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  4. 10 Best Railing Planters in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed)
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  • 10 Best Railing Planters in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed) 2
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10 Best Railing Planters in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed)

Are you looking to brighten up your railings with some plants and flowers? Maybe you're lacking in garden space or just want to add some color to a balcony. This is where railing planters can help! You can grow herbs, colorful flowers, or drape your railing in a waterfall of green. With so many railing planters available, it can be confusing to choose the right one. 


Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and picked the Cedar Railing Planter Box by Premier Wood Studio as our favorite. It's available in various lengths and is of very high quality. We’ve also put together a 10 best list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide reviewed by a master gardener and homestead blogger to help you make your choice!

Last updated 09/26/2023
Amy Jeanroy
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Master Gardener, Homestead Blogger
Amy Jeanroy

Gardening and wildcrafting food for her family, Amy grows in a variety of gardens including hydroponic, raised beds, containers, and in the ground. As a master gardener, she has successfully gardened across the country.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Railing Planter - Buying Guide

Before buying a railing planter, there are a few points you should take into consideration such as drainage and style. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!

1

Consider the Water Drainage Method

Consider the Water Drainage Method

One of the most important considerations when choosing a planter for your railing is what will happen when you water your plants. You will need to regularly water your plants to keep them alive and prevent them from drying out and this can cause water to drain out the bottom.


Then, you run the risk of causing rot on wooden railings. There’s also the possibility of the excess water running off the railing and falling onto your neighbor’s balcony if someone lives below you, or even onto passersby on the street. 


You can cut down the amount of water that escapes by lining your planter with an absorbent material, such as coir or hemp.


Water-retaining crystals are another option as these absorb water and then release it slowly. This makes them a great idea for not only cutting down on excess water but also keeping your plants watered if you’re away for a few days.


Some planters have their own internal water tanks that will both catch excess water and then use it to water the plants. Many planters have drainage holes and these allow you to plan and control where any excess water will fall. This way, your plants don't get drowned but you don't have to worry about water falling in inconvenient places.

2

Look at the Material of the Planter

Railing planters are available in a variety of materials, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Metal Is Solid and Resilient

Metal Is Solid and Resilient

Metal is a popular material for the frames of railing planters. They often provide a base or frame that you can put your own pot inside or are lined with natural materials such as coir or hemp.


Metal is a very strong and sturdy material, but you have to ensure that steel or iron is coated against the elements or it may rust. If you have a metal railing, then metal planters can be a unifying design choice. You can match black railings with metal planters sealed in black paint, for example!

Plastic Is Lightweight

Plastic Is Lightweight

Plastic planters are light, making them a good choice for thin railings that can’t take much weight. They come in a wide range of colors and styles and many come in a terra cotta finish that looks very similar to actual terra cotta. 


Planters made from plastic are resilient to different weather conditions for several seasons, and they don't suffer from the issues of rot and rust. Due to their lightweight and often thin material, they can sometimes break if overfilled with soil and water or left out over winter, so look for plastic planters with thicker construction.

Wood Is Sturdy and Stylish

Wood Is Sturdy and Stylish

Wood can rot if it gets wet for prolonged periods, so make sure that it is correctly lined inside and treated on the exterior to prevent this. You will find a wide variety of planters in wood, from saddle to hanging, and in various sizes. As wood is a natural material, it can look great when filled with plants. 


If your railing is wood, you can get a wooden planter that will match the type and color of your deck wood. It's also easy to make wooden planters more secure as they can be drilled in place however you need. You can also use a drill to add additional drainage holes.

3

Get the Right Style of Planter

There are different styles of planters that are made for railings. The size and shape of the railing dictate which type you should buy.

Saddle Planters Are Easy to Install

Saddle Planters Are Easy to Install

The bottom of saddle planters are in a U-shape and they simply slide over your railing. Think of a horse’s saddle and how the middle sits on the top of the horse and the sides come down to hug the horse’s flanks. 


