Some basic pricing and considerations for custom built planters how we improve them and why the NY Plantings heavy duty custom made wood planter boxes are better than other outdoor garden planters.
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| Building a custom shape and size tree planter box in the NewYorkPlantings.com workshop |
This isn't a polished blog about custom size and shape planters but has some general information based upon our early findings and improvements we have made in order to strengthen weak points in custom built planters and also store bought or mass production planters found on outdoor space design and landscape design websites that commonly fail, we have been working to improve aesthetic in wood joinery and seams, prevent rot and decay especially on the sides and bottom of the planter boxes. There really is not allot written about planter boxes and how they should be built. In fact, I have noticed over the years that in NYC planters are like women's black stretchy yoga pants...everyone builds things by copying someone else's style like a uniform instead of trying to make their own design and improving the planters use as a place to live for valuable plants and trees (particularly planters for penthouse terrace gardens, roof gardens, and rooftop deck planter boxes) realize something here: planters are needed for nearly every tree, shrub, and planting in Manhattan, NYC but and while there are some attractive and innovative aesthetics, designing custom built planters for longevity seems to be the last thing considered by the designer and builder both. I can say this because before we became a leading Manhattan, NY planter box builder we are first highly experienced and skilled urban landscapers and master gardeners. The relevance of being a gardener first, for decades means that we are the NY gardeners who have had to replace hundreds of failed planters and see again and again the designs that do not work, do not last long and are simply a waste of precious resource materials such as IPE wood.
We recycle IPE wood (the planter boxes fail and fall apart, not the IPE wood which is sometimes simply tacked on the sides of a planter to look nice) and reuse this whenever possible when building bottoms for custom made planters or in other areas of hardscape.
It may be because most NYC landscape architects, garden designers and installers do not plan to be or are simply not around to see how their planter boxes fell apart. I am sure that if the average architect that draws a planter build elevation either expects the landscape installer to add some features or at least assumes that their design will last awhile.
Needless to say that anyone who builds a plywood box and tacks on IPE wood no matter what the type of plywood specified should know that this is not going to last very long yet this is common practice from NY garden design and build companies. This is what we were contracted to build at first and thought nothing of it at first. Then we became serious and realized that customers deserved more from us especially for the price of custom built IPE wood planters.
Typical failed rotted "IPE planter box"
The very well made custom built planters made by NY Plantings will not rot or fall apart so quickly. We are also continuously improving our custom planter box designs which are made to order.
This is not simply opinion but when we try to remove or simply move a competitors supposed "IPE wood Planter" that has only been in place for 2-3 years...and the bottom falls off because it's bottom is made of plywood, and then the IPE pulls off of the same rotted plywood on the top cap and sides (if you are a NY gardener...how many times has the trim on top of a planter box come off in your hands?) then I feel that the whole "IPE planter boxes lasting forever" claim was a sham and sure, IPE wood lasts forever but if you screw it onto a turd the turd will biodegrade leaving you with a pile of grey IPE wood! Sometimes we see the custom planters fall apart even before ipe is in service long enough to turn grey.
So, here we were, making IPE planters from the landscape architects blueprints (you guys know who you are) and then we didn't need to see the bottoms rot out...I just used my brain and figured that the way we were told and taught to make planters was all wrong and we were told by the very top people of the Manhattan, NY Landscape Design Industry! I took one of these elevations from an established landscape architect's "garden design" so you can see what I mean and anyone who has been in the NYC garden business for more than a decade can attest that what I am saying is true.
I have one of these beauties in my backyard that I use for firewood kindlin. Nice looking planter...but the bottom and inside is rotted out.
Excuse me, but wasn't the whole reason we sell these expensive IPE planters to the wealthy folks that they can afford and are getting the very best planters available...due to the fact that IPE wood doesn't rot? Well, if you screw it to a plywood box then, well....duh. There are thousands of these around and my competitors are STILL making them!
The past few years we have made a lot of progress in the improvement of outdoor planter strength and useful lifespan longevity. These are common sense modifications and design changes and some are actual innovation to improve how custom built wood planters work, perform (yes, you can own a high performance planter!) and how long planters can last.
