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Urban Pot - Commercial and Residential Planters
Image de Andrei Lazarev

Transforming Urban Spaces: How Commercial-Grade Planters Elevate Rooftop Terraces and High-Traffic Areas

  • Writer: CG Multigestion
    CG Multigestion
  • 7 days ago
  • 7 min read

Plants are one of nature’s simplest design tools—and when paired with commercial-grade planters, they can completely transform urban spaces. From rooftop terraces to busy sidewalks, these durable containers help soften hardscapes, add greenery, and turn dull areas into inviting environments. Whether it’s a storefront, office, or public space, well-placed planters elevate the atmosphere and make city life feel more alive.


Rooftop terrace with lush planter boxes, modern furniture, and a skyline view at sunset. Glass windows reflect the warm light, creating a serene mood.

Everything You Need to Know about Commercial-Grade Planters

Planters are often referred to as big containers used in floral displays or as planting boxes displaying flowers and other plants. They are primarily seen in urban spaces, such as office buildings, malls, parks, storefronts, etc.

If we were to compare commercial-grade planters to residential plants, the former possesses more strength and can survive adverse weather variations and environmental stressors. You can also put them outside for a more visually appealing scenery.

Would you like to improve the scene and look of your urban spaces, such as streets, rooftops, or parks? You should definitely consider installing commercial-grade planters. Their versatility is one of their most appealing properties.


Commercial-Grade Planters Advantages:

1.    Sustainability with Aesthetics:

Let’s face it: our cities are in decline. We’re trying to accommodate more people, even as we face some profound environmental challenges. So, how do we design urban spaces that are beautiful, useful, and sustainable? That’s the million-dollar question these days for designers and architects.

Fortunately, a surprisingly easy answer solves all those problems at once: commercial planters. “They’re also a genius way to get some greenery into the city.” They combine face and build a nation with the everyday world, which is a win-win situation. It is a reality you can bring to your neighborhood—a busy street corner, perhaps, transformed by colorful planters overflowing with flowers and greenery. Suddenly, that area becomes a tiny oasis of calm during the urban hustle. Commercial planters let us appreciate nature whilst developing more livable, sustainable, and beautiful cities. They provide a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. 

2.    Maximum Use of Space:

You can also trust commercial planters and use them to utilize urban spaces to their full capacity. For instance, modular or vertical planter systems can have a wonderful effect for smaller spaces like courtyards and rooftop gardens, ensuring a harmonious environment without losing functionality.

Commercial-grade planters on rooftop terraces and high-traffic areas offer flexible layouts that can quickly adapt to unique event setups. You can also personalize them according to the community’s preferences. Ultimately, commercial planters help increase urban spaces' livability and sustainability.

3.    Promoting Biodiversity:

Commercial-grade planters are being used to design rooftops for several reasons. One reason is to support pollinators, which play a vital part in urban biodiversity.

The cherry on top? These planters can also be customized to accommodate many native plant species! It means one can use commercial-grade planters on their rooftops and turn them into habitats for butterflies, birds, and bees.

These planters not only increase the visual appeal of urban spaces but also brilliantly contribute to the environment's ecological health.

4.    Growing Edible Herbs:

Now, those commercial planters aren't just eye candy. Not only do they amp up the aesthetics of a space, but they can also be rather practical. They can grow their herbs and even their edible plants! It’s not solely a trendy idea, either. Some restaurants already have this type of system in place! They’re using commercial planters in their buildings exclusively to produce fresh vegetables — tomatoes, lettuce, and other greens — on site. How cool would it be to have a salad with ingredients grown steps from the kitchen? It is a fantastic solution to give some freshness and a sustainable feel in every urban space, whether in a restaurant, in an office, or even on your balcony.

5.    Planter as a Barrier:

Nature is so amazing that it keeps giving if we know how to utilize it properly!

Another surprisingly brilliant functional benefit of commercial-grade planters is that they can sometimes work as barriers. This means that they can be helpful for directing traffic, creating new spaces, and even decreasing noise.

Commercial planters can direct foot traffic towards or away from certain areas. They can also welcome customers by directing them to the front door.

6.    Sound-Absorbing Planters:

Commercial planters are also game-changers for rooftops and terraces, and not just because they look impressive. Did you know they can also help dampen noise levels? Just imagine—you are in the middle of a busy area, perhaps on a rooftop terrace of a building in the city, and all the surrounding noise you can hear is literally prohibiting you from working. It's a common problem.