Measuring your railing is integral to get the appropriate saddle planter; if it’s small, it won’t fit at all. However, if it’s too large it will be unstable and run the risk of wobbling or falling, especially in rough weather.


You want the saddle planter to be snug and to grip the railing. If your railing is rounded instead of flat, you may find that saddle planters don't sit securely.


Some saddle planters also come with additional methods of being fastened to your railing, such as mounting screws. If your railing is made of metal you can use saddle planters but avoid those that rely on mounting screws for a secure fit, unless you have the equipment to drill into metal.


This type of planter often adds height to your railing, so if you like looking out of your window to the world outside, it’s possible that a saddle planter will block your view.

Planters With Brackets Can Hang From Your Railing

Planters With Brackets Can Hang From Your Railing

To safely secure a planter that hangs from your railings, you will need brackets. These are usually metal and can come in several different styles, and the best one depends on the size and style of the railing. These are a good option if you don't want anything on top of your railing and blocking your view.


You will need to take note of any vertical bars or elements that can affect how the bracket attaches. Some brackets simply sit over the top of the railing like a hook but may have additional features to secure them more firmly. Other brackets clamp onto your railings or attach to the vertical poles and some may require screwing in place.


The brackets are usually attached to the planters, but this isn't always the case. Often, for shipping purposes, the brackets are separate. If this is the case, make sure that the holes on the planter line up with the brackets.

Hanging Baskets Can Be Repurposed

Hanging Baskets Can Be Repurposed

Typically, hanging baskets are used to hang from brackets that protrude from a wall or ceiling, but you can also use them on railings. Some brackets are in the style of a planter rod that will stick out from your railing and give you the room you need for your hanging basket. These can be clamped to your railings or screwed in place.

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How to Choose a Railing Planter - Buying Guide

Before buying a railing planter, there are a few points you should take into consideration such as drainage and style. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Premier Wood Studio

Cedar Railing Planter Box

Premier Wood Studio Cedar Railing Planter Box 1

$23.00

Low Mid

Planter Available in Multiple Lengths

2

Late Night Wood Shop

Deck Railing Mounted Flower Box

Late Night Wood Shop Deck Railing Mounted Flower Box 1

$65.00

High Mid

Angled Bottom Drains Water Away From Your Deck

3

Emsco Group

Bloomers Railing Planter

Emsco Group Bloomers Railing Planter 1

$26.20

Low Mid

Stabilizing Features Make This Sturdy

4

Premier Wood Studio

Tiered Cedar Railing Planter Box1 planter

Premier Wood Studio Tiered Cedar Railing Planter Box 1

$24.00

Low Mid

Plant Vertically Instead of Horizontally With These Space Savers

5

Panacea

Flat Iron Series Window and Deck Planter

Panacea Flat Iron Series Window and Deck Planter 1

$39.47

Mid

Natural-Looking Planter With Good Drainage

6

HowRU

Iron Art Hanging Baskets3 pack

HowRU Iron Art Hanging Baskets 1

$25.99

Low Mid

Turn Your Plant Pots Into Railing Planters

7

Gardener's

Adjustable Self-Watering Railing Planter

Gardener's Adjustable Self-Watering Railing Planter 1

$44.95

High Mid

Keep Plants From Drying Out Longer

8

Kinglake

Hanging Flower Plant Pots10 pack

Kinglake  Hanging Flower Plant Pots 1

$23.99

Low Mid

Add Color to Your Railings With These Rainbow Pots

9

United Frames and Products

Ridge Rail Flower Pot2 pack

United Frames and Products Ridge Rail Flower Pot 1

$42.90

High Mid

Stylish and Elegant Set of 2

10

Bloem

Four Piece Rail Planter SetMRP421-46

Bloem Four Piece Rail Planter Set 1

$83.54

High

Unique Style and Shape Sets These Apart

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Premier Wood StudioCedar Railing Planter Box

Cedar Railing Planter Box 1
Source:etsy.com
Reference price
$23.00
Low Mid
Reference price
$23.00
Low Mid

Planter Available in Multiple Lengths

You have the option of receiving this cedar planter painted white or natural. It comes in a wide variety of lengths, ranging from five and a half inches up to 72 inches!


