Terracotta

• Terracotta is one of the most well-known types of garden pots. In Italian, it means "baked earth," and that aptly describes this material composed of clay formed and fired to retain its shape. You might even think of terracotta when asked to picture a typical garden pot. Its ruddy orange color and rough, clay texture are widely known. These pots look nice in gardens. Potters typically weight them at the bottom so they will not topple easily. They are porous, so you may need to water plants. Another factor: this clay is less durable than some other materials.
  
  

Wood

• Wooden planters are versatile additions to a garden. Their natural wooden texture and look blends in comfortably with the green and brown colors that dominate many gardens. You can easily stain or paint them to accommodate varied interests. Take precautions in the form of sealants and liners or the wood could be prone to rot. They are also vulnerable to wood-eating insects. The ability, however, to have a planter made of your preferred wood, like redwood, cedar or cypress, as well as the general aesthetic appeal of wooden pots, make these the preferred choice for some gardeners.
  
  

Stone

• Stone pots offer the classic look and appeal of stonework to a garden. Real stone planters are heavy, but you can find lighter planters made of limestone and fiberglass. These maintain the basic look of a stone pot, but they are lighter and easier to move. These faux-stone planters work well for light decks or porches where a heavy stone planter would cause too much strain. Stone planters also age well, as different types of appealing coloration occurs on the surface as you expose the pot to the elements.
  
  

Metal

• Metal planters add a touch of the modern to a garden. Being made of metal, these pots are very durable and retain water, so you will need to water your plants less. Your metal pots may need some drainage holes to avoid drowning your plants. Also, like stone, metal ages and changes. Colored patinas can form on the surface of the metal and change as the different seasons expose your garden to various levels of humidity and temperature. Copper, zinc, steel or even cast iron are all options for making a metal planter. They offer a different metallic luster for your garden while maintaining the dynamic durability shared across all metals.