Cement Urns & Planters

Uses

• Cement urns or planters have several different uses for both home and garden. They can hold plants, flowers and even trees in gardens or on patios or decks. Topiaries are frequent residents in cement garden urns. Some urns make ideal birdbaths, and others are the right depth and size to hold umbrellas by the front door. Others might use one in a larger bathroom to hold guest towels. But acting as vessels isn't their only function. Often a cement urn of planter simply sits empty in a garden or home, as decoration only. This is typically done with two identical urns that are placed to complement a walkway, entrance or other architectural detail. Business plazas often use several enormous urns to house trees to add a more natural feel to expansive concrete spaces.

Styles

• Round, square and rectangular are the most common shapes for cement urns and planters. But shape alone doesn't define the look of an urn. Some have decorative swags on them, while others have lions heads spaced evenly around the edges. Scalloped designs grace others, while still others have a distinct Grecian look. Fleurs-de-lis, crests and emblems can be found on others, adding to the established look that cement urns provide. Some are shallow bowls, while others are rectangular.

Sizes

• Cement urns and planters come in a variety of sizes, with some small enough to hang off a window ledge and some large enough to plant full-size trees in. Any size mold can be made; therefore, any size planter or urn can be created.

Durability

• Cement urns and planter are extremely durable and can last over several lifetimes. Many newer cement urns and planters are made from fiber-reinforced concrete, which gives them greater weather-resistance in extreme temperatures. The outer surface can be painted, stained or lacquered for additional protection from the elements. Many planters and urns change color over time, as staying outdoors lends them a weathered finish that adds to the established look.

Drawbacks

• Planters and urns made out of cement can break if they get knocked over. They can even crack in extreme temperatures, or if water inside the urn freezes. Because of their construction, they're very heavy, so a few men and a good moving dolly or two will be needed for larger urns to be placed or moved. And the most obvious drawback? The price. They're built to last, so expect to pay for that feature. Pricing begins at around $60 and can easily climb into the thousands for the larger pieces. And don't forget to factor in the shipping costs, as most have to be delivered by freight truck to your home or business.