Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers you need about PureModern products and more.
Planters
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No, but you can add insulation depending on the planter material.
Heat Concerns: Insulation concerns are typically about metal conducting heat and harming plant roots. Although PureModern has never tested our planters to see how hot they get in full sun, since 2006, we’ve never had a client complain about plants dying. And we often sell planters to clients in very warm climates, such as California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida.
Cold Concerns: Other concerns are about metal planters getting too cold. We have installed planters in very cold climates; The soil provides protection for the plants.
Recommendations for Hot or Cold Climates:
Request a quote on how much it may cost to provide an insulation add-on.
DIY option: Cover the inside walls of the planter with a plastic pot liner or thermal insulation boards made of high-density extruded polystyrene closed-cell foam.
Leave your plants in the original planting containers and plant them directly into the metal planter. This way, there is a barrier between the roots of your plants and the metal, should it become very hot.
Protect and cover your plants in the winter.
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Yes, we manufacturer both indoor and outdoor planters.
The first thing you need to consider when selecting a planter is where and how it will be used.
While most PureModern planters are versatile and can be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces, COR-TEN Weathering Steel Planters can only be used outside.
The key question to ask yourself is:
Do you need drainage holes?
Indoor Applications: You typically won’t need drainage holes.
Outdoor Applications: If the planter is outside and not in a covered area, you will want drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out.
Also, consider whether you have sufficient natural light in the spot where you’ll be placing the planter, either from a nearby window or directly from the sky above.
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A: Yes! You can choose from a variety of irrigation and installation solutions to meet your needs.
Irrigation Solutions
Ollie Plant Sippers: These capitalize on a plant’s natural capillary action, requiring 80% less water. You only need to fill the water holding tank every six weeks, conserving resources and saving you time and money.
If you’re planning to hook up to an irrigation system, request custom-cut drainage holes to fit your unique setup.
If you have any questions about choosing the right planter for your drainage needs, find more information here or contact us today.
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When installed properly, greenery in modern containers becomes a truly stunning element in any design plan.
However, a gorgeous display in a modern planter can become an issue if you don’t know how to properly fill the planter. Potting mix isn’t always the answer. First, it’s heavy and expensive. And if your planter is large, plants can develop a complex root system.
Other filler options include:
Plastic containers from your recycling bin
Packing material
Rubble
A custom internal shelf for your planter
For more information, check out an article we’ve written on this topic.
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Choose from the planter sizes in stock, or customize planters to your specifications.
In-stock options
Height: We offer planters from less than 18” to taller than 31”.
Length: Some of our planters are less than 24” and others are longer than 72”.
Custom options
We are happy to provide custom sizes. If you’re looking for a particular size, use the filters here to find the perfect modern planter for your next project.
Work closely with our team to craft custom modern planters that meet your exact requirements—whatever your needs and preferences.
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The materials you incorporate into your space will impact the final product of your design. At PureModern, our planters come in a variety of materials, including:
Powder-Coated Aluminum:These customizable, marine-grade aluminum planters look good while withstanding all types of weather conditions
COR-TEN Weathering Steel: This material is ideal for outdoor spaces that need greenery with an edgy twist. Planters made from it are naturally water and frost-resistant.
Fiberglass: These planters are lightweight, durable, and versatile. Modern, commercial-grade fiberglass planters are made to enhance both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Custom Materials: Choose from a wide array of customization options, including materials, shapes, and finishes. You can also purchase installation and irrigation accessories.
Planters are organized by material to make it easy for you to find the right material for your needs. If you need help deciding which material is best for your project, contact us, and we will get you started.
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If you can't control the amount of water your plant receives, drainage holes can help.
Your planter location will help you decide if holes are necessary:
If the planter is indoors, you don't need to add drainage holes. If the planter already has holes, a drip pan can catch any excess water.
If the planter is located in a covered outdoor area, overwatering will likely not be an issue. Therefore, you don't need to add drainage holes.
If the planter is in an uncovered outdoor area, overwatering can be an issue, so drainage holes make sense.
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Once your planters are scheduled to ship, you will receive an email with a tracking number and a link to track them online.
