How to reduce plant pot rings on decking and balconies

To help reduce damp rings beneath outdoor plant pots, raise the base off the surface, keep drainage holes clear and clean underneath regularly. Pot feet create a gap for air and access for cleaning. They do not remove existing stains or guarantee that every deck will remain mark-free.

Potteben are small, self-adhesive pot feet made from solid moulded polypropylene. They lift a pot approximately 1.2 cm above the surface. Compare packs of 4, 12 and 40 feet.

Start by checking what is causing the mark

Lift the pot safely and inspect the surface beneath it. Is there trapped water or dirt, a rust-coloured deposit, or a difference in the surface colour? These situations can need different treatment. Follow the care instructions for your decking, tiles or balcony surface before using cleaning chemicals or a pressure washer.

How pot feet help

Instead of leaving the whole pot base against the deck, pot feet support it at separate points. The gap makes it easier to see and clean underneath and leaves space around the pot's drainage openings. Raising containers to keep drainage holes clear is also recommended in the Royal Horticultural Society's container-growing guide. This is general gardening advice, not an endorsement or test of Potteben.

Three steps for your terrace or balcony

1. Check the pot and surface. Use a stable, level position and make sure the pot base has suitable contact areas. Check the surface manufacturer's guidance for concentrated loads and plastic supports.
2. Fit the feet evenly. Use 3 feet for small pots and 4 for pots from 23 cm in diameter. Clean and dry the attachment areas first, keep drainage holes open, and check adhesion and stability before use. Tall, heavy or unusually shaped pots need individual assessment; no maximum load rating has been documented.
3. Keep checking underneath. Remove leaves and dirt and check for standing water after watering or rain. Recheck the feet when moving the pot. Do not drag a loaded pot across the surface.

Pot feet or a saucer?

A saucer collects water; pot feet create space underneath a pot. They serve different purposes. Feet do not collect runoff, so consider where water will go, especially on a balcony. If you use a saucer, check beneath it too: raising the pot does not automatically keep the saucer or deck dry.

What about existing rings and winter?

Potteben do not clean away existing rings, rust or discolouration. Identify the cause and use a cleaning method approved for your surface. In winter, feet are not a guarantee against freezing or cracking. Follow the pot and plant supplier's winter-care advice and keep drainage openings clear.

Which pack do I need?

• 4 feet: one pot using four feet.
• 12 feet: four small pots using three each, or three larger pots using four each.
• 40 feet: ten pots using four each.

Each foot measures approximately 5 × 1.5 × 1.2 cm (2 × 0.6 × 0.5 inches). The 23 cm pot diameter guideline is approximately 9 inches.

Order from a Norwegian family business

Potteben.com is operated by Beslagsfabrikken AS, a Norwegian limited liability company. Orders are dispatched from Norway within 1–3 days; postal transit time is additional. Select your destination at checkout to see available shipping options and prices. If your destination is unavailable, contact us before ordering.

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