FAQ: frequently asked questions

Yes, nothing is “off-the-shelf” at DeepStream. While we initially engineered our planters for our own demanding use, many of our solutions were developed in collaboration with experienced operations personnel at very successful enterprises across the construction, architectural, hospitality and transportation segments, with decades of practical operating experience to guide their informed requests. 

Our product design and entire organization and 30,000 sq ft. workshop are dedicated to producing economical short-run special requests so that you don’t have to compromise. We specialize in cost-effective, handcrafted, made-to-order solutions with custom dimensions, materials, and accessories like drawers, roll-up tambours, doors, casters, recycling and trash bin cutouts, right or left opening doors, lighting, and speakers.

Proprietary marine-anodized aluminum extrusions. These provide an economical modular frame for ease of assembly, durability, easy maintenance, replacement of damaged parts for all our products, and they are reconfigurable should your needs change. All without welds to break, or powder coating and paint that fail. Weatherproof materials such as HDPE recycled plastic lumber, 316 Stainless-Steel parts, 18-8 or 316 Stainless-Steel fasteners, galvanic isolation, appropriate tropical hardwoods.

Yes, damaged parts may be replaced at manufacturer’s direct cost under DeepStream’s unique Core Replacement Program.

Yes, our handcrafted products are made in the USA for dependable lead times and low carbon footprint. If you’re interested in the detailed background and material and design considerations that informed the way we build our unique, versatile, planter solutions, click this link.

Yes, all of DeepStream Designs’ solutions are modern, rugged, and weatherproof, built in design collaboration with clients such as Disney and Orlando International Airport, many hotel chains, restaurants and independents for their commercial applications:

Modern Commercial Recycling and Trash Bins, Ash Trash Bins
Enclosures for Point-of-Sale Systems
Pool Towel Cabinets and Return Cart Enclosures
Spa Towel Issue Shelves and Spa Towel Return Bins
Resort Activities Desks and Counters          
Outdoor Host Stands
Food service carts with stainless steel hinges, casters, adjustable feet, full drawer slides, waterproof drawers, and shelves.
Outdoor Water Dispenser Cabinet
Deck Boxes
Benches
Commercial Planters
Security Screen Wall for Pools
Valet Parking Stands and Package Desks
Deluxe Athletic Club Locker Cabinets
BBQ Surrounds
Quick-Change Free-Standing Signage
Outdoor TV Stands
Ergonomic Benches
Your unique request!

Yes. Our bins, and all of our solutions, are engineered for and used by resorts, theme parks, airports, hospitality, and campuses where receptacles will receive hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of “touches” every year.

Our engineered and rigorously tested designs use 316 Stainless Steel and anodized aluminum extrusions, with no paint or powder coating to fail, which allow bins and receptacles with HDPE panels to be pressure cleaned for sanitation.

With several models of trash bins and recycling receptacles, and almost infinite customization opportunities, there are appropriate volumes and configurations for every need.

Various lids, openings, and doors for any use.
Easy cleaning.
Rugged leakproof recycled LLDPE plastic inner bins.
Open floors that give pests and waste no place to hide. 
Require minimal maintenance.
Replaceable parts at cost should anything be damaged or your needs change.
Corrosion resistance in all climates.

They are designed, engineered, and handcrafted in America by employee owners with the best materials and backed by a Lifetime Structural Warranty.

Mariner commercial planters use our proprietary anodized extruded aluminum legs, with no paint or powder coating to fail.

Our trademark extrusions are engineered to contain the tremendous expansionary forces of wood as it cycles through countless wet and dry cycles.

The hidden structural aircraft aluminum frame is attached to the legs which are isolated from surfaces by replaceable variable height HDPE plastic feet that can also compensate for sloping locations. Using legs of varying heights, we create an integral frame that supports accessories like screen wall, trellis, gates, and casters by design, not as an afterthought.

A separate planter box with an almost unlimited choice of panel materials, including ever-popular tropical hardwood and maintenance-free recycled plastic lumber.

The air gap between the planter box and the liner provides and important thermal break. This thermal break prevents solar gain from heating the root ball, unlike single-wall aluminum and fiberglass planters that can quickly heat to 130° on a sunny 80° day. No amount of water can compensate for steamed roots. This gap also allows for labor-saving, hidden drip irrigation and drainage systems.

