In lieu of traditional ceramic, concrete, and terracotta planters, many people are turning to fiberglass planters; there are several reasons for this, due to the advantages fiberglass has over other materials. Fiberglass planters are increasingly being used both in household and commercial settings.

The use of fiberglass in planter-making provides an almost limitless range of styles, shapes, and colors. Many of these planters cleverly imitate copper, bronze, terracotta, and other materials. A resin finish of good quality will resist cracking, scratching, and warping, and may not even require painting if scratched or chipped.

Fiberglass is very light, and is often almost unbreakable compared to most other materials, which makes these planters much easier and safer to move. This is a huge advantage when dealing with larger planters for outdoor settings, especially rooftops and balconies, or upper-floor areas. Where planter liners are needed, fiberglass has the advantage of being rust resistant, seamless, and less expensive than galvanized steel.

Complex shapes are much easier to construct with fiberglass, and custom planters are often ordered to match them perfectly with their surroundings. In addition to paint, surface options include a paint-type gel coat finish, or a durable, textured sandstone finish. In a rare case of chipping, a simple repair can usually be made using an epoxy/resin putty. Using a brush with detergent, or sanding with light sandpaper (or #00 steel wool), will effectively handle most scratches.

Because they are waterproof, fiberglass planters will not need special linings to prevent leaching, as with terracotta. Boasting an indefinite lifespan, fiberglass is suited especially well for outdoor environments. A growing number of designs are being incorporated for landscape use, including attractive bench/planter combinations. Many of these planters closely mimic engraved stone, slate, and clay structures, and fiberglass containing metallic elements, such as copper and bronze, is also available. Being extremely weatherproof, these planters require virtually no maintenance. They will not require emptying in the winter, as they are resistant to freezing. For outdoor use, drainage holes may be made using a 1/4" to 1/2" drill bit; they often may be drilled upon request when ordering. Because fiberglass does not support fungal and bacterial growth, it will not degrade, rot, or mildew. In sunnier areas, a light-colored or UV-protected finish will help resist intense sunlight; dark-colored planters will retain more heat, which may be detrimental to certain plants.

Fiberglass production methods have improved greatly in recent years, making detailed textures and patterns available that were once only found in very expensive planters. Fiberglass planters are also available that were made using little or no petroleum, with no hard waste or gas emissions during production. Those with the environment in mind will appreciate hand-crafted fiberglass planters, made in an eco-friendly manner, that were built to last a lifetime.