When it comes to optimizing the budget for your landscaping project, there are many factors to consider. Especially with regards to the type of planter you purchase, many components can affect the total expense. Doing the research can be a very tedious task but you wouldn’t want to encounter unexpected costs that can put you behind schedule. For your convenience, here are a couple of pointers and some considerations you need to know when budgeting for your landscaping project.
Deciding on Different Materials
Choosing a type of planter can come with many pros and cons. Depending on your budget and needs, many different material types may best suit your project. It’s always best to weigh your options properly and consider the value you get from them when making your final decision.
Concrete, ceramic, wood, fiberglass, and even metal are some of the most commonly used planter materials. While they all have their benefits, they tend to have a few drawbacks you should be mindful of before making a purchase.
For instance, when deciding on the budget, fiberglass planters might not be the best option for you. Although they are light, the cost that goes into fiberglass is much higher than terracotta or plastic. This price difference becomes more apparent in the case of heavier materials (i.e. wood and metal), which are the most expensive of the bunch.
Reducing Shipping Costs
When obsessed with other details, it’s often easy to overlook shipping costs and other handling fees. Many people tend to ignore the additional cost of the freight of heavier items which can add up to a significant amount in the end.
For this reason, planter materials made of metal and stone are not ideal if you want to save on shipping. When you compare a stone planter to a resin planter, the latter can weigh up to 90 percent less than its counterpart. Since shipping couriers factor in both weight and size, you should consider avoiding the heavy planter weight materials to save money on your project.
Reducing Installation Costs
Another overlooked expense is the manual labor needed for the strenuous installation process. Planter materials that tend to be lightweight are much easier to deal with during handling, freight, and installation. It also explains why their demand is rising compared to their heavier counterparts.
Handling stone or metal products will require more manpower during the installation process. An additional concern you should be aware of when dealing with heavier materials is their tendency to be damaged or nicked while in transit. You do not want your newly purchased planters to arrive all bruised or cracked.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Purchasing the best product for your landscaping project can be a challenging balancing act when deciding between affordable and commonly used options. You may find it easy to side with familiar materials, such as stone or fiberglass, however, these generally don’t end up being the most cost-effective option in the long run.
When it comes to planters, choosing the right brand and materials can ultimately save you thousands of dollars. Smart investors consider many factors along with the cost of maintenance some materials might need. Materials used for manufacturing planters tend to be vulnerable to mold, cracking, rusting, and decay, so it’s wise to look into options that are not only cost-effective but also easier to maintain.
Why TerraCast
TerraCast planters are not only lighter and more durable than most options out there, but they are also more cost-effective if budget is your main concern! If you are interested in learning more about resin-based products, we, at TerraCast, would be glad to help you accomplish your landscaping vision!