What Is Corten Steel? 2023 Guide for Landscape Designers

As an industrial designer with a flair for landscaping, I constantly utilize unique materials that add visual interest to my clients’ outdoor spaces. One of my oldest favorites is corten steel, a weathering steel alloy that develops a stable rust-like appearance over time. If you’re looking for a sculptural material that provides an industrial yet natural esthetic, corten steel might be for you.

But what is corten steel, and how does it work?

I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to share everything I’ve learned about this versatile material. Whether you want to incorporate a corten steel planter, edging, or a standalone metal sculpture into your designs, you’ll have all the details you need to get started. By the end of this article, you’ll be as obsessed with corten steel as I am!

What Is Corten Steel? (An Overview)

Corten steel is a high-strength steel alloy that develops a stable rust-like appearance over time due to weathering. The rust forms a protective coating that prevents further corrosion. This natural coating gives corten steel its distinctive reddish-brown color.

So, if you’ve been pondering the question, “what is corten steel sheet?” now you know!

Note: you may have previously asked “what is weathering steel?” or “what is core 10 steel?” - they’re essentially the same, just a different name!

Corten steel is unique due to the following reasons:

• Corten steel requires no paint or coating and little maintenance. It’s perfect for outdoor applications like planters, retaining walls, and sculptures.

• The rustic patina develops over the first few months of weathering and stabilizes, giving corten steel a rugged industrial look that many clients love.

• Corten steel comes in a variety of thicknesses for different uses. I often use thinner sheets for paneling and partitions; thicker plates work better for outdoor furnishings and structures.

Corten steel does have some downsides to be aware of. It can stain surrounding areas with drips of rust, so you need to be careful about placement. It’s also more expensive than regular steel, though lower maintenance costs and its durability help offset this over the lifetime of the material. I’m an expert landscape designer with extensive experience with corten steel, so feel free to get in touch with me if you need more information.

The aesthetic appeal and durability of corten steel make it worth the investment. If you want to create custom landscape designs with an industrial edge, corten steel could be ideal. The rustic finish and minimal upkeep required are perfect for the low-maintenance, contemporary spaces many clients request today. Overall, corten steel allows for some truly stunning results.

What Is Corten Steel Used for?

Corten steel is one of my favorites for custom designs. I specifically use it a lot for planters, but it has so many other great uses too.

In summary, you can use corten steel for the following projects:

1. Planters, Pots, and Containers

The rustic look pairs perfectly with planting succulents, cacti, or flowering plants.

Corten steel planters last for years, and the patina complements natural elements. You should check out my corten steel planters gallery for some inspiration.

2. Fences and Gates

A corten steel fence or gate makes a dramatic garden entrance. The rustic, textured look fits industrial and minimalist styles.

3. Fire Pits

A custom corten steel fire pit creates an inviting outdoor space for entertainment or relaxation. The steel retains and radiates heat, extending the time you can enjoy the fire.

On our way top install a corten steel fire pit to one of our clients!

4. Sculptures

Corten steel is ideal for creating unique landscape sculptures, art installations, or garden accents. Its malleability allows artists and designers to create fluid, organic shapes. I have some of these sculptures on my Etsy shop; feel free to check them out.

5. Architectural Details

Add corten steel panels, siding, or roofing to create an eye-catching building facade. Or use it for smaller accents like awnings, gutters, flashing, or hardware.

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With its natural, distinctive patina and longevity, corten steel has many possibilities for custom landscape designs and hardscaping features. With the proper care and maintenance, pieces can last for decades. It’s no wonder so many designers love working with this versatile material!

Where to Buy Corten Steel?

Corten steel is widely available nationwide; the trick is knowing where to get one at the best price.

That said, you can always check the following places:

1. Local Steel Suppliers

The most accessible place to source corten steel is from local sellers in your area. I make custom corten steel planters, panels, and any other architectural design you may need locally. I also ship all over the US with fast turnaround times — contact me to discuss your requirements, and we can get to work immediately.