There are drainage holes in the bottom, which can be excluded if you wish, and the planter is fitted with two-inch iron brackets. The same shop offers larger ones, too!


The design and feel of these planters are praised by reviewers who say that they are of high quality. They say that they look great when hooked onto their railings, and many reviewers have used them for an herb garden.

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No.2

Late Night Wood ShopDeck Railing Mounted Flower Box

Deck Railing Mounted Flower Box 1
Source:etsy.com
Reference price
$65.00
High Mid
Reference price
$65.00
High Mid

Angled Bottom Drains Water Away From Your Deck

There are many customizable options available with this railing planter. There is a wide range of lengths, that start at 24 inches and go up to 72 inches. You also have the option of an extra-wide planter box if you need it. The wood comes either unfinished or water-sealed.


The craftsmanship of the planter box is highly praised by reviewers. They also point out how perfect and snug the fit for their railing is. Reviewers like that the planter has a slanted bottom, which allows for excess water to run away from a porch or deck.

No.3

Emsco GroupBloomers Railing Planter

Bloomers Railing Planter 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$26.20
Low Mid
Reference price
$26.20
Low Mid

Stabilizing Features Make This Sturdy

This plastic saddle-style planter is available in several different colors. There are drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape and it comes with fasteners to make it more sturdy when placed on your railing. It fits rails from one to four inches wide.


Some reviewers found the sides bowed out when filled with soil. It also appears to be most suited for railings around the four-inch mark. Reviewers praise the stabilizing fasteners, however, and like that the planter has plenty of room inside.

No.4

Premier Wood StudioTiered Cedar Railing Planter Box1 planter

Tiered Cedar Railing Planter Box 1
Source:etsy.com
Reference price
$24.00
Low Mid
Reference price
$24.00
Low Mid

Plant Vertically Instead of Horizontally With These Space Savers

If your area isn't very wide or has features that prevent wider boxes from being compatible, then these tiered boxes are a good choice. You have the option of a single tier, two tiers, or three tiers (at different price points), but they all latch onto your railing with a metal bracket that hooks over the railing.


The boxes are the perfect size for herbs and will make for an interesting and stylish herb garden. You have the option of adding a drainage hole to the planters if required. Reviewers love these planters, saying they're unique and that they are as described.

No.5

PanaceaFlat Iron Series Window and Deck Planter

Flat Iron Series Window and Deck Planter 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$39.47
Mid
Reference price
$39.47
Mid

Natural-Looking Planter With Good Drainage

Available in three different lengths, this planter is made from steel. It includes a natural coco liner, which acts both as a barrier to stop any soil from escaping and a drainage system for excess water. The planter is attached to your railing with adjustable metal brackets and all of the hardware you need is included.


A few reviewers report that the steel frame rusted or the brackets are flimsy. For most reviewers though, this planter was easy to install on their railings. The depth of the planter is praised and many reviewers have been able to plant herbs and colorful flowers in them.

No.6

HowRUIron Art Hanging Baskets3 pack

Iron Art Hanging Baskets 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$25.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$25.99
Low Mid

Turn Your Plant Pots Into Railing Planters

Available in either black or brown, this is a set of three identical hanging baskets. Each basket has two hangers that hook over the railing and you can fill them with any pot that fits. The hooks fit over railings of two and a half inches and they have a stabilizing feature at the back.


The metal base of the baskets is pretty thin, so some reviewers found them to be too weak and small for their plant pots. Many reviewers love these baskets, however, saying they are easy to fit and have stood up to some windy days. They find the baskets to be cute and match perfectly with metal railings.

