Wood Planters vs Fiberglass Planters

Planters are an effortless way to immediately increase the visual appeal of any space they are placed in - however, with so many available options, how do you choose the right ones? While there are a few criteria to consider, one of the most important ones is the material they are made of - you want to look for something that is durable enough to last you for years, while also fitting the overall aesthetic of the space.

Two popular options are wood planters and fiberglass planters - and in this article, we’ll take a look at both to see which one would be the better choice. Is there even such a thing as a “better” option? We’ll talk about it below.

Aesthetic Appeal

The first criterion we will consider is the aesthetic appeal of the planters. Wood planters are a good choice for those who want a more natural, so to say, look for their planters. While there might not be as many colorful options to choose from, there are several types of wood you can opt for, such as cedar, pine, or redwood.

As for fiberglass planters, they definitely have an advantage in terms of color options available. Whether you want more fun colors like royal blue or yellow, or prefer to go with the classic black or white planters, you’re bound to find several options in each. Due to that diversity, they fit in almost any aesthetic style.

Winner: Fiberglass planters (although wood planters win for those going for a natural look)

Durability

The material the planter is made from can and most definitely will affect how long it will serve you. When it comes to wood vs. fiberglass planters and durability, fiberglass planters are a definite winner. They will last you significantly longer even when exposed to unfavorable weather conditions - that unfortunately cannot be said for wood planters, which are going to deteriorate with time at a much quicker pace.

Wood planters are bound to be more affected by the weather conditions, often developing rot due to exposure to moisture. While you can seal them for protection, that is a temporary solution that will slow down the deterioration process rather than stop it completely.

Winner: Fiberglass planters

Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance, wood planters require more work - especially if you’re planning on keeping them outdoors, as you'll need to seal them every once in a while to minimize the damage done to them by the weather.

Fiberglass planters, on the other hand, just need some light cleaning with a damp cloth done regularly. They are a great choice for anyone looking for something very low maintenance, as due to their non-porous surface they are resistant to a lot of things that affect wood planters such as mold or mildew growth.

Winner: Fiberglass planters

Cost

The cost is slightly more complicated to assess, since it depends severally on the quality of the product you decide to purchase, as well as where you buy it from - for example, wood planters cost will vary depending on the material they are made of, as pine wood planters tend to be less expensive than cedar or redwood planters.

Generally speaking, however, fiberglass planters are slightly more expensive due to how long they last. If you buy from a reputable seller, they’re bound to stay with you for at least a couple of years. So, while you might have to pay more initially, considering their durability, fiberglass planters are more cost-effective than wood planters as they last longer.

Winner: Fiberglass planters for longevity, wood planters for initial cost

Environmental Impact

Again, similarly to cost, it’s not possible to give a straightforward answer, as there are several factors that influence the environmental impact of both types of products.

As mentioned, fiberglass planters are more durable, prolonging the time between replacements - wood planters, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan, and you might find yourself needing to purchase a new one much sooner than in the case of a fiberglass one.

Another thing to consider is that fiberglass planters are significantly lighter compared to wood - because of that, the carbon footprint associated with their transportation is smaller.

Wood, on the other hand, has the advantage of being a renewable resource. Also, their disposal is often a lot easier compared to fiberglass, which needs proper disposal.

In both cases, depending on the manufacturing process, chemicals that are not the best for the environment might be used to prolong the life of end products.

So, all in all, it’s hard to assess exactly which material has a smaller environmental impact, so in this category, it’s a tie between fiberglass and wood planters.

Winner: Tie

Practical Considerations

The final criterion we will be taking a look at are practical considerations - so, in simple words, which type of planters is more practical to have in your space.

First, let’s talk about the weight and portability - as mentioned before, fiberglass planters are significantly more lightweight than wood planters. If you’re planning on moving them once you plant something in them, then you might need additional help to take the wood planter to its new location.

Typically, both wood planters and fiberglass planters can be used both indoors and outdoors - however, you have to keep in mind that constant exposure to moisture, especially if you live in an area that offers a lot of rain or has high humidity level, can contribute to faster deterioration of your wood planter.

As for drainage, that’s a tie - in both cases, you can find planters that come with drainage holes, or that come without them.

Winner: Fiberglass planters

The Bottom Line

After analyzing both using different criteria, it’s very clear which one is the winner. Fiberglass planters not only tend to be significantly more durable than wood planters, prolonging their lifespan, but they are also more lightweight and require less maintenance. Although their initial cost might be higher compared to wood planters, when you take into account all the pros they come with, it’s easy to see why.

Still, finding high quality fiberglass planters is crucial. At Pots, Planters & More, we understand the impact purchasing from the right company might have on how well they uphold, which is why make sure our planters are some of the best you can get on the market. With a three year warranty and commercial grade quality, we’re sure our planters will last you a lifetime.

So, don’t hesitate to browse through our selection of planters, and find the ones right up your alley!