Beyond Expectations: How Fiberglass Planters Defy Time

Fiberglass planters often last up to 50 years or more as they are made of roughly the same material as fiberglass boats, and can withstand harsh weather conditions just as well as their floating cousins.

When it comes to indoor and outdoor container gardening, without a doubt, fiberglass planters are the superior choice on the basis of longevity, strength, weight, durability, weather resistance, and style.

Whether you are a wholesaler, retail distributor, or landscape architect, you are in the market for the best product to suit your and your clients’ needs. This article will explain why fiberglass is the top choice for plant pots, how it stands up against other planter materials, and how long it will last.

Why Do Jay Scotts Fiberglass Planters Have Such A Long Lifespan?

how long do fiberglass pots last
©Jay Scotts

Jay Scotts is known for its high-quality handmade extra-durable planters. Our planters are considered to be top-of-the-line composite material products across the world, suitable for a wide range of commercial and residential clients, including homeowners, hoteliers, restaurants, and even campuses.

Our planters are made from the finest commercial-grade fiberglass. Fiberglass is simply the best material to create stunning containers from. Its high performance, weight and strength beat steel, wood, and concrete, despite it being a lightweight material.

Moreover, the secret to ensuring our planters have a long lifespan also depends on our manufacturing process. Using the finest commercial-grade fiberglass reinforced with strong plant-based resin, our fiberglass planters can routinely last 15 years to 50 years.

Learn more about our materials and see why Jay Scotts fiberglass planters are so favored!

A True Resin Composite Blend

Resin being applied to a planter | ©Vietnam CDM

To craft a durable and long-lasting stunning fiberglass planter, each piece is manufactured with 4 key features:

  • A strong inner core of fiberglass
  • A central protective layer of fiberglass
  • Indestructible resin to bind these layers together
  • An outer layer of resin used to form flawless surfaces

Fiberglass boats and fiberglass roofing have been known to last up to 50 years! Even under tough conditions, the mechanical properties and microstructural integrity of fiberglass can last for longer than 15 years. With resin protection, our planters are certainly made to last.

See how fiberglass planters are made with a sneak peek in our factory!

What Is Resin? Why Does It Make Our Planters So Durable?

©Natural resin // Photo by Hordlena

All of the Jay Scotts fiberglass plant containers are bonded with resin. So what exactly is resin? Resin is not to be confused with plastic. While plastic is made from synthetic petrochemicals, the resin is derived from plants.

Our resin is made from non-plastic linear low-density polyethylene (LLDP), which creates a high-quality polymer that we bind with composites like fiberglass in order to protect our fiberglass planters.

In order to mimic the natural protective properties of resin, our resin blend is carefully applied by hand to every single fiberglass planter to create bespoke and top-standard products.

This thorough artisanal process sets us apart from regular mass-manufactured plastic pots, creating resin planters that are reliable, durable, and effectively weather resistant.

Here are 5 reasons why fiberglass planters infused with resin are the way to go.

1. Perfect For All Weather Conditions

Indoor and outdoor settings? No problem. No matter where you plan to install the fiberglass planters, you can be assured that they will withstand the elements easily.

Fiberglass planters are designed to withstand extreme outdoor elements, with fiberglass being a key material in ships, planes, and cars. Resin planters are non-porous and non-hygroscopic, and it does not absorb excess moisture from the air, hence even your outdoor planter will do just fine.

©Jay Scotts

In the market for a good planter? Check out our buyer’s guide to modern fiberglass planters.

square planters
©Jay Scotts

2. Tough, And Crack Proof

Can fiberglass planters stay out during winter? The answer is a resounding yes. The worry about leaving your planter in the outdoor space during freezing temperatures is that it might crack or degrade.

This is especially true for natural materials that expand and contract with heat and moisture. The weather-resistant nature of fiberglass and resin means that no harm will come to your fiberglass planters or plants making them the perfect container for growing trees and other large plants to display outside.

3. Lightweight And Easy To Move

Large and extra-large commercial planters that command the indoor or outdoor space have become a top design trend. As such, a lightweight material is important for the planter, as huge planters become even heavier once potting soil and the plant is added.