2. Online Marketplace

Online retailers and marketplace are another place to buy your corten steel. You have several options to choose from, and most sellers deliver nationwide. You can always find a good deal on my Etsy shop.

3. Direct From Manufacturers

We product all of our own corten steel elements for our sculptures and planters.

Consider ordering directly from manufacturers if you need corten steel in larger quantities or dimensions for a big commercial project. They can provide you with different sizes as you require; however, you’ll need to design and cut them to the required shape. Also, lead times are usually longer when ordering direct, so plan the project timeline accordingly.

How Much Does Corten Steel Cost?

Whether you’re a designer or homeowner, cost is always a factor in choosing materials for any project, depending on your requirements. Corten steel can be more expensive than regular steel, but it does have some advantages that may offset the higher initial cost.

Cost Comparison to Regular Steel

Regular steel typically costs between 20–50% less than corten variants. However, unlike regular steel, corten requires no painting or other weatherproofing treatments to last for decades outdoors. Over the lifetime of a corten installation, the cost difference narrows significantly when you account for the money saved on maintenance and repair.

For the most updated corten steel price, contact me today.

Factors Affecting Corten Steel Pricing

Several factors determine the final price of corten steel, and they include the following:

1. Gage and Thickness

Corten sheet metal comes in a range of thicknesses. Thinner gauges, like 22 gage, cost less than thicker plates, like 5/16 inch. For most landscape applications, thicker plates aren’t needed.

2. Type

Corten steels are classified into Grade A and B. Corten A has slightly different properties than Corten B due to its higher phosphorus content. While corten A tends to be more expensive, for outdoor use, either type will weather well.

All our corten steel planters and sculptures are designed by us, meaning with can find the right design for your price point.

3. Weight

The heavier your corten planter or sculpture, the more corten steel will be needed. This means you’ll pay more for a heavy planter than a lighter one.

4. Fabrication

The more fabrication needed, the higher the price. Corten steel that requires cutting, welding, drilling, or other modifications will cost more than stock sheets or plates. Consider how much fabrication your project requires to determine the best option for your budget. I fabricate on the East and West Coasts of the US, and always ready to discuss your project needs.

5. Supplier

Different suppliers will charge different prices for corten steel based on their costs and profit margins. Shopping around at multiple suppliers is the best way to find a competitive price. I ship all over the US, with fast lead times — contact me today to discuss your project needs.

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In the end, while corten steel may have a higher upfront cost than regular steel, its natural weathering ability and minimal maintenance needs make it an incredibly cost-effective material choice for outdoor use over the lifetime of a landscape project. The initial investment in this attractive and durable material will pay off for many years.

Fundamental Properties and Characteristics of Corten Steel

Understanding corten steel properties is essential to using it effectively in your designs. Corten steel has some unique characteristics that set it apart from regular steel, including the following:

1. Strength

Corten steel is very durable and resistant to damage. Its weathering properties make it more robust over time. The rust layer protects the inner steel from corrosion and prevents further rusting. This allows corten steel structures to last many years without much maintenance.

2. Rusty Appearance

The rusty patina of corten steel is one of its most distinctive features.

Did you know that the rusty appearance of corten steel actually develops over time?

While the steel can rust, the rust layer protects the inner steel from further corrosion. This gives corten steel a warm, rich orange color that constantly changes over time. The rusty appearance is ideal for modern landscape designs.

3. Low Maintenance

Once the initial rust layer forms, corten steel requires very little maintenance. The rust layer protects the steel underneath, so no painting or sealing is needed. You may need to remove loose rust scales occasionally, but corten steel sculptures and structures can be left alone to weather naturally. This low-maintenance quality makes corten steel ideal for outdoor use.

