A review of materials and design options most commonly specified for planters used in green outdoor dining areas.
As the demand for provision of outside dining increases, using planters can help in a number of ways:
Delineating the area from the public realm to protect pedestrians and diners
Bringing greenery and colour to enhance the customer experience
When of sufficient height, providing an element of privacy / shelter for diners
Offering additional branding opportunities
Whether just a couple of planters at an entrance, or a long run around the edge of a terrace, durability is key. There are materials and ranges for hospitality venues, that will stand up to commercial wear and tear, and offer excellent value and longevity.
Powder-coated galvanised steel planters
Colour, shape and size all customisable.
Castors, adjustable feet, screens, matching menu stands etc all possible as design extras.
Can be made in sections and joined together to form a continuous wall.
Can be easily and cheaply surface decorated and / or branded.
Movability by castors is the most commonly specified design extra - see below.
For more information on IOTA powder coated steel planters, click here.
Powder-coated stainless steel planters
All options as per powder-coated galvanised steel planters.
Additionally, for a modest premium, 1.4003-grade stainless steel offers significantly higher technical performance in terms of longevity and corrosion resistance.
For more information on IOTA stainless steel planters, click here.
Movability by castors
Movability by castors is the most commonly specified design extra for outdoor dining areas, and is fully discussed in this additional article.
Key points to note for moving planters with castors:
This option is only available for planters made-to-order in steel.
If planters need to be moved daily, larger wheels with foot-operated brakes are most practical. The wheels are visible, and raise the planters up by around 10cm from the ground.
If planters only need to be moved infrequently, then wheels can be recessed so as not to be visible, and the brakes can be hidden behind access panels. In this configuration, the wheels are typically smaller, and the brake operated by hand.
If no brakes are required, then wheels can be recessed and invisible.
Planters are only practically movable up to a certain size. This will vary according to the weight of the planting and the surface over which the wheels move, but indicatively 1200mm-long is often a maximum practical size. Wheels are typically also not suitable for use on uneven surfaces, such as cobbles, or on a significantly sloping site.
About IOTA
IOTA is expert in manufacturing planters for green outdoor dining areas. Where the brief requires it, a bespoke approach is undertaken.
IOTA’s in-house metal working facilities include precision laser cutting, fabrication, powder coating and specialist applied finishes such as patination.
To discuss a standard or bespoke planter scheme for an outdoor dining area, call 01934 522617 or visit the IOTA website for additional information.
