Installing Your Metal Planters
Thank you for ordering from Metal Planters.
Follow the simple steps below to fit your planter feet, understand the insulation and membrane setup, and add your LECA or drainage layer correctly.
1. Fitting the Planter Feet
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Planters up to 1995 mm long are supplied with 2 feet.
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Planters 2000 mm and above are supplied with 3 feet.
Each foot is a 50 mm-wide galvanised or powder-coated steel bar that runs front-to-back underneath the planter.
They are 20–30 mm shorter than the planter’s width, so they’ll sit neatly inside the edges.
Installation:
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Carefully turn the planter upside down on a soft surface (cardboard or cloth).
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Locate the smooth base area between the rows of rivets.
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Peel the backing from the strong double-sided tape on each foot.
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Position the feet so they are:
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Set back 10–15 mm from the front edge.
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50–100 mm from each end.
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Press down firmly along the full length of each foot to bond the tape.
For planters with three feet, position the third one centrally (front-to-back, midway between the other two).
All feet are identical, so they can be used in any position.
Note:
The feet are not fixed to the planter in our workshop — this avoids damage during transport and allows easy stacking. They are supplied bubble-wrapped inside the planter for safe delivery.
2. Insulation and Membrane Kit
All planters are supplied pre-lined in our workshop.
Each kit includes:
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4 sheets of polystyrene insulation — one for each side (front, rear, and two ends).
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2 sheets of fabric membrane — one installed in the base, one folded inside for later.
When your planter arrives:
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Leave the insulation panels and the first membrane sheet exactly as supplied.
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Add your drainage layer (LECA if supplied by us, or your own gravel/shingle) to a depth of around 100 mm on top of the first membrane.
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Place the second membrane sheet on top of the drainage layer.
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Finish by adding your soil or compost above the second membrane.
Purpose of each layer:
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The bottom membrane stops aggregate from escaping through the drainage holes.
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The top membrane keeps soil separate from the drainage layer, preventing muddy water and improving drainage performance.
3. Adding LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate)
LECA provides a clean, lightweight drainage layer that helps protect your plants’ roots from standing water.
How to use:
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Pour the supplied bags of LECA evenly over the base of the planter, on top of the first membrane.
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Aim for a depth of roughly 100 mm.
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Add the second membrane sheet over the LECA before filling with soil or compost.
We calculate the correct amount for every order, so you’ll have enough to create a 100 mm-deep layer in each planter.
Benefits:
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Prevents soil from becoming waterlogged.
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Allows excess water to flow easily to the drainage holes.
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Reduces weight compared with gravel.
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Keeps plant roots healthy and well-aerated.
That’s It!
Your planter is now ready for filling and planting.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us:
We hope you enjoy your new planters — built to last, made for your space.