Most orders ship palletized LTL (Less than Truck Load) freight with curbside-only service. The truck will have a lift gate, and the driver will have a pallet jack to unload. The receiver will do all other loading. Large items on custom pallets may require unloading by hand or with a forklift.
Freight delivery transit times vary from 3 to 10 business days. The freight delivery company will call ahead and let you know a window of time that they will arrive. If you need an appointment, we will adjust additional costs and lead time. Appointments can delay delivery up to an additional 3 to 5 business days.
Rush shipping and white glove shipping options are available upon request. Smaller items ship UPS Ground or FedEx Ground whenever possible.
Please inspect all items at the time of delivery. Should you find any damage, please take pictures and note the damage on the delivery ticket/bill of lading, and contact us immediately to provide proof of damage. Our standard delivery options do not include unpacking; therefore, we request that the receiver inspect the package as best as possible at the time of delivery, noting any damage to the packaging on the delivery documents. Failure to document shipping damage may void the warranty.
Please be advised that our delivery companies may deliver with 18-wheeler trucks. PureModern will authorize a smaller truck if it is available in your area. However, if the local delivery terminal does not have a smaller truck or the smaller truck does not fit down your road, you will be responsible for making the proper arrangements with the delivery center to meet the truck or pick it up from the delivery terminal.
All shipping is FOB (Freight on Board) origin unless otherwise noted.
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Yes, we sell planters with sides and no bottom. We call this type of planter a Bottomless Retention Edging Planter. This planter allows your client to use the existing subbase as the bottom.
To learn more about Bottomless Retaining Edging Planters please click here. -
The plant container lifecycle depends on several factors, including:
The planter material
Indoor or outdoor placement
The level of sun exposure
Please refer to our detailed article explaining each material to learn more.
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Not for stock-sized planters, but we make a custom shelf for all the custom-made metal planters. Or, you can add non-biodegradable material in the base of the planter to decrease the amount of growing media needed.
If you prefer a fiberglass planter, we suggest using a non-biodegradable material, like packing peanuts, in the base of the planter. Next, layer the base with landscape fabric followed by the recommended soil.
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There are five basic options, listed below from least to most expensive.
No Top Lip
1-inch Lip Only
1-inch Lip and Return
Reverse Top Lip
Custom Lip Option – Your Vision. Our Container.
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Powder coating is important because once it cures, it creates a durable finish that causes marine-grade aluminum to last for years. In short, when the powder coat is heated, it creates cross-links, melts, and a sheath of protective coating on the aluminum.
The Application Process:A prepaint coating is applied to the metal.
The planters are heated to ensure the prepaint coating dries evenly and thoroughly.
The metal planter is electrically charged. This is done because the powder-coating adheres to static electricity. The powder is sprayed on the metal.
Once the planter has been powder-coated, we heat it to cure the layer.
Powder-coating heavy gauge 5052 marine-grade aluminum alloy creates a superior product suitable for all interior or exterior commercial applications.
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No. Marine-grade aluminum and fiberglass can be used for a rooftop application since they are lightweight and much lighter than concrete or steel.
Consider the material used to fill the planter and opt for lightweight alternatives. Adding internal shelves and using non-biodegradable materials in the base of planters is also a way to decrease weight.
Learn more about different options for planter materials or explore options for filling a planter.
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No, the Modern Elite Planters are lightweight.
The benefit of aluminum is its high-strength-to-weight ratios. Most of the weight will come from the type of fill used and reinforcements may be necessary for heavier fills and plantings. Please contact us to receive the exact weight of the product you would like to purchase.
If weight is a concern, focus on reducing the weight of fill material and plants inside the container. Fill the void spaces with Styrofoam or non-biodegradable packing peanuts. Wrap the void fill in landscape fabric to separate the planting soil and to provide filtration.
Always contact a structural engineer to verify that the deck can, in fact, hold the number of planters that you are ordering. However, in general, decks and rooftops are designed to carry 50 lbs. per sq. ft. or more. For example, the 72" L x 20” W x 24” H aluminum planter only has a load of 6.9 lbs. per sq. ft. so the majority of the weight comes from what is used inside the planter.