This is where planters come into play. Imagine fresh sound-absorbing plants on planters at key points. These have been a game-changer. These planters help reduce the overall noise, resulting in a calmer atmosphere, and they can provide concentration aid, helping you be more productive. Imagine all your thoughts just intertwining, but with a twist of city-like a tingling eggshell feeling to it, because you can’t escape the otherwise rustling urban jungle. So, commercial planters can be a strong ally if you are working from home, looking to relax or enjoy peace in your rooftop garden.

7.    Higher Property Value:

Urban spaces with high-quality commercial-grade planters are likely to have a higher resale value than other spaces. That's because visual appeal plays a key role in selling the property. The prettier your space is, the more potential buyers you will attract, which increases its market value and return on investment.


Modern rooftop garden with lush plants in sleek, black planters. Sunny day with city buildings in the background. Calm and serene mood.

Types of Commercial-Grade Planters - Which One Works Best for You?

If you feel inspired by how amazing commercial-grade planters can be and now plan to buy them, read the following types of planters. We have included a number of choices, so choose wisely after reading thoroughly.

Types of Materials for Planters for Rooftop Terrace: 

●     Metal Planters:

If you are searching for a planter that is not a fad and remains in its place, adding a modern touch? Metal planters are a good option. Their resilience and smooth, often polished, surfaces make them a go-to choice for high-traffic zones, indoors and out. These tough planters can withstand the rigors of everyday life and take the weather in stride, be it blistering sun or driving rain. So, if you want to set up a shiny office lobby, build an excellent rooftop garden, or keep a modern home, a metal planter will be the right fit to soothe it. They're worth the investment to keep your plants happy and your space looking its best.

●     Concrete Planters:

Concrete planters can be a good choice for rooftops where weather conditions are usually windy. Thanks to their heavy weight and industrial nature, concrete planters provide a safe space for plants to thrive. You can personalize them using different finishes and colors. Concrete planters have an exceptional thermal mass and can help ensure the optimal growth of plants.

●     Resin Planters:

Need an easy-to-move planter that can still take what Mother Nature throws at it? Decide to bring home some resin planters. They’re unexpectedly lightweight, so you won’t be throwing your back out trying to rearrange your plant display, but they’re also sturdy enough to stand the test of the elements. And the best part? You can get resin planters in almost any style you can think of. Looking for something sleek and modern? No problem. Like a more rustic, textured aesthetic? They've got you covered. These containers excel at maintaining even soil temperature, which is essential for happy, healthy plants. So, if you're a plant newbie or son of a gardener, resin planters are a practical and stylish choice that won't let you down..

●     Fiberglass Planters:

Fiberglass planters are lightweight and easy to install and transport, making them suitable for rooftop areas. They are also resistant to cracking or fading, ensuring that the plants remain healthy for a long time.


Styles and Designs of Planters:

●     Hanging Planters:

Hanging planters work best for spaces with limited space and can be a great addition to walls, railings, and pergolas. You can get a wide range of materials in hanging plants, such as ceramic, metal, and plastic.

●     Self-Watering Plants 

Rooftops and terraces in urban spaces where access is difficult need self-watering plants. These planters have a built-in reservoir that waters them whenever needed. Self-watering plants are also available in numerous materials and sizes. Due to their self-sufficient nature, they can also be used to grow vegetables that need moisture consistently.

●     Raised Plants: 

Dreaming of a rooftop garden but worried about soil depth? Raised planters are your answer! They offer a generous soil bed, perfect for giving your plants the room to thrive, making them ideal for rooftop gardening. And because they're typically made of metal, they're durable and offer a sleek, modern look. Raised bed planters are great for cultivating many plants like flowers, herbs, and vegetables. This is all possible due to the versatile nature of commercial-grade planters.


FAQ


What makes a planter “commercial-grade”?

Commercial-grade planters are specifically designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and heavy usage. Unlike residential planters, they are built using durable materials like metal, concrete, fiberglass, or resin to resist weather fluctuations, UV exposure, and frequent handling. This makes them ideal for urban spaces like rooftops, sidewalks, and public plazas.

Can commercial-grade planters be used to improve biodiversity in cities?

Are commercial planters only for aesthetic purposes?

What type of planter material is best for rooftop use?

Can commercial-grade planters be customized to fit specific project needs?


Conclusion:

Space may be at a premium on rooftops and terraces, but that doesn't mean it can't be impressive! Commercial-grade planters are an excellent way to elevate their beauty. The right planters are also essential, though. These two elements make the garden beautiful and promote biodiversity and sustainability. A dry rooftop can become a lush, green heaven with an appropriate planter.

 
 
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