Frequently Asked Questions about Planter Liners
What is a planter liner?
Anything put in a planter to contain plants, soil, irrigation water, and rain water (plus anything else that may get in there).
Why use a planter liner?
Nobody has heard more horror stories about leaking planters than the staff at Planter Technology. Primarily, planter liners are to prevent long term water damage to a building and to the decorative planter itself. Planters are a notoriously difficult condition to waterproof. Optimally, the soil is moist most of the time. Most waterproofing materials are not formulated to be continuously wet. Maintenance contractors regularly work in planters with sharp tools that can nick and cut membrane waterproofing. Roots of plants are looking for seams to grow through, especially in poorly installed waterproofing. The roots grow into drains, clogging them and causing the planter to fill with water, a task most waterproofing isn't up to after years of exposure and accumulated corrosion.
By using thermoplastic modular planter liners, most of these problems can be avoided. Thermoplastic unibody construction liners are made of .250" material, and will never corrode or weaken through the effects of water. There are no problems with continually moist conditions or seams. Modular liners may be removed to be worked on, or to have the area around them worked on, without disturbing the rest of the planter. Planters no longer have to be fully "dug out". The liner may be removed quickly and easily in case of a problem.
Do you have a set size range?
Planter Technology does over 250 different types of standard planter liners, from standard tooling. These range from 18"L x 8"W x 8"D to 72"L x 30"W x 17"D
Do you do custom liners?
We do any and every type of custom planter liner, whether large or small. We have developed processes to manufacture small quantities as efficiently as large. Planter Technology has been involved with large complicated projects, and can work with the designer through every step of the way.
How do I treat the liners in my design?
For the best examples ask for our Sample Details to see drawings of liner conditions. There are as many individual solutions as there are designs, because each aspect of the job makes a different priority in liner design.
Can I hang the liners from their flanges?
Typically, no. Planter Technology recommends basal support (joisting 16" o.c. usually suffices) for all planter liners. Continuous support (plywood or the like placed over the joists) is even better.
Why do some liners have different lips than others?
This is typically a function of the manufacturing process. High Impact Polystyrene liners, which are vacuum formed, get their flat flange when drawn. This serves the additional purpose of strengthening the wall, keeping it from bowing along its length. The Polypropylene liners are welded of stress-relieved PP sheet material, and so no flange is required. Wall support, if necessary, is achieved by means of bosses. Polyethylene liners are usually rotationally molded, and the return lip is required to keep the edges in shape along the length of the liner.
What is thermoplastic?
Thermoplastic materials are the class of plastics that soften with heat, may be formed and then reharden upon cooling. Planter Technology typically uses high impact polystyrene (polystyrene with rubber added), linear low density polyethylene, and polypropylene.
How is this different than fiberglass?
Fiberglass (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) is another common material used in the manufacture of planter liners. Planter Technology also uses fiberglass, when appropriate. Fiberglass may be somewhat more rigid than the thermoplastics used by Planter Technology. It may crack and split easier than the other thermoplastic materials, and is slightly more affected by harmonic vibrations. For the most part, the materials are comparable.
How can I get more questions answered?
That's simple. Just check in with our design support staff at Planter Technology or call us at (800)542-2282.
Return to previous page