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We do not currently sell plastic planters. However, if you are interested in that design, check out our lightweight Fiberglass Planters, which can be custom-designed.
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We strive to meet your requested date. Please let us know when you need the planters delivered, and we can work backward from your date. Lead times vary from 1 week to 4 months depending on the planter material, availability, and whether or not it is a custom project. Consider the general timelines by brand below.
If you need something rushed or would like a custom-designed planter, please contact us, and we will see if we can work with you to meet your deadline.
Planters
Modern Elite Aluminum Planters: Ship 1-3 weeks from order date.
PurePots Fiberglass Planters: In-stock planters ship within 1 week of the order date.
COR-TEN Weathering Steel Planters (made to order): Ship 2-4 weeks from the order date.
All other planter brands: Stock planters ship within 1 week of the order date and out-of-stock planters ship within 10 to 12 weeks.
Other Products
All fire bowls and tables ship 3-4 weeks after the order date.
All other product ship times vary per product (usually within a week for in-stock products).
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The Modern Elite Aluminum Planter is our most popular and durable planter. These planters offer a more durable commercial-grade planter.
Our designs are heavy gauge marine-grade 5052 aluminum alloy (.125” thick), the same marine-grade aluminum used on commercial boats, airplanes, exterior building products, etc. Modern Elite Aluminum Planters are powder-coated on the outside and with an architectural-grade powder called TIGER Drylac Series 38 on the inside. The powder ensures the planters will not fade or degrade due to its inherent qualities of UV stability, adds additional durability, and is VOC-free. In addition, the powder is AAMA 2604 compliant and offers excellent weather and UV resistance, based on five years of Florida weather exposure.
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Yes, we offer a warranty on all our planters. You’ll receive a one-year limited warranty on material and workmanship and a three-year limited warranty on the finish against rusting, peeling, chipping, cracking, mold, and mildew.
Our warranty covers any manufacturing defects that become apparent during the normal use of our product. The warranty does not cover loss due to theft or damage caused by misuse, abuse, modifications, improper storage, or acts of nature. The warranty also does not cover normal wear and tear.
In the case of an approved warranty claim, PureModern reserves the right to repair and/or replace the product with the same product. The warranty does not cover the recovery of incidental or consequential damages such as loss of use, damage to property, or other consequential damage. PureModern will not accept liability for such damage. Any alterations to the product after delivery will void this warranty.
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Patina is an important process for COR-TEN Weathering Steel Planters. COR-TEN weathering steel earns its name for two properties: corrosion resistance (COR) and tensile strength (TEN).
COR-TEN weathering steel undergoes a patina process, transforming from a raw gray metal to a rich orange-brown. This process enhances its corrosion resistance, making it perfect for many outdoor environments. To achieve this, COR-TEN Weathering Steel Planters must be exposed to the elements and remain uncovered. During patina formation, the metal might bleed onto surrounding surfaces, but once complete, it becomes highly corrosion-resistant. COR-TEN weathering steel should be used at least two kilometers away from saltwater to prevent erosion.
If the look of COR-TEN weathering steel appeals to you but isn't suitable for your needs, consider powder-coated aluminum planters in a Weathered Rust finish. These offer a commercial alternative that mimics COR-TEN weathering steel. Additionally, Fiberglass Planters with a metal-infused finish are available, providing a patina effect without the same material constraints.
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Yes!
When you order free samples, you can see the color and texture first-hand. Place the samples in the right lighting to determine, with confidence, the correct option for you and your client.
Keep in mind that planter color samples are complimentary. Fire pit swatches require a down payment that is credited upon return. Only Modern Elite Planter and concrete fire pit color samples come in the same product color and texture. PurePots color samples come on a heavy plastic that emulates the texture of Fiberglass Planters.
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While there are many variations on how to fill a planter, consider our recommended process:
Ensure the planter is level and elevated above its placement surface to prevent condensation.
Add a non-biodegradable filler if the planter is considerably larger than the space needed for the plant to grow.
