How do you think these are made

[iamsoners]

(not sure if my picture attachment is working, see also: http://kansascity.craigslist.org/hsh/3674978757.html)


What do you think this is constructed out of?  Styrofoam with the finish (some sort of stucco/concrete?) sprayed on?  I'm looking to build some planters in place of railings alongside a stairway and these seem like decent options...  Any brilliant insights on the construction would be appreciated.

[nico demouse]

Just a guess, but...maybe hypertufa?

http://www.marthastewart.com/268962/hypertufa-pots

[meadow lark]

I am guessing hypertufa also.  Lots of instructions and examples on the web.

[Kierun]

Why not ask the craigslist seller?

[c]

I'm not sure that those are hypertufa as they look too neat and light (because I can totally tell how much they weigh just by looking at a tiny web pic - it's a gift). Hypertufa is still relatively heavy.

It's fairly easy to make yourself and there are a ton of instructions online. If you're looking for containers for edibles do some reading if you want to go in this direction as there are many articles about additives etc in concrete and some people advise against using hypertufa for edibles.

[Tyler]

From a little internet sleuthing, here's their website:

http://www.exteriorsolutionskc.com/index.html

Decoding the terminology for the layman -- they have a foam/concrete core, are covered with the same material used in truck bed-liners, and have a final cosmetic topcoat.

[iamsoners]

Brilliant sleuthing, thank you.  The goal is edibles so I'll have to find another solutions but good to learn about hypertufa nonetheless.

[citrine]

We used cinder blocks to make our raised planters....one was free (picked up some from craigslist) and the other cost $26 at home depot.