What is the Best Wood Planter Material?
It should not come as a surprise to find that not all woods are created equal and that not all will make good material for Wooden Planters. Whether you are building or buying a wood planter, it is good to know the different types of wood that are available and pick the best one for you. This will depend on how you plan to use it, where you plan to use it and for how long. If you are looking for a permanent outdoor fixture, you may choose a different type than if you were looking for a wood planter to use indoors or for a very limited amount of time. Either way, doing your research could save you some time and money in the long run.
There are essentially two classes of woods that the majority of varieties fall into. These are softwoods and hardwoods, both of which are used as building materials in some capacity or another. You can find Wood Planters made out of both types of wood, and all will respond differently to different conditions. Both classes of wood will also vary in durability, longevity and stability depending on how they are treated and where they are kept. An untreated wood planter left outside, whether it is hard or soft, could not be expected to last very long without showing noticeable wear and tear.
Pine, Fir, Spruce and Hemlock are a few common varieties of softwoods. Pine in particular is used frequently to make certain types of furniture and is also used in buildings. The major downfall to using Pine and the other types of softwoods mentioned is their instability. They are more porous than other types of woods so they tend to absorb moisture quickly and lose it just as fast. Wood planters made from pine, especially if not properly treated, can absorb the moisture of the soil, taking it away from the plants. This is how wood loses its shape and stability, or "warps". Pine that is chemically treated before being used as a wood planter has a better chance than Pine that is not.
Cedar is another common softwood, as is Redwood. These two are different from other softwoods in that they are excellent for outdoor projects and can make great material for wood planters to be used on your patio or in your yard. Cedar Planters are naturally resistant to rotting and warping. It can withstand the rain, sleet, snow and sun while maintaining its natural coloring and design. As with all wood, Cedar should be treated if it is to be outside all the time. It may be sturdy but it is not invincible.
Hardwoods are used less often for wood planters for a number of reasons. They tend to be more expensive and harder to find, they are also more difficult to work with and require more specific tools. The end result, however, is worth it as hardwoods can create some of the most beautiful furniture and structures you'll find anywhere. Red Oak and Poplar are common hardwoods, as are Maple, Cherry and Birch. Although these woods are very sturdy and withstanding, it is most common to find them inside. Wood planters made from these materials will be more expensive than others but the colors and designs with be similar to those found on handmade cabinets, chairs and tables. Ultimately most woods can be utilized to make wood planters, but some will hold up better than others and some will be more attractive than others. Your needs will differ from everyone else's so do your research and decide what kind is best for you before you buy.
There are essentially two classes of woods that the majority of varieties fall into. These are softwoods and hardwoods, both of which are used as building materials in some capacity or another. You can find Wood Planters made out of both types of wood, and all will respond differently to different conditions. Both classes of wood will also vary in durability, longevity and stability depending on how they are treated and where they are kept. An untreated wood planter left outside, whether it is hard or soft, could not be expected to last very long without showing noticeable wear and tear.
Pine, Fir, Spruce and Hemlock are a few common varieties of softwoods. Pine in particular is used frequently to make certain types of furniture and is also used in buildings. The major downfall to using Pine and the other types of softwoods mentioned is their instability. They are more porous than other types of woods so they tend to absorb moisture quickly and lose it just as fast. Wood planters made from pine, especially if not properly treated, can absorb the moisture of the soil, taking it away from the plants. This is how wood loses its shape and stability, or "warps". Pine that is chemically treated before being used as a wood planter has a better chance than Pine that is not.
Cedar is another common softwood, as is Redwood. These two are different from other softwoods in that they are excellent for outdoor projects and can make great material for wood planters to be used on your patio or in your yard. Cedar Planters are naturally resistant to rotting and warping. It can withstand the rain, sleet, snow and sun while maintaining its natural coloring and design. As with all wood, Cedar should be treated if it is to be outside all the time. It may be sturdy but it is not invincible.
Hardwoods are used less often for wood planters for a number of reasons. They tend to be more expensive and harder to find, they are also more difficult to work with and require more specific tools. The end result, however, is worth it as hardwoods can create some of the most beautiful furniture and structures you'll find anywhere. Red Oak and Poplar are common hardwoods, as are Maple, Cherry and Birch. Although these woods are very sturdy and withstanding, it is most common to find them inside. Wood planters made from these materials will be more expensive than others but the colors and designs with be similar to those found on handmade cabinets, chairs and tables. Ultimately most woods can be utilized to make wood planters, but some will hold up better than others and some will be more attractive than others. Your needs will differ from everyone else's so do your research and decide what kind is best for you before you buy.
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by Kristopher_S
Collecting and making Outdoor furniture has been a hobby of mine for years. Some of my favorite pieces of Patio furniture include: Garden benches, Pic... (more)
