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An easy way to add greenery to a deck, balcony, or patio is with a railing planter. These pots can house colorful flowers, herbs, or vegetable plants for convenient backyard gardening. Quick and easy to mount, they attach via a cutout in the planter, an adjustable arm, brackets, or hooks.
After reviewing dozens of the top railing planters on the market, our top pick is the Apollo Exports Intl. Adjustable Railing Planter. We like that its self-watering design means plants will never go thirsty, and it can fit railings from 1 to 4 inches wide.
We also interviewed a landscape architect and horticulturalist to get the low-down on which plants thrive in these planters and what to know before you buy. Keep reading to find out what features to consider when selecting a new railing planter, and check out some of the best railing planters by material, size, and style below.
- BEST OVERALL: Apollo Exports Intl. Adjustable Railing Planter
↓ Jump to Review - BEST METAL: Dahey Metal Iron Hanging Flower Pots
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH COCO LINER: HFHome 24-Inch Window Deck Rail Planter
↓ Jump to Review - BEST RATTAN-LOOK: Apollo Exports Intl. Rattan-Look Railing Planter
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MODERN: Veradek Pure Railing Planter
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LARGE: Panacea 48-Inch Flat Iron Window or Deck Planter
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SET OF TWO: United Frames and Products Ridge Rail Planter
↓ Jump to Review
Railing Planters Comparison
| Product | Size | Material | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo Exports Intl. Adjustable Railing Planter | 24 inches long by 8 inches wide by 7.5 inches tall | Plastic | 1-inch to 4-inch railings |
| Dahey Metal Iron Hanging Flower Pots | 10.5 inches long by 5.75 inches wide by 5 inches tall | Metal | Up to 2.7-inch-wide railings |
| HFHome 24-Inch Window Deck Rail Planter | 24 inches long by 7 inches wide by 4.8 inches tall | Metal with coco liner | Not specified |
| Apollo Exports Intl. Rattan-Look Railing Planter | 23.5 inches long by 8.5 inches wide by 7.5 inches tall | Plastic | Up to 4-inch wide railings |
| Veradek Pure Railing Planter | 36 inches long by 10 inches wide by 9 inches tall | Commercial-grade plastic | Up to 6-inch wide railings |
| Panacea 48-Inch Flat Iron Window or Deck Planter | 48 inches long by 7.8 inches wide by 8 inches tall | Steel with a coco-fiber liner | Not listed |
| United Frames and Products Ridge Rail Planter | 22.8 inches long by 11.4 inches wide by 7.8 inches tall | Plastic | Up to 3-inch wide railings |
Our Top Picks
Flower boxes for railings come in many sizes, materials, and styles. This list features some of the best options on the market and is organized by category to make selecting the best railing planter easier.
Best Overall
Apollo Exports Intl. Adjustable Railing Planter
What We Like
- Adjustable arms fit 1- to 4-inch-wide railings
- Easy to assemble; no tools needed
- Self-watering with auto-overflow drainage
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
What We Don’t Like
- May not support a super heavy load
Product Specs
- Size: 24 inches long by 8 inches wide by 7.5 inches tall
- Material: Plastic
- Fit: 1-inch to 4-inch railings
The Apollo Exports International adjustable railing planter is made with UV-resistant plastic. We like that it’s self-watering, with a reservoir tank that can hold up to 6 cups of water. The reservoir tank features an automatic overflow system that allows excess water to escape, preventing plant rot.
This planter will fit deck and balcony railings from 1 to 4 inches wide and can be used on metal, wood, composite, and chain-link fences. The planter arms are adjustable and don’t require tools.
The Apollo International adjustable planter is at the top of the list for its durability, self-watering features, and ease of installation. It’s available in five colors and two sizes.
Get the Apollo Exports International adjustable railing planter on Amazon.
