom open, maybe with a couple cleats to support the insert as needed.
What materials are good for raised garden beds?
Some materials that can be great for raised garden beds include: Sheet Metal. Leftover Composite Decking. Bricks. Railroad Ties. Depending on the material, you may still choose to line it but, free or next to free is much more economical than paying for brand new wood from the big box stores.
Can you secure warped wood?
If this is the case, especially in the case of warped wood, you may be able to secure boards for your project at a discount.
Can I paint pine wood for raised beds?
There is another option when it comes to using pine wood for raised beds that I want to touch base on. You can always paint it, stain it and/or seal it. Any of these options will help improve durability of the wood and make it less likely to rot.
Does untreated pine deteriorate?
As I mentioned, untreated pine is going to deteriorate faster than some other available wood types but, it’s still a great option for a temporary location. Figure on getting around 5 years of use out of your garden beds if you choose to go with untreated wood.
Do pine boards rot faster in wetter soil?
Of course, this is also highly dependent on your particular area and climate. Untreated pine boards in wetter soils are going to rot faster than the same boards installed in dryer climates.
Is pine wood safe to use?
Natural pine is just that, natural. In the absence of any stain, sealers, or preservatives, it is safe to use in your garden. The problem with natural pine is durability.
Do you need to line the inside of a raised garden bed?
Of course, you’ll likely want to line the inside of the beds if you go this route but, on the up side, lining your raised garden beds will serve as an additional barrier to protect the wood from the moisture of the soil. That means, once again, it will help prevent the wood from rotting.
What wood is best for raised garden boxes?
Redwood or Black Locust – Definitely the best option for raised garden boxes in terms of longevity because they are naturally rot-resistant and have been known to last up to 20 years. The con though is what you’d imagine — they are expensive! One of these types of wood will run you 3-4 times the cost of a cheaper wood.
Why do you plant closer together in raised garden boxes?
This is because the nutrient density of the soil composition can handle the close proximity of planting.
How long does raised garden soil last?
Less tilling – While it can be expensive to initially fill raised garden boxes with soil, it can last year after year and make your life a whole lot easier.
Can you grow organic food with pressure treated wood?
According to Miles McEvoy, who works in organic certification with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, no pressure-treated wood is allowed in soils used to grow organic food. If you want to meet this high standard, choose a different material. ( source)
Is raised garden box material free?
PROS | The material can be free depending on where you obtain it. It also gives your raised garden boxes a very rustic & cottage-look.
What Are the Best Wood For Outdoor Planters?
Wood planters are mostly used for outdoor gardening because they are durable, affordable, and look attractive. There are a variety of wood types out of which planters are made. But few wood types are most popular to make planters. We are mentioning the best wood for the outdoor planters are as per the following:
How Do You Keep Wooden Planters From Rotting?
The best way to prevent planters from rotting is to line them with a liner that is impervious to water and fungi. The lining helps prevent the rotting of the wood when the wood is wet with water.
What is the strongest wood for a planter?
Cedar and redwood will be the strongest woods for outdoor planters. Redwood isn’t as strong as cedar, but it does provide more protection to your plants. Teak is also a strong kind of wood because it’s resistant to pests and rot. Cypress is the weakest of these woods, but it is still a good wood for planters since it can be treated to prevent insects and rot.
What is the cheapest wood to build a wooden box?
Douglas Fir is considered to be the most affordable choice for you. It is the cheapest type of wood used to construct raised wooden boxes. Moreover, it also lasts from five (5) up to seven (7) years! It is also worth mentioning that Douglas Fir wood is fairly rot resistant. However, it is relatively prone to insect attacks, so you have to be careful and perform maintenance procedures from time to time.
Is cedarwood good for outdoor plants?
Cedar has lovely qualities as an outdoor planter. It lasts longer and is a favorite because most people can’t afford to replace wood planters very often. Cedar has a natural resistance, making it the best wood planter for the outdoors. So many people opt for this affordable alternative and cedar, is an ideal choice. While selecting the best outdoor planters it is important to ensure the health of plants to encourage fresh growth and produce beautiful flowers. And Cedarwood ensures great healthy plants.