Resin fiberglass planters are naturally light, especially compared to terracotta planters, stone planters, and even wood planters. This makes fiberglass pots and planters easy to move about, giving you the flexibility to change your garden landscape as and when necessary.

planters with palm trees in patio
©The Plant Guy / Jay Scotts
planters in an office
©Jay Scotts

4. Easy To Install Proper Drainage Holes

It is simple to customize drainage solutions for resin fiberglass planters. You or your customers can easily add drainage holes with a normal drill, ensuring it is fit for indoor and outdoor settings. Otherwise, we are happy to customize the drainage holes according to your specifications.

Fiberglass with proper drainage holes won’t freeze during winter, allowing you to leave them outdoors with no concern. The nature of fiberglass serves to ensure a leak-proof and waterproof environment to house your plant.

5. Maintenance Light

The best thing about our resin fiberglass planters is they require little to no maintenance or care, they are the most reliable planter material out there! Who does not like saving time and money?

Delightfully fade-resistant, chemical-resistant, and corrosion-proof, our fiberglass planters are a wonderful investment, safeguarded by resin’s natural ability to ward off wear and tear as well as an added layer of UV- coating on the outer surface.

©The Plant Guy / Jay Scotts

See Jay Scotts Planters In Action!

Take a look and see how Jay Scotts planters were perfect for this office space!

Office Design With Jay Scotts Planters

The client was looking to find planters that would not only compliment the office space but also keep the plants healthy and not be a potential nuisance or safety hazard. 

Read more

View Project

How Do Fiberglass Containers Compare To Other Materials?

Planter material comparison chart
©Jay Scotts

There are many types of planters on the market, from glazed ceramic planters to polystyrene foam containers, and of course fiberglass pots! Let us take a dive into the most popular materials to better understand what plant containers works for your landscaping needs.

Ceramic Pots

©finedayfair / Instagram

Ceramic, terracotta, or clay pots are earthenware pots. Terracotta has an iconic reddish-brown color, while clay pots are often glazed into attractive finishes. These are a good match for a rustic design.

However, they should not be used as outdoor planters during winter. Earthenware is made of permeable material – this means that it is porous, absorbs water, and will freeze during winter, causing the containers to split apart easily.

Metal Planters

©Vietnam CDM

Metal pots tend to look sleek and modern, making them a good look for contemporary spaces. They are also fairly weather-resistant containers, and if cared for properly, will not break down in the strong sun or frost.

The biggest problem is that metal containers oxidize if they are left outdoors without regular maintenance and care. While they might not crack, metal planters rust more during winter, given their constant exposure to moisture. Unlike metal pots, fiberglass planters have no issues when given low maintenance.

Some gardeners use plastic planters for their green house
©Mark Carlo Allones / Unsplash

Plastic Containers

The great thing about plastic pots is that they are affordable! The traditional plastic pots are generally reddish in color, while others come in a variety of colors, making them a versatile container for your landscape.

Plastic plant pots do not absorb moisture and plastic pots dry fast. This is good for the cold weather, however, if the plastic planters are weak, they may still crack as the soil within them freezes and expands. The thing to watch out for with plastic planters is that they often only last for 2 to 3 years.

Concrete Planters

Concrete or cement plan tees are made from cement paste mixed with water, sand, and even silicon, aluminum, or iron, to create a strong combination that binds the mixture.

If left unpainted, it is a light grey color that is industrial chic, suitable for many modern design aesthetics.

Unlike traditional terracotta planters, ceramic pots, or pots made from other natural materials, concrete planters tend to do better outdoors during cold weather.

Indoor Small Concrete Planters
©Concrete planters / Pxhere.com

However, the concrete planter structure does develop small openings and holes in its surface, allowing moisture to seep in, which can cause the pot to split over time. The other issue with concrete pots is their weight. This is particularly true for huge and extra-large concrete pots.

This makes it hard to move and creates an inflexible container garden compared to fiberglass garden containers, plastic pots, or wicker planters.

