Frequently Asked Questions - All:
Q: Do you have a showroom/store?
A: No, sorry to say that I do not at the moment, but local residents are welcome to swing by my shop
and "kick the tires" (so to speak) anytime.
Q: Are you available for commissioned/contract work?
A: Yes! If you have a specific project or build-in-place need (S.F. Bay Area), simply contact me
through this site with your request and/or dimensions and we'll take it from there.
Q: Can I use your planter boxes inside my home?
A: Absolutely! In fact, though all my boxes are suitable for outdoor use, it would be a shame to witness
some of the higher-end planters weather outdoors.
Q: What woods do you use? And what material is used to make those colored panels?
A: Due to their excelllent resistance to decay, I use heart redwood and cedar 90% of the time --
Douglas Fir (posts) and plywood (bottoms) being the exceptions. As for the colored panels,
everything you see is painted wood.
Q: Is any assembly required for your planters?
A: No. I'm too concerned with build tolerances and overall aesthetics to ship any planter unassembled.
Q: Do you warranty your products?
A: Yes, I stand behind my work 100%. Provided "normal" wear and tear (outdoor use without a liner),
I guarantee their construction for a full 5 years after date of purchase. My front deck is a living
laboratory and many are over 10 years old and still going strong. Note: Due to both the variety
of colors used (varying oxidation rates) and weather conditions present throughout the country
(extreme heat/sunlight, cold, humidity, etc.) this warranty DOES NOT include finishes or colors.
(No matter what protective coating is used, these products, especially the colored ones, will require
periodic refinishing. *If you use them indoors with a liner they should last a lifetime.
Q: Will sales tax be added to my purchase?
A: Yes, the State of California requires that sales tax be charged on all online purchases and
this will be added to your purchase(s) at time of checkout (5.00%).
Q: Do you accept returns?
A: Yes, provided it's within 30 days of original purchase and the item is in the same condition as was
originally sent. You (the buyer) are responsible for return postage in addition to a 10% restocking
fee. (Of course, if we're in error, we'll incur all return shipping charges.) Please get in contact prior
to your return, advising me of the problem in order to give an opportunity to correct it.
Q: Which shipping services do you use and when can I expect my order?
A: It depends on which planter is ordered: ups, Fed Ex, USPS, GSO (Golden State Overnight)...
I use them all via ground transport -- usually taking 7-10 days to deliver.
Q: I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, can I avoid the shipping charge by picking up?
A: Yes! In fact, it's encouraged. Please let me know as a side note when purchasing that you plan
on picking-up directly and I'll refund the shipping charges: $20.00 - Cube, Tapered Squares (all,
except Belvedere set); $40.00 Grady's Favorite; Tapered Hexagons (all); $50.00 - Tom's Deep Dish;
$100 Belvedere set.
Q: Do you deliver within the San Francisco Bay Area?
A: Yes, though it depends on how great a range we're talking about. The cost on this varies, but
assume an approximate cost to be $0.70 per mile roundtrip (plus applicable bridge tolls).
For example, Walnut Creek, CA, is roughly 30 miles + one bridge toll from my home:
30 (miles) x 2 (roundtrip) = 60 miles; 60 x $0.70 = $42.00; $42.00 + $5.00 bridge toll = $47.00.
Q: Are your products insured against damage during shipping?
A: Yes, if a piece is damaged in transit just let me know and it will be replaced free of charge.
Depending on the time of year, replacement usually takes 1-2 weeks. To expedite matters, it's best
if any damage is noted at the time of delivery, but even if it isn't, I'll quickly replace any damaged
product. Fortunately, I have not received damage claims on any shipments to date.
Q: Your shipping prices sometimes seem a bit high as compared to their weight -- why?
A: Actually, when shipping planter boxes, WEIGHT isn't as important a consideration as compared to
their DIMENSIONS. It's called "dimensional weight pricing" and the shippers have got it down pat.
To cite an example, any tapered hexagon will be shipped in a 24" x 24" x 24"' box. Though it may
only weigh 25lbs. total, the box itself gobbles up a whopping 8 cubic feet in a carrier's delivery
vehicle! -- valuable space that could be used for other parcels, so it's priced accordingly.
Q: Is any assembly required for your planters?
A: No. I'm too concerned with build tolerances and overall aesthetics to ship any planter unassembled.