The largest selection of economical Stock Planter Liners. Stock liners are rugged, waterproof, UV-resistant, and food-safe, 100% recycled standard LLDPE plastic rotomolded liners with the industry’s most advanced drainage, optional threaded drain ports, or custom welded planter liners to fit your exact needs.

The industry’s most advanced 3-stage planter drainage. Replaceable 3-layer drainage system with filter that increases drainage and minimizes drain blockage by roots.

Custom sizes, colors, and optional branding, with fast turnaround.

3/16” thick 5086 marine aluminum is used to manufacture aluminum planters for the ultimate in finish, strength, and durability.

Stock rotomolded liners
usually ship by the next business day.  For very large quantities or if a liner is out of stock, lead time is usually 3-4 weeks.

Custom-welded liners
Smaller quantities usually ship within 1-2 weeks. Larger, more complex orders may take 3-4 weeks.  Very large orders, especially requiring CNC cutting for non-rectilinear shapes may take up to 6-8 weeks.
 
Mariner Planters, Screen Wall, Audubon and Oahu Receptacles, Custom Cabinets, and Benches
Smaller quantities built with standard, stock components usually ship within 3-4 weeks.  Larger, more complex orders may take 4-6 weeks. If custom components are required, that may add a week or two. 

Custom-Welded Liners are priced based on the actual material, set-up time, and welding labor used for the entire package. With the exact quantities and sizes that you require we can quickly give you a firm price. Custom-Welded Liners are hand-fabricated from 1/4” or 3/8″ black co-polypropylene to the dimensions and shapes you need.

For budgetary purposes, a Custom-Welded Liner will cost AT LEAST double the price of a similar size Stock Liner, with prices starting around $200-250 for small liners and drip trays. 

Yes, our Stock Liners are rotomolded from post-industrial recycled LLDPE, which is a polyethylene that is also “generally considered safe for food contact.”  Note that post-industrial recycled LLDPE is made from scrap from other virgin production.  The LLDPE is also UV-stabilized to withstand the sun over time.  (Detailed information link: https://www.epicgardening.com/which-plastics-are-safe-for-gardening/)

No, the flanges on our stock liners provide structural support for the box, but they are not strong enough to support the filled liner weight.  The base of the liners must be supported every 8-10” by cross planks or other support as they are in our modern commercial 3-component planters.

Yes, the black plastic liners can be used independently, if you don’t mind how they look. They do not have an aesthetic finish. The flange around the top is designed to add structure to the liner box, but longer and larger liners may bow as roots fill in.  Our commercial planter boxes have aluminum angles between corners to limit bowing of the liner inserts. The LLDPE has an added UV-stabilizer, so it will stand up to the direct sun for 5-10 years, but it won’t last indefinitely.

Yes, if installed outside exposed to the elements, you need drainage. Plants are as susceptible to over watering as they are to drought. No, if your planters are used under cover or indoors and you can closely regulate watering, then no holes are necessary.

That depends on your climate and the type of plants installed. DeepStream can install as many drain holes as you require, or they can be drilled during installation.

We can add spin-in threaded drains that may be plugged or have drain hoses attached using straight or 90 degree hose barbs to direct drainage.  For more detailed information on drainage and planting a planter click this link. For a 7-step YouTube video click this link.

Individual Planters, Receptacles, Benches, and other custom products ship fully assembled so, once the strapping and cardboard is removed from the pallet, the item may be lifted off the pallet and moved into its installation location.   We are always available to answer questions in real time via smart phone video apps like Facetime or WhatsApp.
 
Planter Liners, when ordered alone, ship ready to be filled with planting material. 
 
Receptacles and Cabinets with leveling feet must be adjusted after they are put in place, following instructions and using the wrenches that DeepStream provides. We are always available to answer questions in real time via smart phone video apps like Facetime or WhatsApp.
 
