Using Concrete Planters Outdoors: The Impact of Extra Large Designs

For landscape architects and landscape companies designing with large scale concrete planters, outdoor venues provide a perfect place to express your style. These planters are more than just containers - they’re structural elements that elevate the design and functionality of commercial landscapes. In high-traffic public areas, from open plazas to rooftop gardens, they bring together strength, style, and purpose.

At Jackson Pottery Pro, our extra large concrete planters for outside use are crafted to meet the needs of trade professionals. Designed for performance and built to inspire, they offer durability and scale that help landscape architects and commercial designers create impactful, lasting installations.

Why Outdoor Concrete Planters Are Ideal for Large-Scale Design

In public and commercial environments, concrete planters offer the weight and strength needed to stay securely in place - even in wind-prone, high-traffic spaces. Their versatility allows them to define walkways, frame building entrances, or introduce greenery to hardscaped plazas and courtyards.

These planters hold up to the elements, resisting sun exposure, rain, and temperature fluctuations. Their placement flexibility also makes them suitable for rooftops, terraces, or anywhere permanent in-ground planting isn't possible.

What Is Cast Stone?

Cast stone is a refined type of concrete made with a controlled mix that produces extra strength and a smooth, uniform finish. Unlike standard concrete, it holds color well and resists weathering, which makes it especially reliable for outdoor use. Because it can be formed into oversized shapes without losing stability, cast stone is the material behind Jackson Pottery Pro’s planter collection, offering the durability and scale needed for bold outdoor designs.

The Design Impact of Extra Large Concrete Planters for Outside

Extra large concrete planters don’t just make a statement, they influence how people interact with outdoor spaces. Placed at entrances, they create a clear sense of arrival. A tall, structured form like the JCS-86474 Tall Cube Planter, 19 in. emphasizes vertical lines at doorways or along walkways, reinforcing the feeling of entry while keeping the design clean and modern. Arranged around courtyards, planters define comfortable gathering areas. In wide plazas, they balance the scale of large buildings, helping expansive spaces feel more approachable and inviting.

Their size also allows for bold plant choices such as small trees, oversized ornamental grasses, and lush shrubs that would overwhelm smaller containers. These installations bring a sense of life and permanence to commercial properties.

Advantages of Choosing Outdoor Concrete Planters

Jackson Pottery Pro planters are crafted using high-strength concrete mixes engineered for long-term performance. Each design is tested to withstand freeze-thaw cycles, which protects structural integrity in variable climates.

UV-stable finishes preserve surface texture and color, even under constant sunlight. This level of durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, helping to maintain both appearance and investment value.

With over 40 years of experience serving the trade, Jackson Pottery Pro has built a reputation for delivering planters that perform at scale. Backed by testing as well as decades of use in the field, the results speak for themselves. As Forrest Jackson, CEO of Jackson Pottery explains: “We had testing done on our cast stone that showed over 6,000 PSI - true commercial-grade concrete. That tells you the level of strength and durability these planters deliver.”

Selecting the Right Size, Shape, and Placement

Good design starts with the right fit. When selecting a planter, keep in mind:

• Plant compatibility - Match planter size to the plant’s root system, desired height, and growth potential.

• Proportions for the space - Tall, narrow planters suit corridors or entrances, while broad rectangular formats frame gathering areas.

• Architectural harmony - Choose shapes that echo surrounding architecture or landscape lines.

• Functional placement - Use planters to guide pedestrian flow, buffer seating zones, or create natural barriers.

A wide-format design like the JCS-86701 Hampden Rectangular Planter, 49 in. shows how these principles come together. Its scale makes it ideal for framing plazas or defining outdoor dining zones, offering structure while keeping the space open and inviting.

Forrest Jackson also recommends asking yourself: “Does this speak to the property, or does this speak to the concept? What do you want your finished project to look like? What do you want this to say about you?” 

Installation and Maintenance for Long-Term Results

Extra large concrete planters are built for scale - and with that comes weight. Plan ahead for equipment-assisted placement for larger pieces and ensure that surface preparation supports proper drainage.

To preserve surface finishes and prevent long-term wear, plan for seasonal cleaning and inspection. Drainage systems should be checked regularly to avoid standing water or root rot, especially in freeze-prone regions.

Lasting Impact with Outdoor Concrete Planters

Concrete planters from Jackson Pottery Pro combine scale, strength, and elegance for commercial designs that endure. Our extra large concrete planters for outside create a lasting impression - withstanding the elements while contributing to bold, cohesive spaces.

Ready to start your next project? Register now for trade-only access to our pricing and availability on our planter selection curated for the Trade.

Explore our Cast Stone Collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Cast Stone?

Cast stone is a concrete masonry product designed to simulate natural stone. Made from white or grey cements, the material includes natural sands, crushed stone, strengthening fibers, and integral mineral color pigments. A sealer can be applied for additional protection.

Can extra large concrete planters for outside be custom-made?

Yes, we offer custom dimensions and finishes to meet unique design requirements.

Are outdoor concrete planters suitable for extreme climates?

Yes, our planters are designed and tested for freeze-thaw durability and UV stability.

How do I keep extra large planters looking good year-round?

Use seasonal cleaning, protect finishes from staining, and ensure proper drainage to prevent damage.

What are the benefits of adding sealer?

There are many benefits of adding sealer to your cast stone planter. Sealers can both enhance color and protect the surface from stains, abrasions, dirt, and dust. For a minimal charge, we offer 2 types of penetrating sealers, gloss and matte. Sealers will also help minimize the chance of efflorescence in darker colors. Please note, the addition of sealers will change the overall product look and color. Matte sealer will only slightly darken the product, while the glossy sealer will darken the product more and make any texture more apparent. Beyond the practical reasons, adding sealer is a matter of aesthetics and personal preference. If you prefer the natural “raw” look of cast stone, we recommend not adding sealer. Please contact us for more information on sealers.

What is a seam?

In this case, a seam, or seam mark, refers to the area of the mold where it is opened. Most planters have some type of seam. Depending on multiple factors such as age of mold, type of mold, chosen surface finish, and planter shape, seam marks may be visible on the casting. We do our best to limit the number of seams per product and to repair the seam marks so as not to interfere with the natural look of the product. Please contact us for more information on seams.

Are color samples available?

Yes, for a minimal charge, color samples are available upon request. Please contact us for sample requests.

Can I request a custom sized drain hole, or extra holes for irrigation?

Yes, please make your requests at time of ordering. At no additional cost, we can accommodate most requests. If no specific requests are made, the product will be cast with the standard size drain hole for that particular item. Each mold is created with specific sized drain holes ranging from 1-3 inches.

What is your warranty?

Jackson Pottery offers a 2-year limited warranty on our cast stone products.