Vases and planters look big but print thin: a 150mm-tall planter is mostly a single continuous wall around 180 cm³ of effective shell, often printed in 'vase mode' where the nozzle spirals up without stopping. That makes them fast and material-light for their visual size, which is why organic, sculptural planters that would cost $40+ retail often print for under $25 in PETG — the right material choice around water and soil.
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Price breakdown
| Material | $1.89 |
| Machine time | $5.40 |
| Labor (setup) | $5.00 |
| Markup | $3.69 |
| Estimated price | $15.97 |
What drives the cost
Vase mode efficiency
Spiral printing lays one clean perimeter with no infill and no travel moves — the fastest cm³-per-hour a printer ever achieves, and the price reflects it.
PETG for water
PLA slowly softens and degrades with moisture; PETG shrugs it off. For a few cents more per gram it's the difference between a planter and a puddle.
Drainage and inserts
Drainage holes, saucers, or a sealed inner liner add small modeling and print steps. Simple geometry keeps a planter at the cheap end.
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Get an exact quote Run a shop? Start freeFrequently asked questions
Are 3D printed planters waterproof?
PETG printed in vase mode with 2–3 bottom layers holds water well; PLA eventually degrades. For guaranteed water-tightness, shops seal the inside or print a test fill.
Why are printed vases cheaper than similar-sized figures?
A vase is one thin wall; a figure is walls plus infill plus supports. Vase mode also prints faster per unit of size, so both material and machine time drop.
What size planter can be printed?
Up to the printer's build volume — commonly 220–300mm across. Bigger planters are printed in sections or on large-format machines at a higher rate.