No.7

Gardener'sAdjustable Self-Watering Railing Planter

Adjustable Self-Watering Railing Planter 1
Source:gardeners.com
Reference price
$44.95
High Mid
Reference price
$44.95
High Mid

Keep Plants From Drying Out Longer

This planter's brackets can be adjusted to fit any railing that measures between one inch to just over four inches. The planter also has support bars to help it remain level and secure. A reservoir system allows the plants to self-water, so you don't need to water them yourself as often.


A few reviewers report that the plastic brackets couldn't hold the weight of a filled planter and broke. There are also remarks that the railing needs to be flat for these to fit correctly.


However, reviewers like how many plants they can hold and say that they look great on their railings. They praise the addition of the support bars for keeping the planter steady.

No.8

Kinglake Hanging Flower Plant Pots10 pack

 Hanging Flower Plant Pots 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$23.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$23.99
Low Mid

Add Color to Your Railings With These Rainbow Pots

This set of 10 small, colorful hanging pots is enough to brighten up any railing. They can hook onto railings or horizontal bars, but the hooks are also removable so they can be placed on any flat surface, also. The pots have a drainage hole at the bottom.


Pay attention to the dimensions, as they're not large. There are also a few comments that some arrived with defects or bent.


However, many reviewers love these colorful pots and say that they look great on their railings and fences. They say they're cute and just the right size for a single small plant.

No.9

United Frames and ProductsRidge Rail Flower Pot2 pack

Ridge Rail Flower Pot 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$42.90
High Mid
Reference price
$42.90
High Mid

Stylish and Elegant Set of 2

These planters have a curved exterior, giving them a more modern and contemporary look. The two identical planters are designed for use on narrower railings with a maximum width of two and three-quarter inches. They have stabilizers that can be used to secure them to your railing.


A few reviewers report that the planters can break easily and there are no drainage holes in the bottom. However, reviewers say that they look great and if fitted correctly are very sturdy and resilient. They also like that the planters are deep, allowing for a wider variety of plants.

No.10

BloemFour Piece Rail Planter SetMRP421-46

Four Piece Rail Planter Set 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$83.54
High
Reference price
$83.54
High

Unique Style and Shape Sets These Apart

This set has three planters that sit on your railing, and a modular planter that then fits on top of them. The planters can be used individually, but as a group the unique style and shape make these railing planters stand out. The planters are made of plastic with a terra cotta finish and two drainage holes in each planter.


Some reviewers found the top planter doesn't fit securely in place, and note that the planters are designed for thick railings only. If you have railings of the right size, however, these planters are recommended by many reviewers. They say the planters are sturdy and look great when filled with plants.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Planter

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Planter

Railing planter boxes are generally small and narrow. You will only have limited planting space, so you want to choose plants or flowers that will thrive in small pots and don’t need a lot of room for their roots to spread.


Herbs are an excellent choice for railing planters as they don’t take up much space and can help you with your cooking! Growing your own herbs is very popular, so there are plenty of resources available to help you make the most of your space.


If you want to paint a dramatic scene, you can choose plants that will spill over the planter and grow down. Creeping Jenny is perfect for this as it will cascade down in shades of green or gold. 


For a splash of color, there are many flowers you can choose from. Petunias are available in a variety of beautiful colors and will brighten up the summer months. Fuchsias are another option, although they are best in planters that aren’t in direct sunlight.


Coleus is a great choice to fill in gaps and highlight your colorful flowers. There are varieties that thrive in both sun and shade, and if you’d prefer them to be a focus instead of a filler, there are brightly colored varieties available, too.

More Products to Help With Your Gardening

If you're looking to add more greenery to your life or get your jungle under control, then we have lots of recommendations for you.

Top 5 Railing Planter

No. 1: Premier Wood StudioCedar Railing Planter Box

No. 2: Late Night Wood ShopDeck Railing Mounted Flower Box

No. 3: Emsco GroupBloomers Railing Planter

No. 4: Premier Wood StudioTiered Cedar Railing Planter Box1 planter

No. 5: PanaceaFlat Iron Series Window and Deck Planter

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