The 9 Best Deck Boxes, According to a Master Gardener

Best Overall

United Products Long Rectangular Flower Pot

4.7

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This is a classic deck box, easily fitting over most railings, making it our top choice. It includes a stabilizer component, which helps you fit it securely to round and square rails, or to a fence. This design is 22 inches wide xx 7 inches tall, and it comes in a pack of two.

The modern design includes color options of white, brown, or grey. The planter itself is made from recycled, PBA-free material that is lightweight, fade-resistant, and strong enough to stand up to frost. United Products has other options that vary in size, so you can mix and match as needed. If you have a lot of railing space, then you could add many square feet to your planting options!

Price at time of publish: $48

Best Budget

Classic Home and Garden Jameson Planter

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Here’s another classic style that is also easy on the budget. The design mimics a wooden whisky barrel with a distressed oak finish and antique pewter bands that go all the way around. It’s lightweight and has a UV coating that will keep it from fading, so the look won’t wear over time.

The planter measures 24 x 10 x 8 inches, and the base is designed to fit onto either six-inch or four-inch wide railings. With plenty of drainage holes, it’s ready to use once you attach it to your railing. Just fill it with soil and plants—you’ll be all set.

Price at time of publish: $31

Best Vertical

Outland Living 4-Ft Raised Garden Bed

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Vertical gardening can help maximize the number of plant you can grow in a small footprint. You don’t need anything to make this deck box work because it’ll completely stand on its own. Just set it up (no power tools needed), and then you’ll have four layers ready for herbs, veggies, or flowers. Each bin is 22 inches long, so you’re adding quite a bit of space when it’s all said and done.

The planters are made from polypropylene material, making them food-safe because they’ll be free of BPA, lead, and mercury. The design includes a great draining system, allowing you to conserve as you water from the top down. The bins even rotate, to help you gather as much runover water as possible. You can choose from green, brown, or grey in this design.

Price at time of publish: $170

Best with Trellis

Best Choice Products Wood Planter Box & Diamond Lattice Trellis, Set of 2

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Another way to encourage your garden to grow vertically is with this deck planter and trellis combo. First of all, it’s on wheels, allowing you to easily roll it anywhere you want, whether that’s moving it to morning/afternoon sun or just rolling it from outside to inside from one season to the next. A good trellis can also help add privacy to your space.

The box is 10 inches deep, giving you plenty of space to grow most plants. Then the 48-inch trellis will give your plants room to climb. Constructed from fir wood with a protective walnut finish, it's weather and rot-resistant. You could use it to grow your favorite vining flower, or even consider peas or cucumbers. It truly makes a great staple piece for your deck or patio.

Price at time of publish: $170

Best Self-Watering

Keter Easy Grow 31.7 Gallon Raised Garden Bed

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Want to add more growing space but don’t have anywhere else to go? This free-standing option in a rattan pattern is perfect for any indoor or outdoor space. It has a genius self-watering system that pretty much tells you when to add more water.

At 44 inches wide and nearly 20 inches deep, you’ll have about 30 gallons to work with. This makes it one of the largest deck options available, big enough to grow an entire herb garden or veggies like peppers and tomatoes. The polypropylene resin material makes it weatherproof, fade-free, and low-maintenance. It’s the perfect staple gardening piece you know you’ll have for years.

Best with Seating

Sunnydaze Meranti Wood Outdoor Planter Box Bench with Teak Oil Finish

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Add plants and functionality to your deck or patio with this set of planter boxes that double as a bench. The meranti wood has a teak oil finish, which will withstand weather and people—it’ll hold up to 330 pounds.

When you put it together (everything you need is included in the box), the entire piece measures 68.5 inches long. This planter box also comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, so you can feel good about your purchase. One thing to note: the base of the planter boxes is open, so you'll need an addition pot or planter to fit inside.

Price at time of publish: $125

Best for Growing Herbs

VegTrug 8-Pocket Herb Garden

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This gorgeous pocket herb planter is a cook’s dream because there’s always quick and easy access to fresh herbs. The design has eight separate squares, allowing you to easily divide and label your favorites. It comes with pre-formed liners, so they are simple and convenient to replace as you move from one herb to the next. The planter is made from plantation cedar, which is also a good insulator, so you’ll know you have a solid design that will last for years. 

Price at time of publish: $150

Best for Adding Color & Style

Kinglake 10 Pcs Metal Iron Hanging Flower Pots

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This set of pots is a gardener’s gift waiting to happen. They might be small (only about 4 inches wide and tall), but they are so colorful and adorable. Line them up all together with your favorite flowers or herbs, and they’ll make a great statement piece. Or scatter them all around to add color in every corner. They already have drainage holes, so you won't have to worry about your plant getting their feet too wet. Then the hooks make them easy to add to a deck, railing, or fence. 

Price at time of publish: $30