Best Metal
Dahey Metal Iron Hanging Flower Pots
What We Like
- Come in a set of 3, 4 or 5
- Easy to attach
- Predrilled drainage holes
What We Don’t Like
- Hooks aren’t adjustable
- Won’t fit extra-wide railings
Product Specs
- Size: 10.5 inches long by 5.75 inches wide by 5 inches tall
- Material: Metal
- Fit: Up to 2.7-inch-wide railings
These metal hanging flowerpots from Dahey come in a pack of three, four, or five. They feature two hooks per pot that gardeners can hang on top of a fence, or on deck or porch railings. Each planter is 10.5 inches long, making it large enough to accommodate a variety of plants, including colorful flowers or herbs.
The rectangular pots come in black, green, or white and have predrilled drainage holes. However, hooks will need to be attached before hanging. Since the hooks are detachable, these flowerpots can also be used as tabletop planters.
Get the Dahey railing planters on Amazon or Walmart.
Best With Coco Liner
HFHome 24-Inch Window Deck Rail Planter
What We Like
- Open-weave metal design featuring an absorbent coco-fiber liner
- Adjustable mounting bracket
- Comes in a pack of 2
What We Don’t Like
- Some assembly required
- May need zip ties and brackets depending on railing thickness
Product Specs
- Size: 24 inches long by 7 inches wide by 4.8 inches tall
- Material: Metal with coco liner
- Fit: Not specified
The HFHome Planter features an open-weave “X” design and a coco-fiber liner. Coco-fiber plant liners retain moisture to keep plants watered, but also allow for proper drainage.
This balcony railing planter measures 24 inches in length and features adjustable brackets that accommodate various-sized railings. (However, if your railings are extra small or large, zip ties may be needed for securing.) Sold in a pack of two, these planters also come with an optional support rod that, when installed, can prevent them from tipping forward.
Get the HFHome railing planters on Amazon.
Best Rattan-Look
Apollo Exports Intl. Rattan-Look Railing Planter
What We Like
- Rattan appearance with the durability of plastic
- Fits railings up to 4 inches wide
- Self-watering reservoir tank
What We Don’t Like
- Not ideal for rounded railings
Product Specs
- Size: 23.5 inches long by 8.5 inches wide by 7.5 inches tall
- Material: Plastic
- Fit: Up to 4-inch wide railings
For those seeking wicker railing planters, this option from Apollo Exports International offers a natural wicker or rattan appearance with the durability of plastic. At almost two feet long, it provides plenty of space for beautiful flowers, herbs, or even certain vegetables that thrive in shallow soil.
The Apollo Exports rattan-look railing planter features a hidden self-watering reservoir. The reservoir tray is separate from the plant, allowing only the roots access to the water. The planter’s brackets are adjustable and will fit railings as wide as 4 inches, and there’s no need for tools because the bracket adjusts by moving a plastic pin.
Get the Apollo Exports International rattan-look railing planter on Amazon or Wayfair.
Best Modern
Veradek Pure Railing Planter
What We Like
- Adjustable, fitting railings up to 6 inches wide
- Modern look with clean lines
- Large capacity at 36 inches long
- Integrated leveling bar prevents sagging
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive compared to other plastic options
Product Specs
- Size: 36 inches long by 10 inches wide by 9 inches tall
- Material: Commercial-grade plastic
- Fit: Up to 6-inch wide railings
Veradek offers a railing planter with a simple design, available in four color choices: white, gray, black, and espresso. These planters are all-weather resistant, rated for use in temperatures from -20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Veradek railing planters feature predrilled drainage holes and adjustable brackets that accommodate railings up to 6 inches in width. The brackets also allow for adjustable angles. One feature we especially appreciate is the integrated leveling bar that prevents the planters from sagging.
Get the Veradek railing planter on Amazon (2-pack), The Home Depot, Wayfair (2-pack), or Walmart.