We at NY Plantings have also come up with some pretty good looking design changes. Who would have thought we can make a planter box better looking? We did come up with the finger joint modular planter. I'll say it here because it will be copied...although it will certainly not be the same!
We recycle IPE wood (the planter boxes fail and fall apart, not the IPE wood which is sometimes simply tacked on the sides of a planter to look nice) and reuse this whenever possible when building bottoms for custom made planters or in other areas of hardscape.
It may be because most NYC landscape architects, garden designers and installers do not plan to be or are simply not around to see how their planter boxes fell apart. I am sure that if the average architect that draws a planter build elevation either expects the landscape installer to add some features or at least assumes that their design will last awhile.
Needless to say that anyone who builds a plywood box and tacks on IPE wood no matter what the type of plywood specified should know that this is not going to last very long yet this is common practice from NY garden design and build companies. This is what we were contracted to build at first and thought nothing of it at first. Then we became serious and realized that customers deserved more from us especially for the price of custom built IPE wood planters.
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| one reason for improving planter box design: typical competitors' ipe wood planter box with rotted plywood |
The very well made custom built planters made by NY Plantings will not rot or fall apart so quickly. We are also continuously improving our custom planter box designs which are made to order.
This is not simply opinion but when we try to remove or simply move a competitors supposed "IPE wood Planter" that has only been in place for 2-3 years...and the bottom falls off because it's bottom is made of plywood, and then the IPE pulls off of the same rotted plywood on the top cap and sides (if you are a NY gardener...how many times has the trim on top of a planter box come off in your hands?) then I feel that the whole "IPE planter boxes lasting forever" claim was a sham and sure, IPE wood lasts forever but if you screw it onto a turd the turd will biodegrade leaving you with a pile of grey IPE wood! Sometimes we see the custom planters fall apart even before ipe is in service long enough to turn grey.
So, here we were, making IPE planters from the landscape architects blueprints (you guys know who you are) and then we didn't need to see the bottoms rot out...I just used my brain and figured that the way we were told and taught to make planters was all wrong and we were told by the very top people of the Manhattan, NY Landscape Design Industry! I took one of these elevations from an established landscape architect's "garden design" so you can see what I mean and anyone who has been in the NYC garden business for more than a decade can attest that what I am saying is true.
I have one of these beauties in my backyard that I use for firewood kindlin. Nice looking planter...but the bottom and inside is rotted out.
Excuse me, but wasn't the whole reason we sell these expensive IPE planters to the wealthy folks that they can afford and are getting the very best planters available...due to the fact that IPE wood doesn't rot? Well, if you screw it to a plywood box then, well....duh. There are thousands of these around and my competitors are STILL making them!
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| The culprit: Typical NYC Landscape Architect's custom built planter box specification with plywood bottom clad with IPE |
The past few years we have made a lot of progress in the improvement of outdoor planter strength and useful lifespan longevity. These are common sense modifications and design changes and some are actual innovation to improve how custom built wood planters work, perform (yes, you can own a high performance planter!) and how long planters can last.
We at NY Plantings have also come up with some pretty good looking design changes. Who would have thought we can make a planter box better looking? We did come up with the finger joint modular planter. I'll say it here because it will be copied...although it will certainly not be the same!
For more information concerning custom built wood planters for terrace and penthouse gardens, rooftop landscapes and roof decks, sidewalk planters etc. just check out the website which has 3 full pages of information about planter boxes and images of custom built planters at https://www.newyorkplantings.com/
When ready, we discuss and send you an actual invoice organizing details, lead time and target delivery date. The planters with soil is a good deal because you save about $500.00 in labor vs. having a gardener bring these materials and install. You also ensure the best possible results because we truly are master gardeners!
Note: Our custom sized planters are priced the same as standard sizes for example, a 32" X 32" planter will be priced the same as our 30" X 33" planter.
You are able to choose the size and shape that fits your needs while enjoying competitive pricing compared to other's standard sizes.
Pricing examples: Pricing is for the trade such as landscape architects, garden designers or construction companies.
All planters might have a variation of .5" +/- unless specified tighter tolerance. Pricing is for 2 or more planters.
Rectangle: 5ft L X 20" X 21" H +/- IPE: $1550
Cedar $1350.00
Pine approx $$1050.00
48" Long, 16.5" X 16.5" H IPE $1350.00
Cedar: $$1150.00
Many sizes available.