Place landscape fabric to separate the filler from the soil and allow excess water from a possible over-saturated soil to leave the roots.
Add about 6 inches of soil. Make sure the soil you use is appropriate for the plant. Then, tamp down, add more soil, and repeat.
Add Plant Sipper, if desired.
Add the plant and surround it with more soil before watering the area.
Leave about an inch of space between the top of the soil and the top of the planter.
Learn more at https://www.puremodern.com/blogs/news/how-to-properly-fill-a-planter
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Modern Elite is a Metal Planter line while PurePots is a Fiberglass Planter line. They also use different coloring processes. Our Modern Elite Planters are colored using a powder-coated spray or what is appropriate for the desired metal, and our PurePots Planter line is colored using BASF automotive quality paint. Please contact us if you would like to know which line would work best for your commercial project.
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PurePots is PureModern's brand of handcrafted and hand-sprayed Fiberglass Planters. They offer a sleek modern design and are made to order in North America using commercial-grade automotive paint.
Fiberglass Resin Pots and Planters are corrosion- and UV-resistant due to the composite material's structural integrity. Commercial-grade automotive paint features specialized resins, pigments, and additives for enhanced coating performance to decrease UV damage.
PurePots Planters can be ordered with or without drainage holes for interior or exterior applications. There is also an assortment of stock color options. If a stock color does not fit your needs, consider custom colors.
Planter Projects
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Yes, designers for Rockefeller Center in New York City used Modular Planters. Our clients installed the Modular Planters around the terrace's perimeter on the 15th floor. Click here to see more information about this project.
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Yes, take a look at the project in Salinas, California, where our client used multiple sizes and shapes of Modern Elite Aluminum Planters to divide spaces at the Monterey County Government offices. Click here to access this project.
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Yes, Rockefeller Center in New York City features PurePots Fiberglass Tapered Cylinders in Suede Bronze. They filled the planters with ornamental trees as well as other eye-pleasing foliage. See the project by clicking here.
Metal Planters
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At PureModern, we think about durability in three ways:
Material strength for weather resistance: Planters withstand everyday wear, heat, cold, and water exposure.
Aesthetic durability: Planters maintain their appearance for many years.
Maintenance costs over time: Minimal time and labor needed for upkeep.
Powder-coated planters meet all these requirements, offering a lifetime product. They are:
Made from heavy gauge 5052 marine-grade aluminum for optimal durability in all weather conditions.
Coated with TIGER Drylac® Series 38 architectural-grade powder for a durable, hard shell.
Free of VOCs, ensuring peace of mind for people and making an environmentally-friendly option.
While the price point is higher, the investment ensures long-term quality and low maintenance. You’ll find these aluminum and powder coatings in ships, airplanes, military equipment, and communication towers.
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We can fabricate Metal Planters using Marine-grade powder-coated aluminum, galvanized steel, COR-TEN Weathering Steel, and stainless steel.
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Use TIGER Drylac Anti-Graffiti Clear Coat.
If your planters are exposed to an area where you may get unwanted images, use the Series 44–Anti-Graffiti TIGER DryLac. This coating has anti-graffiti properties that allow for easy cleaning should your planters get graffitied. We apply the coating after the traditional powder-coating layer. Fill out our request for a quote form to get an estimate today to have your future planters powder-coated with this product.
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What does patina mean in reference to COR-TEN Weathering Steel Planters?
Any mention of patina refers to our products made of COR-TEN weathering steel. Patina is an important process for COR-TEN weathering steel. It gets its name from its corrosion resistance (COR) and tensile strength (TEN).
For COR-TEN weathering steel to become fully corrosion-resistant, it undergoes a patina process. The steel changes from a raw metal look (in which the color of the steel is gray) to a patina (where the metal turns orange-brown).
To patina, the planter needs to be in the elements. COR-TEN Weathering Steel Planters should only be outdoors and uncovered. It is important to note that the metal can bleed onto the surrounding surface when the planter goes through the patina process.
After this transition, the weathering process of COR-TEN weathering steel is complete. The steel is now resistant to corrosion and perfect for many outdoor climates. Note: COR-TEN Weathering Steel Planters need to be at least two kilometers away from large bodies of saltwater, as saltwater can erode this material.