Best Large
Panacea 48-Inch Flat Iron Window or Deck Planter
What We Like
- Coco-fiber liner helps a plant retain moisture
- Large 4-foot-long planter
- Classic design matches many styles
What We Don’t Like
- May need to add brackets for support
Product Specs
- Size: 48 inches long by 7.8 inches wide by 8 inches tall
- Material: Steel with a coco-fiber liner
- Fit: Not listed
The Panacea flat iron window or deck planter can complement many home styles, and, with a 4-foot span, is ideal for outdoor spaces with long railings or to hang as a window planter box. It features a classic metal bar design with a coco-fiber liner. The coco liner helps plants retain moisture while providing adequate drainage.
Due to the extra-long length of this planter, additional brackets or zip ties may be required to secure it safely in place.
Get the Panacea railing planter on Amazon or Ace Hardware.
Best Set of Two
United Frames and Products Ridge Rail Planter
What We Like
- Simple design goes with most styles
- Easy to attach to railing
- Frost-resistant and UV-resistant
- Comes in a 2-pack
What We Don’t Like
- Only fits railings up to 3 inches wide
Product Specs
- Size: 22.8 inches long by 11.4 inches wide by 7.8 inches tall
- Material: Plastic
- Fit: Up to 3-inch wide railings
The United Frames and Products ridge rail planters are made with high-quality plastic that’s frost- and UV-resistant. These polypropylene planters span 22.8 inches in length, are available in two colors, and come in a set of two. With their minimalist styling, they can complement a wide range of outdoor decor styles.
Easy to install and remove, the modular ridge rail planters feature a bottom cutout that securely fits round and flat railings and fences up to 3 inches wide. The lightweight planters can also be zip-tied in place for extra security.
Get the United Frames and Products railing planter on Amazon.
Make a DIY Railing Planter
Making a DIY railing planter doesn’t have to be intricate or costly. There are several types of mounting brackets that attach to any kind of planter. A simple way to create a semi-custom planter is to find a flower box, add mounting brackets, and secure it to the railing.
DIY enthusiasts can also make a deck rail planter from wood. To construct a wooden planter, first decide on a size. Then buy lumber, trim each board to the appropriate size, attach the panels with construction adhesive and fasteners, and allow the glue to dry. Once dry, drill drainage holes in the bottom of the planter, seal with a UV-protecting stain, and add mounting brackets. Finally, consider adding a plastic liner to the box before filling it with soil and plants.
How We Chose the Best Railing Planters
Railing planters come in many shapes and sizes, and with different mounting hardware. We looked for planters that can securely attach to railings and support the weight of the soil and plants. Since not all railings are the same width, we sought products that accommodate railings of different sizes, ranging from 1 inch to 6 inches wide.
When searching for a railing planter, one of the main criteria shoppers consider is style. So we explored planters that varied in material, size, and design. For the best overall, we chose a planter with many useful features, including a self-watering reservoir tank and adjustable arms that fit various railing widths.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Railing Planter
Planters that fit on rails can help free up space and add greenery to outdoor living areas, says Michael Clarke, a landscape architect and founder of the online nursery, YardWork. “Railing planters help utilize vertical and unused space, especially in small apartments, condos, and urban homes where space is limited and you need to free up ground space for seating or walking without giving up the softening touch of greenery,” he points out.
Before purchasing a planter for a porch, deck, or balcony railing, shoppers should consider a few key factors. First, the planter must fit the width of the railing. Overall size, planter material, and the mounting method are also important. Self-watering is handy, too, says Clarke. “My biggest piece of advice is to use planters that have self-watering options as well, which reduce maintenance and keep roots evenly moist.”
Size
Similar to a pop-up garden, railing planter boxes are space savers and come in sizes ranging from small to extra-large. At the smaller end are planters with hooks that hold lightweight pots ranging from 3 inches to 6 inches. At the larger end of the spectrum are rectangular planters that span up to 4 feet.
Here’s a look at the most common types of railing planters by size.
- Hanging pots: Generally, the smallest of railing planters, these pots hook onto railings and hold flowerpots of various sizes, starting at 3 to 6 inches.
