Internal Shelves In Deep Planters Explained
Deep planters do not always need to be filled completely with soil. An internal shelf can be installed inside the planter to create a raised planting area closer to the top. Internal shelves are sometimes referred to as false bottoms, fake bases, raised bases or planter shelves. They are most commonly used with artificial planting installations, but can also be used in certain real planting applications where reducing soil volume or overall weight is important.
What Is An Internal Shelf?
An internal shelf is a galvanised metal platform installed inside the planter at a chosen height. This creates a planting area near the top of the planter whilst leaving an empty void beneath. The shelf position depends entirely on the intended planting and is usually measured down from the top of the planter. Internal shelves are commonly used in tall planters where the full depth would otherwise be unnecessary.
Internal Shelves For Artificial Planting
Artificial planting is the most common application for internal shelves. We typically install galvanised L-sections onto the internal faces of the planter, add supporting cross bars and then fix a galvanised shelf on top. The shelf is often positioned around 200mm to 300mm below the top of the planter, depending on the artificial plants being used. This creates a strong platform for plant pots whilst avoiding the need to fill the entire planter. Internal shelves are particularly popular in offices, hotels, restaurants and commercial screening projects using artificial bamboo or artificial trees.
Are Internal Shelves Always The Best Solution?
Not necessarily. Internal shelves can be used with real planting, but there is more to consider. Soil, water and mature root systems can place significant loads onto the shelf and supporting structure. In many cases, alternative solutions such as LECA or lightweight fill materials may be worth considering instead. The most suitable approach depends on the planter size, planting type and required soil depth. For this reason, internal shelves are most commonly used for artificial planting installations rather than deep soil-filled planters.
How To Install Artificial Plants In Tall Planters
Internal shelves are most commonly used with artificial planting. Learn how planter shelves, lightweight support systems and decorative finishes are used to create realistic artificial planting displays.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do Internal Shelves Reduce The Cost Of A Planter?
Sometimes. Whilst an internal shelf adds materials and labour, it can reduce the amount of soil or planting materials required. Whether it saves money overall depends on the planter size and intended planting.
Why Not Simply Fill The Bottom Of The Planter With Lightweight Materials?
In some cases that may be the better solution. Materials such as LECA or lightweight fill blocks can reduce soil volume without requiring a suspended shelf structure. The most suitable approach depends on the planter size, planting type and project requirements.
Can Internal Shelves Be Combined With Wheels?
Yes. Internal shelves are commonly used in tall mobile planters containing artificial planting. Because the shelf creates an empty void below the planting area, there is no need to fill the entire planter with soil. This helps keep the overall weight more manageable, making internal shelves a popular option for wheeled planters used in offices, hotels, restaurants and commercial spaces.
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