Antique Stone Troughs & Reclaimed Garden Troughs from Europe

An antique stone trough – also known as a water trough, feeding trough or stone garden trough – is a historic basin carved from natural stone, now often reused as a planter, raised bed or water feature in contemporary garden design.

Quick facts

• Synonyms: stone garden trough, watering/feeding trough, reclaimed stone planter
• Materials: Belgian bluestone, French limestone, granite, sandstone, cast iron
• Uses: planters, raised beds, water features, basins for outdoor kitchens
• Logistics: custom crating · worldwide shipping · insurance & export documents

A Curated Collection of Antique Troughs

De Opkamer offers a curated selection of antique stone troughs and reclaimed garden troughs, sourced across Europe over the past decades. Carved from French limestone, Belgian bluestone, granite, sandstone and sometimes cast iron, these old troughs were originally used to hold water or feed for livestock. Today, they are sought after by landscape architects, garden designers and private clients who want authentic, characterful elements for their outdoor spaces.

• Massive rectangular troughs for bold planters or water features
• Smaller livestock troughs ideal as individual planters or herb beds
• Round and oval troughs that work beautifully as sculptural focal points
• Deep basins suitable for fountains, reflecting pools or cascades
• Occasional cast iron troughs with decorative detailing and industrial character

Each antique trough is photographed, measured and described individually so you can compare proportions and choose the right piece for your project.

Materials & Origins

Our troughs are reclaimed from farms, village squares and country properties across Europe. Typical materials include:

• Belgian bluestone troughs – dense, blue‑grey stone with fossils; robust and frost‑resistant.
• French limestone troughs – warm, soft‑toned stone with a gentle patina, ideal for classic gardens.
• Granite & sandstone troughs – very durable stones with a rustic, textured surface.
• Slate troughs – striking, layered surfaces from traditional quarry regions.
• Cast iron troughs – 19th‑century industrial pieces with sculptural presence.

Combine with antique garden ornaments or antique stone sinks for cohesive landscape compositions.

Antique Troughs in Garden Design & Landscaping

Antique stone troughs are extremely versatile in garden architecture. Designers and homeowners use them as:

• Stone garden trough planters for perennials, shrubs and small trees
• Raised beds along paths, terraces or entrances
• Water features – simple reflecting pools, fountains or cascades
• Basins in outdoor kitchens, courtyards and pool houses

Sourcing, Restoration & Authenticity

All troughs in our collection are genuine, reclaimed pieces. We recover them from their original settings and transport them to our workshop in the Netherlands, where they are cleaned, checked and prepared for reuse. We respect original surfaces and patina, stabilising or repairing only where necessary for long‑term use.

For Landscape Architects, Designers & Private Clients

Landscape architects and garden designers appreciate being able to specify real antique troughs with clear dimensions, material descriptions and export support. Whether you are designing a contemporary minimalist garden or a traditional country setting, an antique stone trough can act as a strong, grounding element in the composition.

Private clients often choose a single trough as a focal point near the entrance, on a terrace or by a pool; others combine several troughs of different sizes for layered, informal planting. Share your drawings or photos and we will suggest pieces that work well in scale and style.

Worldwide Shipping & Export

De Opkamer offers full‑service worldwide shipping for antique stone troughs and other architectural antiques. Each trough is palletised or placed in a custom wooden crate with protective padding, ready for road, sea or air freight. We arrange transport, export documents and insurance, and can combine troughs with related items — such as garden ornaments, stone sinks or antique fireplace mantels — into one consolidated shipment. See our Shipping & Transport page for more details or contact us for a tailored quote.

FAQ: Antique Stone Troughs

Where can I buy antique stone troughs from Europe with worldwide shipping?

De Opkamer specialises in antique stone troughs reclaimed across Europe and ships worldwide, regularly supplying projects in the USA, UK, Switzerland, Australia, Spain and other countries. Each trough is securely packed and shipped with full export documentation. For a quote, send us your delivery address and the reference numbers of the troughs you like via our contact page.

How can I use an antique stone trough in my garden design?

Antique troughs are flexible: they work as planters, raised beds, water features or basins in outdoor kitchens and courtyards. Consider size and height, stone type and the surrounding paving or planting. Browse this page for our current collection; share a few photos or drawings and we will suggest which pieces fit best.

Selecting Your Antique Trough

On this page you can browse our current selection of antique stone troughs and reclaimed garden troughs. Each listing includes photos, dimensions, material and origin. If you would like help choosing, please contact us with the intended use (planter, water feature, basin), available space and your project location. We can then propose a shortlist and advise on placement, drainage and installation.