Is redwood good for landscaping?
Redwood planters are an excellent choice. They are durable and can retain moisture, making them a great choice for many landscaping applications. Redwood has excellent durability, and it can be easily maintained. It’s perfect for people who like to keep their plants looking nice and healthy. It has minimal maintenance requirements with minimal decay issues, so it is ideal for garden lovers who want their plants to stay beautiful over time.
Is pressure treated wood safe for plants?
Properly built, pressure-treated wood is safe for plants. There are no toxins in treated wood that can cause health problems to you if you are growing vegetables and also to your plants. Pressure-treated wood will not rot or degrade over the constant usage of soil and water and also will give your plants a healthy environment to grow in a better way and get lots of fruits and vegetables for your happiness.
What is the best way to protect a planter box?
Oil-based resins, stains and varnishes with pigment added provide a weather-proof finish while adding a touch of color to your planter box. Resins, stains and varnish generally have a strong odor which usually subsides after a few hours. Resins are made from a blend of oils such as linseed, soy, castor and natural tree resins. Always use a plastic liner to prevent your plants from coming in contact with the inside of the box.
What is the best oil to use on planter boxes?
Natural Oils. Natural oils such as hemp, linseed and orange peel, provide a safe, non-toxic coating when applied to planter boxes. These oils tend to bring out the grain, but will also slightly darken the color. Oil provides a water-resistant, though not completely waterproof finish.
What woods last longer?
Planters made of rot-resistant redwood or cypress look great and generally last longer than those made with pine and other soft woods. Unfortunately, commercial wood planter boxes are seldom treated with a protective coating to make it last even longer. While these commercial planter boxes are often held together by glue, which tends to breakdown over time, by adding galvanized screws to reinforce the box and a safe protective coating to the exterior, you can substantially extend the life of your planter.
What to avoid when buying planters?
Avoid purchasing planters made with pressure-treated lumber or those coated with chemical preservatives. Opt for planter boxes made of redwood, teak or cypress. Planters available in large garden centers will often have a warning on the tag telling you if the planter should not be used for food plants.
Can you use a planter box for food?
If you plan to use your planter box for food plants, your best bet is to purchase a planter that is naturally rot resistant. Avoid purchasing planters made with pressure-treated lumber or those coated with chemical preservatives. Opt for planter boxes made of redwood, teak or cypress. Planters available in large garden centers will often have a warning on the tag telling you if the planter should not be used for food plants. Always use a plastic liner to prevent your plants from coming in contact with the inside of the box.
Can you paint a planter box with acrylic paint?
Available in an extensive array of colors and shades, acrylic exterior paint provides a safe, protective coating for your planter box that can easily be matched to your home's exterior. You may have to apply two coats of an acrylic finish in order to get the same protection as a heavy coat of natural oil or oil-based stains and varnish. Acrylic paints have less odor, provide easier clean-up after painting, and tend to dry quicker than oils, stains and varnishes.
1. Spinach
Spinach is a nutritious vegetable that is grown in both cold and warm weather. It contains high amounts of vitamin B6, B9, C, and Folic Acid.
2. Lettuce
Lettuce is another nutritious plant that is cold hardy and can flourish in warm weather. It is high in fiber and manganese.
3. Asian Greens
Asian greens are one of the most nutritious foods on this list. And best of all, they can be grown at any time of the year. Asian greens contain vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
4. Onions
Onions are the perfect vegetable for fiber, folic acid, and vitamin C.
5. Green Onions
Green Onions are a great source of Vitamins A, C, & K. In addition, it is a good source of Folic acid and Riboflavin.
6. Radishes
Radishes provide a great source of Vitamin C, Folate, and Potassium. It is one of the many easy vegetables to grow in planter boxes.
7. Asparagus
Asparagus is one of my favorite perennial vegetables to grow in a planter box. It is a great source of vitamin A, C, E, and K. It also folate, copper, and iron.
