Wooden Planters
Handmade to order in Oak, Iroko or Accoya™ in the UKBespoke Wooden Garden Planters, Individually Made in the Cotswolds.
Since 2004, Oxford Planters has specialised in bespoke wooden garden planters, individually made to order in our Cotswolds workshop. Our hardwood planters are traditionally crafted in Oak or Iroko, while A1 Grade Accoya™ provides an exceptionally stable timber for painted commissions.
From traditional Versailles-style planters to contemporary architectural designs and substantial tree planters, each commission combines traditional pegged mortise-and-tenon joinery with carefully considered proportions and structural strength.
Our established designs are individually made to order, with dimensions, timber, finish and detailing specified for each commission. We also welcome entirely original Bespoke Planter Commissions, working with private clients, garden designers, landscape architects and architects throughout the UK and internationally.
Designed for direct planting and long-term exterior use, every Oxford Planter ordered from 6 October 2026 is covered by our 15 Year Structural Guarantee.
Large Wooden Planters. Made on a Grand Scale.
Our large wooden planters are individually made to order in hardwood or Accoya™ for substantial planting, specimen trees and architectural settings. Each design combines traditional joinery with carefully considered proportions and structural strength appropriate to its intended use.
Explore Our Wooden Planter Collection
Explore the individual designs to find inspiration for your garden or project.
Oak, Iroko & Accoya™ Wooden Planters
The choice of timber influences both the appearance and long-term character of a wooden planter. We work principally with Oak, Iroko and A1 Grade Accoya™, selecting each according to the setting, finish and requirements of the commission.
Oak Wooden Planters
Oak is particularly suited to traditional and heritage settings, with a distinctive grain and natural character. Left untreated, it gradually weathers to an elegant silver-grey.
As Oak naturally releases tannins during its early years outdoors, its position should be considered carefully around pale or newly laid stone.
Iroko Wooden Planters
Iroko is a naturally durable hardwood particularly suited to contemporary settings. Stable and with minimal tannin leaching, it is an excellent choice around pale stone and paving.
Left untreated, its warm tones gradually weather to an elegant silver-grey.
Accoya™ Wooden Planters
A1 Grade Accoya™ is our preferred timber for painted planters, offering exceptional stability and durability for exterior use.
Professionally spray finished in virtually any colour, it can be coordinated with doors, windows and surrounding architectural joinery. Accoya™ carries a 50-year above-ground and 25-year below-ground timber warranty.
Over Two Decades of Specialist Experience
Oxford Planters has specialised in bespoke wooden planters since 2004, with more than two decades of experience informing their design, engineering and detailing.
Our planters are commissioned for private gardens and professionally designed landscapes throughout the UK and internationally, alongside long-standing relationships with the National Trust and Historic Royal Palaces.
Designed for the Demands Within
A wooden planter must do considerably more than look good. Soil, water, roots and established planting create significant and sustained forces within it.
Every Oxford Planter is individually considered according to its dimensions, proportions, intended planting and anticipated internal load. Traditional joinery and considered engineering work together to create planters designed for direct planting and long-term use outdoors.
Designed not only for how they look, but for how they perform.
Choosing the Right Wooden Planter
The appropriate design depends on the setting, intended planting and architectural character of the project.
For substantial planting and specimen trees, explore our Large Wooden Planters. For long or linear spaces, see our Wooden Trough Planters.
We also welcome commissions from individual drawings and architectural specifications.
Wooden Planter FAQs
Can your wooden planters be made to a specific size?
Yes. Every Oxford Planter is made to order, with dimensions considered for its setting and intended planting.
Which timber is best for an outdoor wooden planter?
We offer Oak, Iroko and A1 Grade Accoya™. Oak suits traditional settings, Iroko works particularly well naturally, while Accoya™ is our preferred timber for painted planters.
Can Oxford Planters wooden planters be planted directly into?
Yes. Our planters are engineered for direct planting without requiring a secondary planting container for structural integrity. Since 2008, we have protected the internal walls with our specialist coating system.
Can wooden planters remain outside all year?
Yes. Our planters are designed specifically for long-term exterior use.
Do you make large wooden planters?
Yes. We make planters at substantial dimensions for specimen planting, trees and larger landscape projects.
Are all Oxford Planters bespoke?
Yes. Every planter is individually made to order, including our established designs. We also undertake entirely original commissions from individual briefs, drawings and architectural specifications.