- Small circular, rectangular, and square planters: Available in sizes as small as 12 inches, backyard gardeners can use these pots to house plants when railing space is limited.
- Large rectangular railing planters: Rectangular railing planters are easy to find and come in sizes as long as 4 feet.
Mounting Method
There are four ways to mount deck rail planters: via a bracket, adjustable arms, a hook, or a cutout in the bottom of the planter. The mounting method is one of the most important features because not all planters fit all railing sizes.
No matter the mounting method, look for the product’s minimum and maximum railing width to ensure the planter will securely attach.
- Brackets: Large deck planters for railing often come with hanging brackets, most of which are adjustable.
- Adjustable arms: Adjustable arms are built into the planter. They contain a pin that gardeners can move to change the arm’s width.
- Hooks: Hanging flowerpots have hooks that go over the top of the railing. Hooks are the easiest to install.
- Bottom cutout: A railing planter may have a cutout on the bottom that fits directly over the rail. Gardeners can add extra stabilization with zip ties.
Material
Planters for porch railings come in several materials, including metal, wood, and plastic. Plastic planters hold up well to the weather, and many models include ultraviolet (UV)-resistant additives, which prevent the planter from fading. These planters also have the added benefit of being lightweight.
Metal railing planter boxes are available in small hanging pots, large rectangles, and long, flat iron designs with coco liners. “Powder-coated steel is both durable and modern and fairly lightweight, which makes them a good option,” says Clarke.
Wooden porch rail planters are available in numerous stains and paint colors. If using a wood planter, add a plastic liner to protect the interior from moisture damage.
Additional Features
The most important aspects to look for in a planter include mounting size and style, but some other nifty features can help a planter stand apart.
Self-watering: These planters come with a reservoir tank that holds water. With the reservoir tank filled, plants can drink as needed. For outdoor planters, look for self-watering planters with an overflow drainage hole. The overflow drainage will ensure the plant doesn’t get overwatered after a rainstorm.
Drainage: If a planter is not self-watering, it needs drainage. When water doesn’t properly drain, it can cause a plant to rot. Iron planters with coco liners will have automatic drainage. For solid metal, wood, or plastic planters, ensure there is a drainage hole or create one with a cordless drill.
Tips for Securing Railing Planters
Before purchasing a railing planter, ensure the brackets are compatible with your railing width. Also, take note of the maximum weight the planter can hold. The mounting hardware won’t offer proper support if the planter is too heavy. Unstable or improperly installed deck railing planters can fall off the rail, spilling your plants and posing a safety risk.
Gardeners can add extra security to their planter by using zip ties. Depending on the planter’s design, zip ties can be added to the bottom of the pot and secured underneath the railing, so they’re out of sight.
Here are some tips for keeping a railing planter secure:
- Make sure the mounting bracket is compatible with the width of the railing.
- Stabilize wobbly railing planters by adding zip ties through the planter and under the railing.
- Don’t fill a planter with rocks or other heavy material. Many brackets won’t be able to support the weight.
FAQs
Railing planters add beauty to outdoor spaces and provide a place to grow flowers or an herb garden. They are easy to install as long as their mounting hardware is compatible with the railing width. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about railing planters.
Railing planters attach via mounting brackets, adjustable arms, or bottom cutouts. Follow the installation directions based on the type of mounting hardware. Gardeners can stabilize the planter by adding zip ties.
Consider hanging pots rather than large planters to protect a deck railing. Also, keep planters lightweight and occasionally move them to different spots.
Railing planters are suitable for window box flower arrangements. “They can also allow you to grow edibles like herbs, lettuce, or strawberries that have shallow root systems in small spaces,” says Clarke.
Create a drainage hole in an outdoor planter by drilling into the bottom of the pot. Consider adding a coco-fiber liner if the planter has an open weave.
Fill your railing planter with potting soil before adding your plants of choice. If the planter is especially deep, consider adding a coco-fiber liner, wood chips, leaves, or sticks to the bottom before adding potting soil to fill up space and improve drainage.