Read on to find out more about other planter materials and what you should look out for.

plants outside restaurant
©BJs / Jay Scotts

We can assure you that our resin fiberglass planters are the most durable planter compared to all the materials above! Fiberglass pots require very little care and will easily outlive planters made from wood, plastic, or metal. While metal planters rust and wooden containers splinter, fiberglass pots will remain pristine for a long time to come.

When it comes to fiberglass planters, the possibilities in terms of size and shape are truly endless. This versatility allows for the production of planters in unique and custom shapes beyond traditional options. Whether it’s round, square, rectangular, tapered, oval, or even more intricate and artistic shapes, fiberglass can be molded and formed to bring those designs to life.

Looking for wall-mounted planters to create a vertical garden? Or a unique tabletop planter to add live to your office space, Jay Scotts collection of world-class fiberglass planters got you covered!

Tips For Maintenance And Care Of Fiberglass Planters

Maintainance fiberglass planters
©serenityclean.com

Jay Scotts fiberglass plant pots require very minimal maintenance. However, they will look as good as new for a long time with a little care!

Take a look at our project for a client here to find out how we made their dream come true!

Fortune House Hotel Suites, Miami

The modern property felt unpolished and empty because they lacked the warmth and life that plants can bring. The client was looking for the right planters to help to soften the harsh lines of the property and make it feel more inviting, while including the right plants to add color, texture, and a sense of serenity.

Read more

View Project

Use A Mild Soap To Clean

Your fiberglass pot will inevitably accumulate dirt and dust with exposure to the elements and from the potting soil. Use a mild soap and wipe down the indoor fiberglass planter exterior with a damp cloth. For outdoor planters with a smooth, glossy finish, it’s best to use warm soapy water and a soft sponge.

Use High-Quality Wax

Can fiberglass planters be waxed? Yes! This will help add protection and keep the finish glossy. Apply a coat of high-quality marine-grade wax to your outdoor fiberglass planter every six months. Even though fiberglass is already the best of all planter materials, fiberglass, with proper care, will last even longer.

Find out more tips to care for your fiberglass containers – keeping them in tip-top shape!

FAQs About Fiberglass Planters

Large planters outside
©Plant Parents / Jay Scotts

Are fiberglass planters good for plants?

Fiberglass planters are ideal for growing plants due to their lightweight and durable nature. They can withstand different weather conditions and provide insulation for plant roots. Additionally, they retain moisture, offer versatility in design, and require proper drainage for optimal plant health.

Are fiberglass pots strong?

Fiberglass pots are known for their strength and durability. The material used in fiberglass pots is reinforced with resin, making them highly resilient. They are capable of withstanding impacts, harsh weather conditions, and general wear and tear without cracking or breaking easily. This strength allows fiberglass pots to provide long-lasting support for plants and ensures they can endure outdoor environments or accidental impacts without compromising their structural integrity.

Is fiberglass planter food safe?

The paint and glaze on fiberglass planters are applied to the outside of the planter, in contrast to plastic planters where color pigment that may be harmful is combined with plastic. Fiberglass planters are appropriate for growing small fruit trees, blueberry bushes, strawberries, or vegetables in them.

Can fiberglass stay outside?

Yes, fiberglass planters can stay outside. Fiberglass is a durable and weather-resistant material that can withstand outdoor conditions such as rain, snow, and sunlight. It is resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. However, the specific durability may vary depending on the quality of the fiberglass and extreme weather conditions.

Design Now With Jay Scotts Durable, Reliable, And Long-Lasting Fiberglass Planters

Cube planter on a rooftop with a tree
©Reveal Design / Jay Scotts

When you choose to design with Jay Scott fiberglass pots and planters, the quality and longevity of the planters are assured. Each one of our fiberglass planters is made to be the exact size, shape, and dimensions customized to your project needs.

There is a range of design options to choose from and they can be made to mimic any material. See our fiberglass planter range!

At Jay Scotts, we are proud of our products and each planter comes with an industry-leading 3-year warranty, ensuring our products are of quality material and workmanship and are free of manufacturing defects.

We would love to hear from you – give us a call or send us a message, and our team will be happy to go through any outstanding questions or requests you might have.

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