Wooden Trough Planters

Handmade to order in Oak, Iroko or Accoya™

Handmade Wooden Trough Planters

Oxford Planters’ wooden trough planters are handmade to order in our Cotswolds workshop, combining traditional cabinet making, architectural joinery and considered engineering.

Their long, elegant proportions are particularly suited to terraces and balconies, framing entrances, defining boundaries and bringing structure and rhythm to larger gardens and landscapes.

Available in Oak, Iroko or Accoya™, each trough is made to suit the proportions of its setting, from individual planters and matching pairs to coordinated collections.

Engineered for the Demands Within

The extended proportions of a trough planter place particular demands upon its structure. Rather than applying the same specification to every size, each Oxford Planter is individually considered, with its proportions, intended planting and anticipated load informing its engineering.

Refined over more than two decades, this approach allows our trough planters to be planted directly into, without relying upon a secondary planting container for their structural integrity.

Designed not only for how they look, but for how they perform.

contemporary Accoya trough planter

Long Trough Planters

The long, linear proportions of a trough planter work particularly well where a planter of more compact proportions is less suited to the setting.

Used individually or in repetition, they define spaces, soften boundaries and create strong architectural lines across terraces, balconies, courtyards and gardens. Their generous planting area suits topiary, shrubs and seasonal planting.

Each is made to order, with its dimensions considered in relation to the planting, setting and surrounding architecture.

Wooden Trough Planters for Gardens, Terraces & Entrances

Made to the Setting

We do not work to a fixed range of standard sizes. Each trough planter is made to order, allowing its length, width, height and overall proportion to be considered specifically for its setting.

This becomes particularly important when working with architecture, where small changes in proportion can determine whether a planter feels simply placed within a space or truly belongs there.

Timber, finish and planting requirements can all be considered as part of the commission, with irrigation provision incorporated where required.

Large Wooden Trough Planters

Large Wooden Trough Planters

At larger dimensions, proportion and engineering become increasingly important. Greater spans, planting volumes and anticipated loads each influence how an Oxford Planter is individually considered.

Our large trough planters are designed accordingly, allowing substantial planting to be introduced at a scale that sits comfortably within larger gardens, terraces and architectural landscapes.

Scale changes the demands. Our approach changes with it.

For projects requiring particularly substantial planters, specimen planting or grand-scale designs, explore our Large Wooden Planters collection.

Bespoke made to Architectural bespoke made to measure wooden planter by skilled Cotswolds joiners

Bespoke Wooden Trough Planters

Bespoke at Oxford Planters extends beyond altering the dimensions of an existing design.

We consider the piece as a whole, from its proportions and architectural detailing to its intended planting, setting and structural requirements. Existing designs can be reinterpreted, or we can work from drawings, professional specifications or an entirely individual brief.

The result is a trough planter conceived specifically for its setting, rather than simply adapted to fit it.

For completely individual commissions and made-to-measure designs, discover our Bespoke Wooden Planters service.

Wooden Trough Planter Gallery

A selection of Oxford Planters trough planters, individually commissioned for private gardens, terraces and architectural landscapes.

Each was made for its setting, planting and intended use.

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Oak, Iroko or Accoya™

We work principally with Oak, Iroko and A1 Grade Accoya™, selecting each for its particular qualities in exterior joinery.

Oak

A natural choice for traditional and heritage settings. Rich in character and grain, Oak gradually weathers to a silver-grey, although tannin leaching should be considered when positioned on pale or newly laid stone.

Iroko

Particularly suited to contemporary settings, Iroko offers excellent stability with minimal tannin leaching. Left naturally, it gradually weathers to an elegant silver-grey.

A1 Grade Accoya™

Our preferred timber for painted planters. Exceptionally stable and highly durable, Accoya™ can be finished in virtually any colour and carries a 50-year above-ground and 25-year below-ground timber warranty.

We are always pleased to advise on the most appropriate timber and finish for a particular setting.

Made in Our Cotswolds Workshop

Every Oxford Planters trough planter is individually made to order by our joiners and cabinet makers in our Cotswolds workshop.

From timber selection and traditional joinery to finishing and final detailing, each piece is considered as a whole, with close attention given to proportion, engineering, material and finish.

The result is a substantial piece of outdoor joinery, designed for its setting and made for many years of use.

Commissioning a Trough Planter

Whether you require an individual planter, a matching pair or a considered collection for a larger project, we would be delighted to discuss your requirements.

Tell us about the setting, dimensions and planting you have in mind, and we can advise on the most appropriate design, proportions, timber and finish.

Made to Your Required Dimensions

Every Oxford Planters trough planter is made to order, allowing its dimensions and proportions to be considered specifically for its setting and intended planting.

We work to precise dimensions or advise on proportion, whether commissioning an individual planter, matching pair or coordinated collection. Contact Oxford Planters to discuss your requirements

Wooden Trough Planter FAQs

Can wooden trough planters be made to bespoke dimensions?

Yes. Every Oxford Planter is made to order, allowing the dimensions and proportions to be considered specifically for the setting and intended planting.

Can you make extra-long or large trough planters?

Yes. We regularly make trough planters at substantial dimensions. As the scale changes, so does the engineering, with each piece considered according to its proportions, planting and anticipated load.

Can Oxford Planters trough planters be planted directly into?

Yes. Our trough planters are designed and engineered for direct planting, without requiring a secondary planting container.

Since 2008, we have protected the internal walls with our specialist, environmentally considered coating system, allowing maximum internal space for soil, roots and established planting while protecting the timber beneath.

Which timber is best for a trough planter?

We offer Oak, Iroko and A1 Grade Accoya™. Oak is particularly suited to traditional settings, Iroko to contemporary schemes and natural finishes, while Accoya™ is our preferred timber for painted planters.

Can trough planters be painted?

Yes. Our Accoya™ trough planters can be finished in virtually any colour, allowing them to complement doors, windows and other architectural joinery.

Can you make matching pairs or collections?

Yes. Trough planters can be commissioned individually, as matching pairs or as a coordinated collection, with proportions tailored to each position while retaining a consistent design language.

Bespoke Wooden Planters service provides greater freedom over dimensions, proportions, detailing and finish.