*Square Standard Large Tree Planter Box: 36" X 36" X 32" H $1750.00 in IPE "Ironwood" Brazilian Hardwood. The most strong and longest lasting wood available.
*Square Standard Large Tree Planter Box in Cedar 36" X 36" X 32"H $1550.00 with solid Cedar thick, 1.25" planks, routed edges
There are options which add to price that should be considered. These features and options make our planters superior to most other's custom built or stand selection heavy duty outdoor garden planters.
Hidden Fastener styles include:
.Includes all solid wood (no plywood in construction)
.Solid wood 1.5" thick bottom with end to end linear drainage (no holes required)
.Raised hidden bottom requires no raising or support of planter to allow airflow and enhanced drainage
.Super strong Dovetail cross bracing system (undiscovered by competitors)
.Heavy duty pocket hole joinery
Options:
*Add a liquid waterproof membrane: $250.00 per planter
*Add stainless steel fasteners $75.00 per planter
*Add a top cap 1" to 4" wide top cap (will not pull or fall off as most will) $195.00 per planter
*Carry up and placement with soil and (when available) integration to existing irrigation system.
$250.00 for gravel, soil and filter fabric
*Please let us know if you require a professional grade drip irrigation system.
The best planters made are not cheap but are an investment. 3 or 4 years may seem far off but then the low priced planters (or even high priced, even good looking planters made by local carpenters) begin to fail, we will pay even more to transplant into a high quality planter that we should have used in the first place.
High quality does not mean expensive or rather, expensive does not equal high quality. We at our shop sell a lot of planters per year and are able to see the planters we build in service for more than 10 years while performing like brand new. Yes, as planter's fail they begin to perform poorly too...the water that should drain out will become stagnated in the planter, rotting roots and making plants and trees unhealthy.
Then the water that sits and soaks soil will freeze and...crack apart the planter! The bottom rots out too...it could even be made of plywood but the thin wood used doesn't have air circulation and the drain holes actually soak in water then the bottom sags just a little to hit the ground and closing up the drain holes drilled to allow water to come out.
Drain holes are another outdated and less than optimal way to so we have a broken or rotted planter (usually both) pulling apart (the fact that the carpenter used a staple or brad gun to assemble these expensive custom-built wood planters doesn't help us now either)
Then the water that sits and soaks soil will freeze and...crack apart the planter! The bottom rots out too...it could even be made of plywood but the thin wood used doesn't have air circulation and the drain holes actually soak in water then the bottom sags just a little to hit the ground and closing up the drain holes drilled to allow water to come out.
Drain holes are another outdated and less than optimal way to so we have a broken or rotted planter (usually both) pulling apart (the fact that the carpenter used a staple or brad gun to assemble these expensive custom-built wood planters doesn't help us now either)
The freezing expanding soil, the force of roots, the softening of the wood....it is all over. Time to buy a new planter, make a mess and have to carry out contractor bags of a broken planter.
How to avoid this?
Buy a planter proven to last and that makes sense.
A solid wood, raised bottom allows airflow and excellent drainage. The bottom is built like a deck: Gaps between the boards run the entire length of the planter between the extra thick, solid wood planks. Just like a deck or boardwalk, the water does not pool...it flows out evenly and avoids issues such as pooling clogging and uneven drainage when properly assembled.
Not only is the wood bottom installed without drilled drain holes then the extra step of pressure treated wood that is infused with copper and zinc to both repel insects and preserve the wood rated at below ground for over a decade THEN coat the wood with a liquid membrane preventing the wet soil from contacting the wood in the first place. 4 ways to extend the life and performance of the planter and this is only the bottom we are discussing.
Not only is the wood bottom installed without drilled drain holes then the extra step of pressure treated wood that is infused with copper and zinc to both repel insects and preserve the wood rated at below ground for over a decade THEN coat the wood with a liquid membrane preventing the wet soil from contacting the wood in the first place. 4 ways to extend the life and performance of the planter and this is only the bottom we are discussing.
Joinery: The term wood joinery dates back to the early days of carpentry and wood work. Joinery is basically jointing wood just like it sounds. Well, screwing or nailing (or stapling as our competitors seem to like doing) wood together is not nearly as strong as the proven methods of the masters.
