What's the Difference Between Compost Tumblers and Bins?
Being green and lowering one's footprint has become a craze in the last few years with the rising global attention of global warming and climate change. Composting is one of the easiest ways to cut down on nitrogen from fertilizer. All you need are vegetables and fruits, coffee grounds and filters, newspaper, and garden cuttings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seasonal Outdoor Furniture Accessories
Swap colors and textures with the weather. Spring: pastels, nature prints, airy pillows. Summer: bold colors, umbrellas, bright cushions. Fall: warm tones, rustic rugs, cozy blankets. Winter: cool tones, evergreen garlands, thick rugs, lanterns, layered throws. Patio Productions helps curate the right seasonal mix.
Decide the vibe, then measure and sketch. Set a goal—cozy and intimate or party-ready. Measure your patio, sketch a rough layout, and list sizes/quantities you need. Planning prevents overcrowding and postage-stamp rugs. Patio Productions can review your layout and suggest right-sized pieces.
Leave borders; scale to furniture. Rugs: leave ~12–18" around edges; dining rugs must fit chairs when pulled out. Pillows/cushions should match furniture scale. Curtains should give shade/privacy without pooling. Patio Productions helps fine-tune proportions.
Polypropylene rugs; solution-dyed fabrics. Pick polypropylene or recycled-plastic rugs. For pillows/cushions, use solution-dyed acrylic or spun polyester with quick-dry polyester fill. Rainy climates need quick-dry materials; hot, sunny areas benefit from lighter colors and UV-protect fabrics. We’ll match materials to your weather.
Pillows, cushions, rugs, blankets, curtains, umbrellas. Mix and match complementary pillows/cushions, swap outdoor rugs, layer seasonal blankets, add breezy curtains, and change umbrella colors by season. Patio Productions makes refreshes easy—and cohesive.
Yes—locally crafted in San Marcos. Our in-house sewing team hand-makes covers; foam comes from local factories. You provide goals, fabrics, cushion types, and details; we build and deliver in about 4–6 weeks. Get a unique, season-perfect look.
Clean regularly; store dry and protected. Machine-wash removable covers; hose or spot-clean outdoor rugs. Store in a waterproof location. Smart solutions: storage boxes, sectionals/daybeds with storage, benches with hidden compartments, and tables with built-ins. Fold/stack when space is tight. Patio Productions can kit you out.
There are two distinct types of composting containers out there: in a bin and in a tumbler. They each are great but in their own ways.
Composting Bin:
Composting bins load from the top, are usually made with thin plastic (unless you make your own), have no bottom, empty from doors near the ground, and allow minimal aeration. These bins can usually be made a little larger and therefore hold a little more compost as you do not have to rotate them as with tumblers. However, they are usually made out of lightweight plastic as they don't have to hold the weight to allow for tumbling. This makes it harder to maneuver the compost within bins to allow for aeration as it must be done with a pick or shovel. Doing this you risk breaking the plastic by stabbing it with your tools. The lack of aeration causes the compost to take significantly longer to finish the process. It is also quite difficult to remove the compost from the bottom of these bins and you then have to move the compost shovel by shovel.
Composting Tumblers:
Compost Tumbler
Composting tumblers are crafted in a more heavy-duty manner. load and empty from the top, is fully sealed, and aerates when spun. While compost tumblers are generally smaller than bins they are more durable and can be spun. This spinning motion allows for aeration and a shorter time for compost completion. Horizontally mounted tumblers are easier to turn with more weight. Tumblers are also more easily emptied as they can be flipped or rotated. With a wheel barrow under the opening they can be directly emptied into a wheel barrow for easy maneuverability around the garden. Often tumblers will have two compartments. When one is full there is another one to keep filling and to make sure that you always have some compost fermenting for later use. Since this type of composter is fully sealed it also prevents more bugs and pests from getting into your pile.
In general I would recommend a compost tumbler. They allow for better aeration and emptying. However, a bin would be perfect for those of you who are super composters and have tons and tons of the stuff around or for those of you that don't really have a budget.
Be advised, both types can be made at home with everyday items and can save an arm and a leg.
Article written by Ashley. When she isn't writing blog posts she can be found reading at the beach or taking photographs.
