Best Steel Planters of 2026

Toby Butcher Avatar
Toby Butcher
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Steel planters are a stylish and durable option for displaying plants and flowers in both indoor and outdoor settings. These planters are made from high-quality steel that is designed to withstand the elements and resist rust and corrosion. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from sleek and modern to rustic and industrial, making them a versatile choice for any decor. Steel planters are also easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning to keep them looking their best. Whether you have a green thumb or just want to add some greenery to your space, steel planters are a great choice.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

vidaXL Large Rust-Proof Gabion Planter Cover #TOP 1
vidaXL Large Rust-Proof Gabion Planter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Steel Mill & Co Decorative Book Planter Cover #TOP 2
Steel Mill & Co Decorative Book Planter
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Sanbege 17" Stainless Steel Planter Box with Reservoir Cover #TOP 3
Sanbege 17" Stainless Steel Planter Box with Reservoir
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 5 Steel Planters

vidaXL Large Rust-Proof Gabion Planter

141624
Silver
180x90x50 cm
vidaXL Large Rust-Proof Gabion Planter Cover
vidaXL Gabion Planter in Rust-Proof Galvanised Steel - Large Flower or Plant Bed Border for Garden or Patio - Spot Welded for Extra Stability

The vidaXL Gabion Planter features a robust galvanised steel frame that is both rust-proof and weather-resistant, ensuring durability for outdoor use. Its generous size of 180x90x50 cm allows you to house a variety of plants, making it a versatile choice for any garden or patio. You can easily set it up by filling the gabion with rocks or gravel, creating an attractive border for your flower beds. Additionally, the spot welded design offers increased stability, perfect for accommodating larger or heavier plants.

What We Like
Durable rust-proof material
Generous planting space
Easy to set up
Stable for heavy plants

Steel Mill & Co Decorative Book Planter

1374
Multicolor
5" x 7" x 3.75"
Steel Mill & Co Decorative Book Planter Cover
flysclean Steel Mill & Co Small Book-Shaped Decorative Planter, Ceramic Planter for Home Decor, Cute Bookshelf Decor, Unique Planter for Book Lovers, Classic Titles Bookstack

The Steel Mill Book Planter is a charming ceramic vase designed to resemble a stack of hardback books. Its ribbed detailing mimics the look of stacked pages, making it a delightful addition for book lovers. The planter features a drainage hole with a stopper, which is ideal for nurturing various potted plants. The wide top opening allows you to easily accommodate small houseplants or even office supplies, adding both style and convenience to your space.

What We Like
Unique book-shaped design
Suitable for various plants
Wide opening for easy use
Attractive for home or office
#TOP 3

Sanbege 17" Stainless Steel Planter Box with Reservoir

CSL-US-20220630
Nickel
Sanbege 17" Stainless Steel Planter Box with Reservoir Cover
Sanbege 17" Large Stainless Steel Planter Box with Drain Holes and Water Reservoir, Rectangle Succulent Trough Planter Pot for Indoor Outdoor Windowsill, Table Decor (Brushed Nickel)

The Sanbege Stainless Planter is built from sturdy 304 stainless steel, making it rust-proof and leak-proof, so you can handle it safely and enjoy its long-lasting quality. Its brushed nickel finish with a special coating offers a sleek surface that resists corrosion and scratches, making cleaning easy. The planter’s compact size fits narrow spots like windowsills or shelves, and nonslip pads keep it stable and protect your surfaces. Additionally, its self-watering system with built-in reservoir and cotton cords ensures your plants receive the right amount of water, helping them thrive with less effort from you.

What We Like
Rust-proof and leak-proof design
Easy to clean and corrosion-resistant
Compact size with nonslip pads
Built-in self-watering system
#TOP 4

Steel Mill Decorative Planter for Book Lovers

Jane Austen
Steel Mill Decorative Planter for Book Lovers Cover
Steel Mill & Co Original Small Book-Shaped Decorative Planter, Ceramic Planter for Home Decor, Cute Bookshelf Decor, Unique Planter for Book Lovers, Classic Titles, Jane Austen

The Steel Mill Decorative Planter is a charming ceramic vase designed to resemble a stack of classic hardback books. It features ribbed detailing that mimics stacked pages, making it an attractive addition to any bookshelf or desk. With a wide top opening, it easily accommodates small houseplants or succulents, bringing a touch of greenery indoors. The planter also includes a drainage hole with a plug, ensuring that your plants receive the right amount of moisture. This unique piece is not only functional but also an eye-catching conversation starter for book lovers.

What We Like
Unique book-shaped design
Accommodates small plants easily
Includes drainage hole with plug
Perfect for home or office decor
Great gift for book lovers
#TOP 5

GZLVSOW Corten Steel Heavy Planter for Outdoors

GZLVSOW
Corten
14 * 14 * 30
GZLVSOW Corten Steel Heavy Planter for Outdoors Cover
GZLVSOW Corten Steel Metallic Heavy Planter for Outdoor Plants 14"x14"x30" Metal Planter Spliced Flower Pot with Partitions for Outside,Indoor,Garden (Corten, 14 * 14 * 30)

The GZLVSOW Corten Planter is crafted from durable corten steel, ensuring a long lifespan of up to 50 years thanks to its pre-rusted protective layer. It features a removable insert shelf, allowing you to accommodate plants of varying heights, promoting optimal growth. Additionally, the planter includes four drainage holes to ensure your plants receive just the right amount of water. Easy installation is another highlight, as the built-in nuts require only tightening of bolts, saving you time and effort.

What We Like
Durable corten steel construction
Removable insert shelf for versatility
Four drainage holes for plant health
Easy installation process
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are metal planters good for plants?

Metal Attracts Heat, Cooks Plant Roots As a result, your plant soil and roots become hotter than they should be, in many cases causing the roots to completely overheat from direct sun. This process is made increasingly worse because of the poor insulation of metal planters.

2. Are steel planters good?

Metal garden planters are an alternative to clay pots and wood planters. Unfortunately, metal pots are prone to overheating, and excessive heat in a container can stress your plants and damage their roots.

3. Are metal planters OK?

You can use metal containers only in shady locations, which both reduces heat and eliminates the glare that can be tough on plants. Or, line your metal containers with bubble wrap to insulate the soil and roots from the hot metal. In very hot climates, however, the metal may get hot enough to melt the bubble wrap.

Editor's Notes

During our steel planter research, we found 150 steel planter products and shortlisted 5 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,486 customer reviews through our big data system to write the steel planters list. We found that most customers choose steel planters with an average price of £20.00.

The steel planters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of steel planters, including vidaXL, STEEL MILL AND CO., Sanbege, GZLVSOW.

Written by
Toby Butcher Avatar

Toby Butcher is a Horticulturist, and he earned his title as a Master Gardener in 2016. Toby has acquired a 25-year experience as a home gardener planting, designing, grooming vegetables and flowers. He is the leader of a plant group in Durham. Toby owns a blog where he publishes articles on growing and growing your flowers at home, in a vase, or in a garden.