4. Weather Resistance

Corten steel has excellent weather resistance and can withstand a variety of climates. It’s resistant to rain, snow, and humidity. In fact, the rust layer gets more rigid and more protective over time. Suffice it to say, corten steel can last for many decades outdoors with minimal maintenance.

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In summary, the unique properties of corten steel—like strength, rusty appearance, low maintenance, and weather resistance—make it an excellent choice for landscape designs and outdoor sculptures. Corten steel allows you to create eye-catching rustic designs that withstand the elements for many years.

Corten Steel vs. Stainless Steel: How Do They Compare?

As a product and industrial designer, I’m often asked about using corten steel in outdoor areas versus stainless steel. While both offer attractive rust-colored patinas, there are some key differences to consider for your project, and I’ve outlined them below.

Composition - What is Corten Steel Made of?

Corten steel comprises copper, chromium, nickel, and other elements, while stainless steel contains iron, chromium, and nickel. The varying amounts of these elements give each type of steel unique properties. Corten steel develops a rust-like orange patina, while stainless steel remains shiny and silver.

Durability

Stainless steel is highly durable and corrosion-resistant, so it’s ideal for outdoor furniture, sculptures, and architectural accents. Corten steel can last more than 100 years with minimal maintenance in most environments. However, it may corrode faster in coastal areas or places with high salt exposure. Stainless steel is nearly indestructible in these conditions.

Maintenance

Once installed, corten steel requires very little maintenance.

Corten steel requires little maintenance, and its patina helps protect against further corrosion. Stainless steel also needs minimal maintenance, though its surface may require occasional polishing or buffing to restore the shine. Corten steel left unmaintained, will continue to develop richer shades of brown and rust-red over time.

Cost

Corten steel is often more affordable than stainless steel. The upfront cost difference may be negligible for small or straightforward landscape features like planters, edging, or trellises. For larger installations, however, the overall budget can be a deciding factor.

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Ultimately, choosing between Corten steel and stainless steel comes down to the specific needs of your landscape project, your design preferences, and balancing cost with maintenance and durability. Both materials provide attractive and long-lasting options for designing one-of-a-kind outdoor spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions on Corten Steel

What is corten steel made of?

Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, is primarily made of iron but contains small amounts of copper, chromium, phosphorus, and nickel. These alloying elements contribute to its unique properties, including increased resistance to corrosion and the ability to develop a protective rust-like patina over time.

How long will corten steel last?

Corten steel is known for its exceptional durability, and with proper care and maintenance, it can last for several decades. Its weather-resistant properties and ability to develop a protective patina contribute to its longevity, making it a popular choice for outdoor applications such as garden decor, planters, and sculptures.

Can you stop corten steel from rusting?

While it’s not possible to completely stop corten steel from rusting, there are methods to slow down the rusting process. Applying a protective coating or sealant can help delay the formation of the characteristic rust patina. However, many people embrace the natural weathering of corten steel, as the rusted appearance adds to its unique aesthetic appeal.

How can you tell if steel is corten?

Corten steel can be identified by its characteristic rust-like appearance. It typically has a weathered, orange-brown surface with a textured and uneven patina. This distinctive rusted look sets corten steel apart from regular carbon steel.

However, it’s important to note that visual inspection alone may not be sufficient to determine the exact composition of the steel. If you doubt, consult a professional or refer to the specific product documentation for more accurate confirmation.

Conclusion

I’ve comprehensively answered the question, “what is corten steel?” in this detailed post. Corten steel is a fantastic material for garden owners as well as landscape designers and architects — its rusty patina makes a bold statement and adds visual interest to any outdoor space. While corten steel requires some patience as it develops its signature rusty finish, the end result is worth the wait.

The low-maintenance, durable nature of corten steel means your landscape designs will stand the test of time with minimal upkeep required. If you’re looking for a stylish and sustainable material for your next project, corten steel should be at the top. I hope this guide provides a helpful overview of what corten steel is and how to utilize it in your designs. If you need help creating a custom design, let me know here.