If you love the look of COR-TEN Weathering Steel Planters but do not think the material will work for your needs, we recommend using Powder-Coated Aluminum Planters in a Weathered Rust finish. Aluminum Planters are a commercial alternative that mimic the look of COR-TEN Weathering Steel Planters.
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The difference between aluminum and marine-grade aluminum is the alloy process. Aluminum is innately resistant to corrosion, but if placing planters in high-moisture areas, marine-grade series aluminum is best.
Consider our 5052 marine-grade aluminum alloy, which has the following attributes:
High resistance to corrosion
Lightweight
High-strength
Weldability
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With over 10 years of experience, PureModern fabricates only planters, ensuring top-tier design capabilities by engineering them with proper reinforcing to prevent deflection and bowing when fully loaded.
You can trust in a proven and established project process, which guarantees superior quality and consistency for every planter. Enjoy fixed lead times and reliable schedules, unlike local fabricators who often delay. Also, fixed pricing eliminates unexpected costs, as local fabricators may underestimate expenses and increase prices through change orders or by sacrificing quality.
Confident in our fabrication shop, we offer a warranty on material and workmanship. We use heavy-gauge, marine-grade recycled 5052 aluminum alloy. Our planters feature fully welded, watertight seams that are sanded down for an invisible finish and are powder-coated inside and out for UV and frost resistance.
Custom Products
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Sure. Explore several Custom Planter projects below.
Custom Fiberglass Planters: Our client customized these planters to grace the front of a building to add curb appeal. They were also sprayed with a custom color.
Connected Modular Planters: Customized powder-coated aluminum surrounds a terrace.
Modern Elite Divider Planters: Built with casters, the client can move the planters in any configuration desired to accommodate the space's needs.
Custom Powder-Coated Aluminum Planters: These were fabricated large enough to hold trees. We designed them with a custom top lip design and an inlay strategically positioned close to the planter base.
Custom Powder-Coated Aluminum Planters: The client designed these to fit around a bench and other planters at a shopping mall.
Connect Modular Planters: Customized Powder-Coated Aluminum Planters fit in a multi-level seating area.
Contact us if you would like to discuss your next custom planter project.
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Yes, we specialize in custom commercial planters. Our Modern Elite Aluminum Planters, made of marine-grade aluminum and powder-coated, can be fabricated in as little as one week. You can customize the size, color, and shape of aluminum and fiberglass planters. Aluminum offers the most flexibility and shorter lead times, while fiberglass requires additional steps, resulting in longer lead times. To start your custom planter, click here to fill out our quote form.
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Yes, but the material you choose will dictate the available color options.
For most Fiberglass Planters, PureModern uses BASF automotive-grade paint for durability. If you provide any RAL, Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, or other paint company color code, we will match it.
For powder-coated aluminum, we use TIGER Drylac® Series 38 powder coating, which is VOC-free and ideal for both interior and exterior applications. It's weather and UV-resistant, proven by a 5-year Florida exposure test showing minimal color change and high gloss retention. It also meets AAMA 2604 specifications.
Upon request, we can send you a brochure with color options. Pricing depends on order size, color, and finish, with some pigments being more expensive.
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At PureModern, we are big fans of this look, and we have helped many clients create it.
For example, consider using our Modular Bolted Planter System to achieve a continuous open trough. The planter sections will have tight vertical joints on the sides every several feet. It is fully customizable to fit your exact project specifications. Please contact us to learn more.
Wholesale & Trade
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We do not list wholesale prices for two reasons:
Our prices vary based on the volume of each order.
We manage many custom planter projects, which are priced by specification.
The list prices are available on our website. To receive accurate prices, it is usually best to have us quote each project. We can turn quotes around within 24 hours.
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Yes, we offer trade discounts and wholesale pricing. To apply to our trade discount program, please click here to learn more and to complete the form. You can expect to hear back from us within 24 hours.
To learn more about our wholesale planter pricing, click here.
Concrete Fire Pits
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Yes!
