What to use in bottom of planters?

[HousePlans]

My garden is all patio and paving and I don’t have the money to change that just now. I’ve bought some large planters, both wooden and metal, all bottomless. They’ll sit directly on either the paving or decking, so I’ll need to line the bottom with something. I thought of plastic, with some holes, but I’m worried about drainage, particularly if sat on the paving. Would landscape fabric be better for drainage? Or would that allow too much water/soil to seep out onto the patio? Clearly, I am not an experienced gardener, so any thoughts much appreciated!

Plastic with drainage holes is possible, but to be honest, baseless planters on patio aren't ideal. Is there any chance of getting your money back and getting pots instead?

I've never heard of a bottomless planter. Is it just a square of wood with no base??? Can you post a pic? Are they just decorative and meant to hide a regular pot?

When I had some cracked pots, I used plastic with holes in to line them. It degraded after a year though into tiny, PITA bits! Sorry, not sure I can help till I see what you have.

I've never heard of a bottomless planter either.

Are they meant to be raised beds rather than patio planters?

Ah, sorry for the confusion! Yes, they’re raised beds that I thought I could fashion into large planters…maybe it wasn’t such a good idea…

I’ve been adding pots, but it’s a big area to fill (approx. 20ft x 24ft) and the pots I have look a little lost and it will cost a lot to fill with pots. Thought the planters along the fence would provide a flower bed-type area for less expense.

Plastic-wise, I was thinking pond liner which I’d think (hope) wouldn’t degrade.

But hm…maybe not my best idea?!

The moss sheets that you get for hanging baskets might work but wouldn't be a cheap solution. I would return them, if you can

And too late to send back, unfortunately - the metal ones are built. The wooden one isn’t, but that’s a 3 tier planter with a trellis attached so I think that one will actually have a bottom.

If you are unable to return them, could you get someone (or do it yourself) to add a base using decking boards or other wood? If you are careful you could add a base and it could look ok. Leave a few gaps or drill holes for drainage .
For the wooden ones it’s a good idea to line the sides and base. I use old compost bags

Aah too late! They’re pretty big too so yes, won’t be cheap to line or fill (compost or flowers).

I'm now wondering whether I can raise a few paving stones and put them on top of whatever’s underneath. Have no idea what’s underneath though and don’t want to ruin the patio if that idea doesn’t work either.

How deep are they?

Yes I did think about making a base of some kind. Couldn’t do it myself properly for the metal ones as they’ve got rounded ends and I’ve no clue how I’d go about fixing wood to the metal. But I did think of sitting them on planks to protect the patio/decking a little. Not really got the tools or the wherewithal to do it properly and make it look nice, but maybe some strategic planting and/or pot placement would hide any bodge jobs.

The metal ones are 40cm.

I'd gently take up a paving slab and see what's underneath (probably a layer of hard-core before you hit soil).

I think in an ideal world they'd have a bottom. However lining them with thick plastic that you puncture with holes should be ok. I'd then probably layer with cardboard, logs or thick sticks, shredded paper, grass cuttings etc before adding compost, all of which I think would help drainage and then cut down costs. I'd probably try and stick with growing things that won't have massive roots, so no trees etc.
As an aside old filing cabinets minus draws, spray painted can make effective and cheap raised beds, if you pick up.on free cycle etc

use Pond liner op, you can buy it on big rolls.

Large plastic troughs or planters?

Thanks for these tips. Will go this route and see how things go.

Will get some pond liner and use that.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. ☺️