20 years as a master gardener, professional landscape designer, and installer allowed us to see many failed planters and as we began to build our own planters we studied how the typical planters fail over time and made ways to strengthen planter boxes in key areas to make a stronger and more reliable long lasting planter!
We cannot divulge every detail because in NYC the typical tradesman simply copies what they see in other's work but even when we see imitators the practice is not there and the execution is not as effective.
This begins with our enthusiasm for woodwork and mechanical know how. Even on a day off, you might find the New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors NYC team members woodworking in their home based shops and garages, gardening or building something.
So, when we build planters it isn't only to make money as we suspect our competitors, who have been in business a lot longer than we have but only recently began to offer custom built planters that may be subcontracted to the lowest bidder. there is no formula for assembly and no standard features in competitors' custom built planters.
This is because there is likely no quest to continually improve and make planters last longer, more simple to build and that translates to lower overall cost to the customer, consistency in our custom built planters such as board size/width, seams and joints as well as appearance.
This is because there is likely no quest to continually improve and make planters last longer, more simple to build and that translates to lower overall cost to the customer, consistency in our custom built planters such as board size/width, seams and joints as well as appearance.
We hope that this helps you understand our philosophy and how we see our trade of wood joinery and it's application in custom built planters and custom size or shaped planter boxes.
The design is continuously evolving into stronger and longer lasting planters with innovations such as using pocket hole joinery, solid wood bottoms, stainless steel and epoxy coated threaded fasteners throughout (threaded fasteners can also be removed in order to allow replacement of individual of sections of planter same as a cobbler might replace the sole of a high quality boot)
Fully planed, re-milled and routed edge boards for a finiished and polished appearance and that makes everything about our planter boxes show that this is built by someone who cares...not looking to save an hour at your expense by using staples or brads to tack together a large tree planter expected to withstand the forces of freezing water/soil, roots that can heavy sidewalks (but remain in control within our super strong wooden planters) and the performance that comes from even and free flowing drainage. Fresh healthy water for strong healthy roots!
Fully planed, re-milled and routed edge boards for a finiished and polished appearance and that makes everything about our planter boxes show that this is built by someone who cares...not looking to save an hour at your expense by using staples or brads to tack together a large tree planter expected to withstand the forces of freezing water/soil, roots that can heavy sidewalks (but remain in control within our super strong wooden planters) and the performance that comes from even and free flowing drainage. Fresh healthy water for strong healthy roots!
So yes, you may pay a few hundred dollars more (or the same) for our planter boxes but the return comes quickly as you can visit nearly any garden in NYC (the largest consumer of planter boxes in the USA) and find exactly the things we mention as points for planter box failure or those trees and shrubs that no matter what the gardener does, do not seem to improve in health. This is what to expect from the typical store bought or online purchased planter boxes or from the local NYC carpenters who do not know garden, irrigation and fail to build something in a custom made planter that will remain intact, year after year without fail.
When your gardener receives custom built planters, they do not know to instruct the carpenter or subcontractor in how to built a large tree planter box and receive something that looks pretty good but then they are going to take a standard drill and make holes in the bottom for drainage: This is the beginning of the end and the tree is not even planted yet!!
Built by master gardeners with advanced mechanical skills and wood joinery experience: NY Plantings Heavy Duty Planters and Custom made Planter Boxes!
Solid wood bottom:
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| Notice the solid pressure treated wood bottom of this custom built planter |
Notice the space between the boards so no holes need to be drilled. Do we drill holes in decks for drainage? No.
Simple common sense solutions to huge problems created by lack of enthusiasm for the trade.
(much thicker than competitors too) bottom AND the planter box design allows air to flow beneath the planter. Many of our competitors use "feet" or blocks of wood! then that makes their weak planters sag in the center and a place for rodents to enter the planters besides a mess in design aesthetic and a dirty mess on your terrace! Why didn't they think of this sooner? Well, we know why.
Even though we do not make plywood liners as often as we used to (because we broke away from the standard sheepish planter box design and the "rot box" plywood inner shell, hundreds of planters even IPE planters have nothing more than a flimsy plywood rotted bottom. Some of these "carpenters" have been building these for decades and only now are shamed into improving custom built planters because we are educating the high end NYC Garden Design Community regarding improved planter box design. We are now the most imitated custom planter builder in the Northeast!)