Check out PureModern’s product colors and textures—and how they look in your desired light—when you order samples. While planter color samples are complimentary, fire pit swatches require a down payment that is credited upon return. Only our Modern Elite Planter and concrete fire pit color samples come in the same product color and texture. Our PurePots color samples come on a heavy plastic that emulates the texture of our Fiberglass Planters.
Planter Accessories
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Yes! Peruse a range of irrigation and installation solutions. For example, order Ollie Plant Sippers, which capitalize on a plant’s natural capillary action of attaining water and nutrients through its roots. With this system, plants require 80% less water, and the water holding tank only needs to be filled every six weeks.
Do not hesitate to request support installing your custom planters. To learn more about which irrigation and installation solutions are right for your needs, contact us online or call us at 1-866-568-0571.
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A plant sipper, similar to an aquifer, is a plastic tank with a hollow tube for adding water, placed below the plant roots in a planter. As plants grow, their roots reach the tank and draw water by capillary action as needed. The tube, extending just above soil level, allows easy refilling and has a float to indicate water levels. Plant sippers, or self-watering reservoirs, reduce water usage and watering frequency.
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It depends. You do not need liners for marine-grade aluminum and fiberglass planters. Neither of these materials degrades when exposed to water and soil. Additionally, marine-grade aluminum and fiberglass planters can be made watertight, further removing the need for a liner.
Liners are good to use if the planter material will degrade when in constant contact with soil and water, such as a wood planter. Also, a liner is good to use in interior applications if the planter is not watertight.
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Yes. Add casters to our Modern Elite Powder-Coated Aluminum Planters. Casters are wheels added to the bottom of planters to make them more easily movable, with options for locking or non-locking mechanisms.
Add casters to your PureModern planters if they meet these requirements:
24” high and under with a minimum width of 16”
24” high and over with a minimum width of 18”
Plants
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Add plants! According to London South Bank University, position large plants in multiple locations along the edges and the corners of rooms, and you'll experience a notable reduction in noise pollution. Learn more by clicking here.
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The best lighting depends on the type of plant. Each species has specific ambient light requirements to grow and become an outstanding specimen. We suggest reading this article to learn more about picking the right light for your plants.
General
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When working with PureModern, ensure your project happens on time and meets your client’s expectations. We know you have a diverse array of project requirements and specifications, such as budget or space constraints. Rely on our expertise to help you find a solution.
Here’s what you can always expect:
One point of contact
Same-day quotes for most projects (typically within 48 hours for larger ones)
Lead times as short as two weeks, depending on the needs of the project
We stand behind all our projects with our Done-Right Guarantee
A reliable Four-Step Proven Project Process
Technical expertise for unique custom configurations
A consultative and responsive approach
Large selection of high-end, commercial-grade products
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We ship products to the continental United States and Canada.
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Go to our contact page and click on the red button labeled "Request a Quote.” Fill out the requested information and click "Submit Request.” Once you've done that, you can expect to receive a quote from us within 24 hours.
What to Expect When Partnering With PureModern
Whether you need square, rectangle, round, or tapered planters, enjoy our seamless selection and ordering process.
Request a Quote
Depending on the project's scope, you will receive a quote within 24 to 48 hours.
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Discuss Your Project
Click here to speak with a skilled problem solver. We’ll discuss your project, determine which planters meet your specifications, and choose the best options within your budget.
02.
Enjoy On-Time Results
Planters are manufactured to your exact specifications and shipped on time so you can meet project deadlines—our Done-Right Guarantee ensures it.
03.
“The folks at pure modern are honest and trust worthy. They always answer my questions without regard to closing the sale. Their products are of high quality and class which are never seen at the big box stores or volume e-commerce sites.”
— Mark via Trust Pilot
Finally, a reliable planter manufacturer that values your projects as much as you do.
We know that you work hard to uphold your reputation and need visually stunning design solutions to maintain it. Stop wasting time on mediocre companies and inferior products, and instead, create an empowering partnership with us at PureModern—an innovative planter manufacturer. With top-notch commercial-grade planters and exceptional customer service, we promise to provide transparent communication to ensure a seamless process from start to finish.