Q: What do you mean by "weatherproofed"?
A: The sealant I use is Preserva's "Preserva Wood" finish. This clear, oil-based sealant penetrates
deep and contains transparent iron oxides that effectively absorb and block harmful UV rays. And,
depending on the wood type, desired finish (sheen v. matte) and future setting/environment, I'll also
add a thin coat of polyurethane.
Q: What types of paint do you use?
A: With planters, I use exterior paints exclusively. Though many would likely fare better inside,
I plan for their use outdoors -- exterior paint is more durable, mildew-resistant, and retains superior
UV protection versus interior paint. When it comes to wall hangings and furniture, I use interior
flat enamels.
Q: I want to grow veggies -- can you leave the inside untreated?
A: Yes. What I normally do for food growers is to seal the planter box on the outside only and leave
the inside untreated. Just write me a note as you’re checking out.
Q: Do your planters require use of a liner?
A: No, just add soil and flowers. Though a liner IS NOT required for any model, soil and water will
wear them faster so I think it's a good idea for many. (fyi - ALL Box Planters are purposefully built
for heavy-duty, outdoor use.)
Q: How do I keep my planters looking new?
A: All wood left outdoors will eventually gray, it’s a factor of UV exposure, pollution and oxidation.
The wood’s surface slowly oxidizes and absorbs pollution and moisture, resulting in the surface
color changing towards a silver patina over time. This color change is cosmetic only and is not
indicative of decay. Your planters will last for years and are not compromised by this change.
To help keep your planters looking new, after the winter season, take a few minutes to spruce them
up by hosing them down and brushing them off (no soap or chemicals needed). The premium
sealant I use will last 4 years. Once it has faded, you can refinish it without much effort by power
washing carefully and then resealing. This will remove all the built-up oxidation, pollution and UV
burning on the surface. It will also strip away the old sealant layers and allow you to start fresh.
Stripping the sealant lets the wood absorb the new coat deeper into the wood, otherwise, the old
sealant "seals" the surface making new coats superficial. Do it on a dry, sunny day and repeat this
process every few years until you’re too old to bother. ;-)
A: No, sorry to say that I do not at the moment, but local residents are welcome to swing by my shop
and "kick the tires" (so to speak) anytime.
Q: Are you available for commissioned/contract work?
A: Yes! If you have a specific project or build-in-place need (S.F. Bay Area), simply contact me
through this site with your request and/or dimensions and we'll take it from there.
Q: Can I use your planter boxes inside my home?
A: Absolutely! In fact, though all my boxes are suitable for outdoor use, it would be a shame to witness
some of the higher-end planters weather outdoors.
Q: What woods do you use? And what material is used to make those colored panels?
A: Due to their excelllent resistance to decay, I use heart redwood and cedar 90% of the time --
Douglas Fir (posts) and plywood (bottoms) being the exceptions. As for the colored panels,
everything you see is painted wood.
Q: Is any assembly required for your planters?
A: No. I'm too concerned with build tolerances and overall aesthetics to ship any planter unassembled.
Q: Do you warranty your products?
A: Yes, I stand behind my work 100%. Provided "normal" wear and tear (outdoor use without a liner),
I guarantee their construction for a full 5 years after date of purchase. My front deck is a living
laboratory and many are over 10 years old and still going strong. Note: Due to both the variety
of colors used (varying oxidation rates) and weather conditions present throughout the country
(extreme heat/sunlight, cold, humidity, etc.) this warranty DOES NOT include finishes or colors.
(No matter what protective coating is used, these products, especially the colored ones, will require
periodic refinishing. *If you use them indoors with a liner they should last a lifetime.
Q: Will sales tax be added to my purchase?
A: Yes, the State of California requires that sales tax be charged on all online purchases and
this will be added to your purchase(s) at time of checkout (5.00%).
Q: Do you accept returns?
A: Yes, provided it's within 30 days of original purchase and the item is in the same condition as was
originally sent. You (the buyer) are responsible for return postage in addition to a 10% restocking
fee. (Of course, if we're in error, we'll incur all return shipping charges.) Please get in contact prior
to your return, advising me of the problem in order to give an opportunity to correct it.
Q: Which shipping services do you use and when can I expect my order?
