Add structure with raised patio borders

Raised Beds or Built-In Planters as Patio Borders

Framing your patio with raised beds or built-in planters is more than just a design choice, it brings structure, softness, and usable growing space right up to where you sit. It also makes patios feel more complete and well-balanced.

Whether you're growing herbs, shrubs or full-size shrubs, these design-led planter ideas work especially well with concrete patios in UK gardens.

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Design Tips for Planters Along Your Patio

From practical growing beds to sculptural dividers, here’s how to use built-in planters to create a stylish, high-function patio edge.

Define the Edges Without Fencing

Raised beds help visually define your patio space without the need for harsh fences or boundaries. They act as natural dividers, giving structure to open gardens, sectioning off paths, or wrapping around seating zones. The result is more organic and inviting than timber barriers, especially in modern or rustic spaces.

Match or Contrast the Concrete

You can build planters from the same concrete as your patio for a seamless, monolithic look, or use timber sleepers, rendered blockwork, or stone to contrast and soften the feel. Brick also works well in older UK homes. Whatever your material, make sure it's weatherproof and visually consistent with other hard landscaping in the space.

Vary the Heights for Interest

Not all raised beds need to be the same height. A combination of lower beds for herbs and taller planters for screening creates a dynamic border that changes with your eye line. In small gardens, this can help divide lounging from dining areas without blocking light or views.

Use Planters as Bench Backdrops

Placing planters behind fixed benches or built-in seating provides a leafy backdrop and makes the area feel more intimate. You can also tuck LED lighting into the planter edge for a warm nighttime glow. Choose plants with texture and movement, like grasses, lavender, or trailing foliage, to soften the concrete.

Think About Drainage

Raised planters need good drainage. If you’re building them onto a concrete base, include gravel layers, drainage holes, and moisture barriers to avoid waterlogging. For long-term durability, line internal walls with damp-proof membrane and make sure overflow water won’t pool on the patio surface.

Incorporate Edible or Pollinator Plants

Raised beds make excellent growing zones for herbs, tomatoes, strawberries, or pollinator-friendly flowers. Not only do they look good, but they also bring purpose and biodiversity to your patio area. In urban or suburban gardens, this can help turn concrete-heavy layouts into soft, usable ecosystems.

Planter Ideas That Work With Concrete Patios

Rendered Block Planters

Smooth, rendered blockwork gives a clean finish that can be painted any colour.
Perfect for matching modern patio edges or stepping up onto garden levels.

Timber Sleeper Beds

Softens the look of concrete and adds warm contrast in rustic or informal gardens.
Pressure-treated sleepers last years and are easy to replace or adjust.

Integrated Concrete Benches

Combine planters with built-in seating for a streamlined layout.
Helps keep the patio open while still adding softness and structure.

Brick Raised Borders

Works well in traditional or period-style homes to blend patio with garden walls.
Provides visual consistency if your house is brick or stone-faced.

Curved Concrete Planters

Break up square layouts with gentle shapes that mirror organic garden lines.
Cast-in-place or pre-formed curved edging can be used to soften patio corners.

Raised Herb Walls

Narrow planter strips against walls are ideal for growing kitchen herbs.
Useful for balconies and small urban patios where space is tight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rendered blockwork, treated timber sleepers, or brick are all popular and durable options. Concrete itself can be used for a sleek, seamless look. Make sure your chosen material is weatherproof and allows for proper drainage.

Yes, especially if the planter is built onto solid concrete. Without drainage, plant roots may rot. Include gravel layers, weep holes, and moisture-proof membranes to help water flow away safely.

Absolutely. Many UK gardeners grow herbs, salad leaves, tomatoes and strawberries in raised beds. Just make sure the planter depth and sun exposure suit your chosen crops.

Built-in planters offer better structure, insulation and visual integration with your patio. While pots are more flexible, planters feel like a designed feature, they help anchor your space and define edges more clearly.