Sandford British Steel Planters

Elevate Your Garden with Timeless, Heavy-Duty Planters. Sandford Steel Planters, where British craftsmanship meets the enduring beauty of Corten steel. Designed as a permanent, statement feature for any garden, patio, or commercial space, these planters combine robust construction with zero-maintenance elegance. Simply place, plant, and enjoy a stunning display that grows more characterful each year.

Built to Last & Designed to Thrive:

• Handcrafted in Britain: Each planter is carefully fabricated by skilled artisans, ensuring exceptional quality and finish.

• Unbeatable 5-Year Warranty: Your investment is protected with our comprehensive guarantee, offering total peace of mind.

• Heavy-Duty Corten Steel Construction: Made from certified, premium Corten steel. It naturally develops a protective, rich rust patina that prevents further corrosion, eliminating the need for painting or treating.

• Also available in Unweathered Mild Patina Steel: Made from mild steel these planters are supplied un-weathered and will develop their own rusty patina over time.

• Zero Maintenance: The intelligent Corten steel does all the work. Its appearance evolves beautifully over time with no effort from you.

• Plant-Friendly Design: Equipped with integrated 15mm feet to protect surfaces and ensure airflow, plus standard drainage holes to promote healthy plant growth and prevent waterlogging.

• Ready for Immediate Impact: Delivered fully assembled. No tricky installation—just position, fill with soil, and add your plants.

Choose Your Perfect Size:

Find the ideal planter to frame your trees, shrubs, or floral displays. All dimensions are in millimetres (Length x Width x Height).

Delivery & Ordering:

• Free Delivery: We deliver your chosen planters directly to your door, mainland UK only – delivery restrictions may apply.

• Huge Range in Stock: Many sizes are available for prompt dispatch – please check with our sales team for current stock information.

• Handmade to Order: As each planter is meticulously crafted by hand, some sizes may involve a short lead time for the perfect finish. Please contact us for the most current stock and lead time information.

Craftsmanship & Details: Your Sandford Steel Planter

Discover the expert craftsmanship and premium materials that make our Sandford Corten Steel Planters a lifelong investment for your garden.

Meticulous Handmade Construction

Every Sandford planter is crafted by hand at our UK workshop. The process begins with precision laser-cutting of the steel sheets for absolute accuracy. Our skilled artisans then form the planters using specialist machinery, applying meticulous folds and finishing each piece by hand with pride.

Premium Design Features:

• Double-Folded Lip: Unlike standard edges, our planters feature a reinforced, double-folded return lip. This provides a superior, safer finish, adds significant strength, and protects hands during planting.

• Seamless Welded Corners: All corners and sides are fully seam-welded for integrity, then carefully ground and smoothed by hand to create flawless, continuous edges where the welds are virtually invisible.

• Unique Character: As each planter is finished by hand, subtle variations occur, adding unique charm and confirming its status as a true artisan product.

Built from Genuine Corten Steel

Our planters are constructed from certified, structural-grade Corten steel, chosen for its unparalleled strength and famous weathering properties.

• Standard Thickness: We use 2mm thick Corten steel as standard, ensuring heavy-duty durability.

• Bespoke Options: For ultimate longevity, we can fabricate planters up to 6mm thick. Contact us to discuss custom sizing and specifications.

• The Weathering Beauty: When exposed to the elements, Corten steel naturally develops a stable, protective rust patina in rich autumnal hues of orange, brown, and red. This layer prevents further corrosion, meaning your planter becomes more beautiful and maintenance-free over time. The exact coloration is influenced by your local climate, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Delivery & Lead Times

We offer free, tracked delivery nationwide via trusted UK couriers. As our planters are handmade, please allow for a short lead time, especially during peak periods. We will always provide the most accurate dispatch estimate at checkout and strive to fulfil urgent requests where possible. Full details are on our Delivery Information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to develop the rust patina?
The distinctive protective patina typically develops fully within 6-12 months of exposure to weather. The process can be faster in coastal or wetter climates. For instant colour, please inquire about our pre-weathered option.

How are the planters raised for drainage?
Each planter includes discreet, integrated 15mm feet. These lift the planter slightly, ensuring perfect drainage and creating a sleek, “floating” appearance. We can also customize your planter with adjustable legs, castors, or as a bottomless raised bed—contact us to discuss.

Can they be used indoors?
Yes. For indoor use, we recommend ordering without drainage holes to protect your floors. To achieve the classic Corten look immediately indoors, please ask about our pre-weathered finish.

Do they require maintenance?
Virtually none. The self-protecting Corten patina eliminates any need for painting or sealing. Simply enjoy it. During the first few months of weathering, a slight colour runoff is possible, which may stain light-coloured surfaces like stone or concrete. Placing the planter on a patio or gravel area is advised.

What about the sizing?
All listed sizes are in millimetres in Length x Width x Height format. We specialize in both our standard range and bespoke sizes to meet your exact vision.

Ready to own a handcrafted centrepiece for your garden? Explore our standard sizes or contact our team to discuss your custom Sandford Steel Planter.