Multi-Section Planters and Screen Wall ship with alternate sections assembled and packed with the joining components.  DeepStream provides custom instructions with photos of your project during test assembly and all of the tools required to complete assembly. No previous experience is required, except the willingness to follow the instructions and use simple hand tools. We are always available to answer questions in real time via smart phone video apps like Facetime or WhatsApp.

Most of DeepStream’s products ship fully assembled so they can be put in place by the landscapers installing the plants, the contractor on the project, the maintenance team at the building, or the homeowner.

Multi-Section Planters, Screen Wall and other products that require assembly can also be assembled by anyone who is willing to read and understand the customized instructions provided and use the simple hand tools provided by DeepStream, including manual screwdrivers, Allen keys, and open-end wrench, and optional electric screwdriver. 

We are always available to answer questions in real time via smart phone video apps like Facetime or WhatsApp.

For representative color samples of wood and recycled plastic lumber click this link.

Mariner extrusions are not sold separately. Audubon Extrusions are sold as 12’ extrusions that may be cut to your exact lengths at nominal cost.

Yes, although powder coating will not last as long as the anodized finish, and if scratched it will show the metal beneath. We can provide touch-up paint for our dark bronze anodizing, but clear-anodized (silver) aluminum is the best for finish visual longevity.

Yes, we encourage it. DeepStream’s commercial planters have an area between the frame and the liner to run hidden drip irrigations systems on timers, drainage, wiring for lights, speakers, etc.  Here is a link to a comprehensive drip irrigation supplier with great information. If you can put together Legos, then you can install drip irrigation.

Many solutions can be created via conversations over the phone, video call and email with our project management team who will learn about your project and suggest solutions found on the pages of our website, shared from previous project files, or even building from a back-of-a-napkin sketch with dimensions

For larger, more complex planter projects, however, we recommend that you consult professional designers, landscape architects, architects, etc., who can work with you to assess your requirements and recommend solutions. Selecting planter size, planting medium, and the plants that you will install should happen simultaneously.

Since every location is its own microclimate, you should seek local knowledge of a nursery or, for large projects, a Landscape Architect who can advise you on the best solution to achieve your desired effect, such as flowering bushes or tall plants for a screen wall. 

A Landscape Contractor can save you from expensive mistakes. Click this link to find out more about the importance of Landscape Architects.

We have in-house CAD and Sketchup capabilities that we use to create layouts, simple renderings, and the technical drawings our craftsmen use to fabricate solutions that meet your project requirements. Some CAD drawings are available here. for your particular application, contact DeepStream for assistance at 305-857- 0466.

For projects with multi-section planters and/or screen wall, we will need a dimensioned site plan and layout of our part of the project. If your project calls for especially tight tolerances, for instance with safety screen wall with gates, then we can wait for confirmation of as-built dimensions before we complete the last section to ensure dimensions are correct and save time and reworking at the job site.

With all that said, states, counties and municipalities have their own code requirements so your engineering / architectural team will be responsible for the final order compliance.

Living in Miami and having grown up in Iowa, we know hurricanes, derechos, and tornados can blow away anything. In 85 mph on our roof deck in Miami, we have seen that longer narrow planters with high plantings, like Podocarpus hedges, may blow over, but not away.  DeepStream’s liner-inside-a-planter box design, supported by a frame, means that there is little for the suction these events create to lift and carry away.

Of course, with enough wind, screen walls without proper ballast may blow over. If anchored to the deck and adequately braced, the horizontal planks may bend, but we have yet to see that with our proprietary vertical extrusions. Bent plank extrusions can be replaced at direct manufacturer’s cost under our Core Replacement Program. If an extreme event is forecast, screen wall panels may be quickly removed for storage with our slide-in-easy design.

If there is any question about stability and attachment of planters or screens, you should consult with an engineering professional familiar with your project and the site conditions during design and planning.
Where local code and site conditions require special engineering and attachment, we will work with your structural engineers to meet those requirements.  There are places and conditions where other screen wall systems may be more appropriate, and we won’t hesitate to recommend that.

Yes, unlike paint or powder coat finishes and fiberglass, the marine-anodized aluminum will stand up to the harshest natural conditions including salt spray, and have been extensively tested at sea in blue water and spray. See this link for test conditions. Aluminum can be cosmetically damaged by harsh acids used to clean concrete and lime, as well as harsh caustic chemicals used in anti-icing compounds and pool cleaners.

