Questions
What materials do you use?
We mainly work with aluminium and steel. Aluminium is great for planters, as it is a lightweight but tough material, counteracting the weight of the soil to ensure the planters can still be moved. Steel works best for our log stores, as it is a material renowned for its strength, and ability to withstands heavy loads. Once welded by our fabricators, both materials ensure that our products are durable, and long lasting. This durability reduces the need for regular replacements, offering substantial savings over time. Both aluminium and steel can be powder coated, to enable your product to come in a range of colours and finishes. Powder coating also offers an extra layer of protection, and ensures the colour holds in various weather conditions.
What is the advantages of using metal?
- Minimal Maintenance
- Durability
- Design Versatility
- Unique Aesthetics
- Resistant to pests
- Cost effective vs other materials
- Recyclable
What is powder coating?
Powder Coating is an attractive, durable and high-quality finish, found on hundreds of products you come into contact with each day. It’s a type of dry coating making it more environmentally friendly when compared to solvent based wet paints. The powder is applied as a free-flowing dry powder, using finely ground particles of pigment and resin that are electrostatically charged, and sprayed onto grounded metal parts. The charged powder particles adhere to the parts, and are held there until melted, and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven. By correctly curing under heat, it allows it to flow and form a hard finish, which is tougher than conventional paint.
Do you use Corten Steel?
Corten Steel is a group of steel alloys, which has no finish, but when exposed to the weather for several years, forms a rust-like appearance. There is no denying how beautiful it looks – but the practicalities are not always so great. The initial product appears to be unfinished, but when weathering commences, even the fine layer of rust on Corten can stain runoff water and disfigure stone and concrete paving. Our Faux Corten powder coat finish takes away the risk of damage enables you to have a ‘finished’ product from day one, with the same aesthetics, but without with hassle.
Do metal products get hot?
Metal conducts heat and is often warm to the touch after sitting in the sun. Will a metal garden bed cause plants and soil to overheat? The answer is no. The temperature of the soil near the edges of the planter may rise slightly on a warm day but should not be enough to have any impact on your plants.
How much tolerance should I allow when measuring for my product?
Each product is made with a tolerance of +/- 5mm, but we'd suggest allowing a little bit more when you measure your space - just to be on the safe side.
How our products differ from cheaper DIY store products?
Our products are only made using the grade of material that we believe it requires for longevity, and is based on our many years experience of metalwork, and paint finishing. We generally use a lot thicker material than many other suppliers, which therefore will not bend and dent easily. Our products are built with lock-formed seams on the corners for extra strength, and the metal at the top and bottom of our planters is folded for superior rigidity.
Will my product come with drainage holes?
We put drainage holes in the base of all planters as standard, to avoid any plants becoming waterlogged. Our log stores are built with open back and sides to encourage airflow, and stop logs becoming damp. This does occasionally mean any driving rain can get in, so we also put drainage holes in the base of our log stores.
Do your products have a guarantee?
Yes, you are guaranteed for 2 years.
Do I have to fill the whole planter with compost?
In short, no, but be mindful of providing enough compost for the roots of your plants. There are some great ways to create a lightweight base to your planter, which will also save you money on compost. These lightweight fillers include:
- Recycle Plastics - Plastic Water/Soda Bottles
- Reuse Packing Materials
- Unused Plastic Pots Turned Upside Down
- Recycled Crushed Cans
- Natural Materials