A: It depends on which planter is ordered: ups, Fed Ex, USPS, GSO (Golden State Overnight)...
I use them all via ground transport -- usually taking 7-10 days to deliver.
Q: I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, can I avoid the shipping charge by picking up?
A: Yes! In fact, it's encouraged. Please let me know as a side note when purchasing that you plan
on picking-up directly and I'll refund the shipping charges: $20.00 - Cube, Tapered Squares (all,
except Belvedere set); $40.00 Grady's Favorite; Tapered Hexagons (all); $50.00 - Tom's Deep Dish;
$100 Belvedere set.
Q: Do you deliver within the San Francisco Bay Area?
A: Yes, though it depends on how great a range we're talking about. The cost on this varies, but
assume an approximate cost to be $0.70 per mile roundtrip (plus applicable bridge tolls).
For example, Walnut Creek, CA, is roughly 30 miles + one bridge toll from my home:
30 (miles) x 2 (roundtrip) = 60 miles; 60 x $0.70 = $42.00; $42.00 + $5.00 bridge toll = $47.00.
Q: Are your products insured against damage during shipping?
A: Yes, if a piece is damaged in transit just let me know and it will be replaced free of charge.
Depending on the time of year, replacement usually takes 1-2 weeks. To expedite matters, it's best
if any damage is noted at the time of delivery, but even if it isn't, I'll quickly replace any damaged
product. Fortunately, I have not received damage claims on any shipments to date.
Q: Your shipping prices sometimes seem a bit high as compared to their weight -- why?
A: Actually, when shipping planter boxes, WEIGHT isn't as important a consideration as compared to
their DIMENSIONS. It's called "dimensional weight pricing" and the shippers have got it down pat.
To cite an example, any tapered hexagon will be shipped in a 24" x 24" x 24"' box. Though it may
only weigh 25lbs. total, the box itself gobbles up a whopping 8 cubic feet in a carrier's delivery
vehicle! -- valuable space that could be used for other parcels, so it's priced accordingly.
Q: Is any assembly required for your planters?
A: No. I'm too concerned with build tolerances and overall aesthetics to ship any planter unassembled.
Q: What do you mean by "weatherproofed"?
A: The sealant I use is Preserva's "Preserva Wood" finish. This clear, oil-based sealant penetrates
deep and contains transparent iron oxides that effectively absorb and block harmful UV rays. And,
depending on the wood type, desired finish (sheen v. matte) and future setting/environment, I'll also
add a thin coat of polyurethane.
Q: What types of paint do you use?
A: With planters, I use exterior paints exclusively. Though many would likely fare better inside,
I plan for their use outdoors -- exterior paint is more durable, mildew-resistant, and retains superior
UV protection versus interior paint. When it comes to wall hangings and furniture, I use interior
flat enamels.
Q: I want to grow veggies -- can you leave the inside untreated?
A: Yes. What I normally do for food growers is to seal the planter box on the outside only and leave
the inside untreated. Just write me a note as you’re checking out.
Q: Do your planters require use of a liner?
A: No, just add soil and flowers. Though a liner IS NOT required for any model, soil and water will
wear them faster so I think it's a good idea for many. (fyi - ALL Box Planters are purposefully built
for heavy-duty, outdoor use.)
Q: How do I keep my planters looking new?
A: All wood left outdoors will eventually gray, it’s a factor of UV exposure, pollution and oxidation.
The wood’s surface slowly oxidizes and absorbs pollution and moisture, resulting in the surface
color changing towards a silver patina over time. This color change is cosmetic only and is not
indicative of decay. Your planters will last for years and are not compromised by this change.
To help keep your planters looking new, after the winter season, take a few minutes to spruce them
up by hosing them down and brushing them off (no soap or chemicals needed). The premium
sealant I use will last 4 years. Once it has faded, you can refinish it without much effort by power
washing carefully and then resealing. This will remove all the built-up oxidation, pollution and UV
burning on the surface. It will also strip away the old sealant layers and allow you to start fresh.
Stripping the sealant lets the wood absorb the new coat deeper into the wood, otherwise, the old
sealant "seals" the surface making new coats superficial. Do it on a dry, sunny day and repeat this
process every few years until you’re too old to bother. ;-)
© 2013 E.M. Woodworking & Design. All rights reserved.
