Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about about products, materials, delivery, lead times, and custom work.
How Does Ordering Work?
Use the configurator to choose a shape, dimensions, material, finish, wall style, and bed type. The price updates as you make changes. Review the summary, add the planter to your cart, and check out online. Every planter is made to order after your order is placed.
Should I Choose Aluminum Or Corten Steel?
Corten steel is a weathering steel. It arrives gray and develops a rust patina over the first year, which is the look most people choose it for. Aluminum is 5052 sheet with a powder-coated finish in five matte colors. It keeps its color and does not develop a rust patina. Both are suitable for outdoor use; the choice is mostly about appearance and whether rust staining is a concern.
What Do The Bed Types Mean?
Full-depth has the bed panel near the bottom and provides the most soil capacity. Mid-depth places the bed halfway up the wall, so it needs less soil and reduces weight. Bottomless has walls only, with no bed panel, and is intended for installation directly over soil.
Where Do You Deliver, And What Does It Cost?
Local Delivery covers the Twin Cities metro, Rochester, Eau Claire, and Western Wisconsin. The fee is based on the weight of your order and ranges from $200 to $800. You can see what your delivery will cost by entering your address in the checkout page.
What Does White-Glove Delivery Include?
Our own team delivers the planter and places it where you want it. We contact you when the planter is almost ready to schedule a delivery window and confirm the drop-off location ahead of time.
Why Isn't My Corten Planter Rusty?
Your corten planter will arrive with a grey “mill finish” - this is the original color of the steel after it is rolled flat and cooled in the factory. Within a few weeks time, you will see rust start to form on its own and within a year, the rust will progress to a full, mostly even coat of reddish orange.
Can I Accelerate The Rusting Process?
Yes, there are several ways to develop the rust patina of your corten planter more quickly. The fastest way is to dilute 1 part muriatic acid to 10 parts water, and apply it with a spray bottle. Be sure to wear thick gloves, an N95 mask, and eye protection and stand upwind as muriatic acid is not safe to touch or breathe in this concentration even though it is comply used in pools and spas at much lower concentrations. The muriatic acid solution should sit for 24 hours after which it should be rinsed off thoroughly. If you prefer a gentler method, you can use household white vinegar or salt water in a spray bottle as well, just keep in mind this may take several days to a week and you may need to re-apply.
Will Corten Steel Stain My Concrete?
Corten steel weathers by design, and rust can stain porous surfaces such as concrete, stone, or pavers where water runs off the planter. If staining is a concern, we reccomend pre-rusting your planter prior to placement as rust shedding decreases drastically once the natural patina has formed.
How Much Soil Will I Need?
You can use the dimensions of your planter to calculate how much soil you will need to fill it. Keep in mind that the mid-depth planters will require half the soil as the bed is positioned halfway up.
Can You Build Custom Shapes Or Sizes?
Yes, if you need an odd shape, a larger size, or a fabrication detail that is not in the configurator, contact us. We build custom metal work beyond the standard range.
How Long Will My Order Take?
Standard lead time is about four weeks. Larger custom orders can take longer and we will notify you within 3 business days of ordering if we expect your order to take longer than 4 weeks. For all orders, we will contact you at least one week before delivery to coordinate your delivery time.
How Do I Care For My Planter?
Routine care is minimal. Keep the drainage path clear, rinse away soil and debris. Clean powder-coated aluminum with mild soap and water if needed. Corten steel is meant to weather, so its finish will continue to change over time.
Do You Work With Contractors And Commercial Projects?
Yes, we frquently work with landscape designers, contractors, and commercial buyers. If you are a proffessional, please send us a message. We would love to partner with you and offer more flexible payment options, tax-exemption (if applicable), and one-on-one planning and ordering support.
Can I Get A Quote?
Yes, once you have added the planters you need to your shopping cart, click the cart button and then from the cart screen click the button next to "Check Out" that says "Save PDF Quote." You will need to enter your shipping information so we can properly calculate tax and shipping charges.
How Do I Pay?
Our online store accepts all major credit cards and ACH/bank transfer. For commercial customers, your salesperson will instruct you on how to pay by check or ACH.
Still Have Questions?
We understand that every project is unique and it's important to get the details right. If you have a question or concern that isn't covered here, please reach out to us below.
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