Lifetime Structural Warranty on DeepStream manufactured planters, bins and outdoor fixtures.

Other products and components have other warranty terms, click this link for our plain English warranty information.

Replacement parts for damaged components are available at direct manufacturer’s cost through our unique Core Replacement Program. Contact our office for assistance.

Everything we sell, except for our stock liners, is custom-made to order, and there are no returns. This is why we only take orders over the phone or email after confirming that you are getting exactly the solution you need. A 50% deposit to cover materials is required for your project to enter our craftsmen’s queue.

It depends on what you are planting and where. For detailed general information including information for both dry and wet climates click this link.

Avoid using field soil in any planter application. The appropriate potting media will vary based on your project’s unique requirements and location.

In general, use premium-quality potting media designed for optimal performance in container planting. The ideal blend typically includes composted organic material, peat, sand, expanded slate, or shale. This combination ensures excellent capillary action for drainage, retains sufficient moisture, and maintains structural integrity to prevent compaction. There are materials to add depending on whether you need to retain moisture or have your planter drain faster.

Absolutely!  We design, manufacture and sell direct to ensure you receive the best prices, eliminate any confusion, and ensure your project is a success. However, depending on our customers’ preferences, we do work with intermediaries such as designers, architects, purchasing agents and other firms that our clients feel add value. In these situations, we still prefer to work with the end user to confirm specifications due to the customized nature of our product and the importance of a successful outcome to all parties involved.

We don’t recommend it, and few paints will actually adhere to the plastic because of the simple nature of the material and its low-porosity. We see this as a benefit, as it will stay vibrant for years and will not require any painting. We have even seen graffiti removed with harsh chemicals and pressure cleaning.

Marine-anodized, aircraft aluminum, 5086 marine-grade aluminum, 316 Stainless Steel. Our recycled plastic material is made of the highest-grade HDPE or LLDPE. No fillers are added, only bonding agents, colorant, and UV inhibitors to ensure longevity.

All our solutions are made in the USA by American owner-craftsmen.

Yes. Our design philosophy demands that our solutions to your operating issues are engineered for decades of commercial use.

DeepStream Designs uses recycled and recyclable materials (e.g., HDPE, aluminum, 316 Stainless-Steel) and other alternative materials to replace protected tropical hardwoods and rainforests, in fact this is why we were founded two decades ago. Furthermore we are committed to environmental programs Trees.org and Niue Ocean Wide Trust.

We use computer-aided cutting equipment to ensure repeatable tolerances. Then we keep digital records of every part used in your order so damaged parts of solutions using our aluminum frame system may be replaced at manufacturer’s direct cost under DeepStream’s unique Core Replacement Program.

No. DeepStream Designs solutions deliver the lowest cost of ownership over time to both our clients and the environment.

We eliminate any unnecessary costs by selling manufacturer-direct so that we can use the best materials, design, and craftsmen dedicated to longevity and sustainability.

Do they require more of an up-front investment?  Yes, they may slightly increase your capital budget, but DeepStream products will save you money in your operating expenses by reducing maintenance, labor, and the cost and disruption of many replacement items over their decades-long lifecycle, while providing far greater user satisfaction.

Link to Audubon Bin and Receptacle budget prices
Link to Oahu and OPUS Bin and Receptacle budget prices
Link to standard size Mariner Planter budget prices
Link to Stock Liner budget prices

No, accurate pricing isn’t possible without knowing the exact details of your project, especially given the custom options. As a starting point, we provide budget price lists for our most common products at the links above.
Larger volume orders will have a lower cost, as the set-up costs are spread among more items. Currently, we are also experiencing the fluctuating effects of tariffs. Almost all materials including stainless steel, aluminum, wood, and plastic, even recycled plastic, are affected by world commodity prices. Please call us at 305-857-0466 to request current pricing.

We can “right-size” solutions for you as we have done with Disney, Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, Marriott, and other efficient operators.