The all wood, no frame planter is stronger than all the others!
Other than to teach how to build planters but even if imitated this the real benefit will not be realized due to the quality of tools and the practice needed to build what looks like a simple box!
A proper box takes allot more work to build properly than most realize especially if it is to be strong.
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| The top cap is an integral part of the planter adding strength, not just tacked on like most other planters |
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| pocket hole joinery in custom built planters by newyorkplantings |
The top cap is an integral part of the planter adding strength, not just tacked on like most other planters. This is a traditional style heavy duty cedar 1.25" thick cedar planter with alternating end grains over a marine grade 3/4" laminate wood liner and solid pressure treated bottom. The planter uses 3 different types of wood and will be coated with an indestructible hard rubber membrane and waterproof coating. "Red Guard"
This liquid membrane coating is amazing. A completely waterproof coating that will stick to anything and not peel or crack over time. This outperforms any plasic sheeting or roofing materials re purposed for lining planters because it will not trap moisture on one side of the wood, avoiding warpage commonl caused by stapled on plastic liners. This is the only way we will use plywood in our planters and we also use this on our solid wood custom built planters such as the IPE or cedar wood heavy duty outdoor garden planters.
A completed pocket hole joinery heavy duty planter:
Tightly sealed routed edge planters: Let's face it, natural woods can expand and contract. Separation cracks can occur and we took the methods of expansion joints in concrete and stone construction and applied this to our planters: The finely routed edges and perfectly flat boards allow the planter to move without separating. Nearly all other types of planters show large gaps and separations after only several weeks outdoors in sun, rain or cold. Our NY Plantings custom built heavy duty planters are made to withstand seasonal variations. Each board is finished with detail and creates an overall pleasing look that functions as intended. IPE Custom made planter shown
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| Heavy Duty Custom Built IPE Outdoor Planter Routed Edge For More Attractive Appearance |
Deep "V" routing details and other features such as finger jointing, "pickling" (using vinegar and salt with tanning stain) and staggered boards are all NY Plantings inventions and designs.
Extra thick cedar planks with a deep routed "V" edge then clear coated to a honey blond natural finish. Many finishes available or allow these to turn a patina of weathered grey color that will last for decades. Cedar is a natural deterrent to insects and varmints while being one of the lightest and stong woods of choice for outdoor construction.
Pickled Cedar finish with staggered boards. Note the corners of the planter. This works very well in cube style tree planters as well. This is another exclusive design from NewYorkPlantings with a home brew from Amish country used to protect barns, water troughs and stables and prolong the wood's natural decay resistance. This can also be clear coated.
clear coated cedar and gloss black paint oil base below then, solid stain light green 2 images down.
IPE custom fit planters with red guard liquid membrane will last more than 30 years!
A wood planter online that uses glue and staples, has black paint and a plastic garbage can liner costs nearly $1000.00 shipped and pricing is simply on target for our planters.
Economy:
There are economy planters available that are strong and good looking however do not have the features that our most advanced planters do.
Pine or Spruce planters stained or painted will last about 10 years + the way we build them and are priced about 30% lower than the IPE planters.
Here is a stained Yellow Pine HD Planter. These are very strong and thick wood!!!
Black solid stain 2" thick pine planters with red guard liquid membrane for a roof garden in Brooklyn.
30% less than IPE wood planters on average with equal options.
Fiberglass planters:
A low-cost choice for a long lasting planter
32" square $750.00 delivered
48" X 20" X 22" $710.00 delivered
Add soil, gravel, drain holes/proper setup $250.00 each planter ($19.00 per bag approx)
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| Black Fiberglass Planter Rectangle Example |
Black or grey fiberglass planters are a quick and easy garden. These do ultimately begin to crack due to UV sunlight rays eventually weaken the fiberglass as does the strain of Winters and high heat. These do have a place in the contemporary garden though.
Wood IPE planters are the best we can get. Larger custom sizes, longest lasting and good looking.
We work with all options and types or planter/garden
Feel free to contact me at any time.
Todd Nappi