Right-sizing recycling receptacles and trash bins based on volume and type of trash can reduce labor and offensive food residue odor and pests. Push flaps and anti-critter covers over openings also can discourage birds, squirrels and even racoons.
Innovation and right-sizing for labor enlists guests in towel pick-up and return, saving labor costs substantially.

Right-sized self-service pool towel shelves and towel return cabinets so they only have to be attended to once a day saves labor costs and increases staff focus on more important duties, while reducing clutter around the property.

Right-sizing strategically placed Pool Towel Huts to fit your existing industrial-looking laundry carts ensures that your guests enjoy a more attractive space, without disrupting your existing laundry operations or requiring double-handling.

Landscape Architect-Grade Planters
DeepStream planters provide the best conditions for your plants to thrive, reducing plant replacement and maintenance costs while reducing watering, making them big money-savers and improving the appearance of your property and guest experience.

Remote weatherproof Point Of Sale Stations
These enclosures for ordering drastically reduce labor cost while speeding orders to guests, enhancing their experience and satisfaction. Configured and sized to meet your requirements.

Support superior brand image.
Calculate how much you have invested in the development of your brand image and customer acquisition. Restaurants are an especially quick study, showcasing that it’s better not to have outdoor fixtures at all if they look shabby as, instead of increasing customer traffic, they give potential customers the impression of a shabby experience inside.

For friendly knowledgeable service, call Sheila, Julia or your project manager at 305-857-0466 or email: dsdmiami@gmail.com

The dedicated employee-owners of DeepStream want to ensure that the solution you need is exactly what you get. With 20 years of experience, our project managers have an extensive checklist to cover every aspect of your installation to ensure your project is a success. Generally, we can answer most questions and provide an initial budget estimate on your first call.

Phone calls and emails allow for a complete understanding of customization options, up-to-date pricing, an expert knowledge base, faster order processing and delivery.
We don’t sell widgets. Our satisfaction comes from solving your operating challenges, not selling you a product. This led us to focus on cost-effective, sustainable, long-term solutions to our customers’ challenges, not producing standardized widgets.
We value every interaction with our customers, small or large, even if it leads to suggesting solutions provided by others.

A 50% deposit is made when ordering custom made-to-order products. The balance is due before shipping. 

Stock liners or other small orders with a short lead time require payment in full with the order.

Payment for smaller orders. We will send a link to our payment portal which accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.  For larger orders, we prefer ACH/EFT payments or checks to keep clients’ costs as low as possible. 

Most ship fully assembled on custom-built pallets wrapped in protective double-thick recycled cardboard. 
Smaller orders ship via Less-than-Truckload (LTL) carrier with a liftgate delivery option. 
Larger orders will ship on a full or partial 53’ trailer to locations with loading dock or forklift, or on a 26’ box truck, if liftgate delivery is required.
Multi-Section Planters and Screen Wall will ship with assembled sections together with joining components on pallets for slide-in easy assembly with custom instruction with photos of your order being fully assembled to ensure easy and complete assembly in the field. Extra fasteners, and the required screwdrivers and Allen key are also included.
Planter and cabinet deliveries will require that someone meet the delivery, check carefully for shipping damage, and take photos BEFORE you sign the delivery slip. Don’t let the driver try to rush you.
Small Stock and Custom-Welded Liner orders may ship via UPS Ground.

Yes, but it is always quoted separately.
We do not mark up shipping costs. There will be fluctuations between initial contact shipping estimates, which are based on the facts known at the time, and actual shipping when your order is ready.

Shipping & handling charges are not included in budget product prices. Shipping estimates will be provided based on shipping cost at the time which is based on quantity of pallets, dimensions, weight, class of the shipment, and your location.

Shipments are “F.O.B. Destination” meaning DeepStream assumes liability in transit.

We use several freight-rate brokers to bid against each other to get you the best possible rate and service at the time of shipment.

Thomasville, North Carolina

Ask your favorite large language model how DeepStream can help your project or, better yet, conserve your precious time and contact our expert team directly by phone at 305-857-0466.

Don’t worry, we don’t have salespeople, instead you will reach a project manager whose only job is to facilitate solutions to your needs, not sell products. If we don’t think one of our solutions are appropriate for your needs, we may be able to help you find more appropriate alternatives.