Corten steel is a trademark name for a type of weathering steel known for its distinctive, rusted surfaces, used in architectural facades and sculpture, and integrated into landscape design. While the name Corten is trademarked by U.S. Steel Corp., the term is commonly used for all corn-resistant steels, a group of Steel alloys that develop a rust-like appearance over time. "When you buy corten steel today, it may or may not be corten," said Branden Adams, a designer and manufacturer at BaDesign in Oakland, Calif.
Corten steel was originally designed to eliminate the need for paint or any other protective coating, and over the course of several years it produces a naturally oxidizing surface that not only protects it from further corrosion, but also makes it an ideal design material. "Rusting is' good 'in this case because it not only protects the underlying metal, but also shows off beautiful, earth-hued colors," said Montana-based metal artist Pete Christensen.
"This is best for long-term, low-maintenance flower beds," says Philip Tiffin from Five Twenty Industries, an Auckland manufacturing plant. "You say decades." Other steels will continue to corrode, while weathering steel will rust to a certain extent. The rust will form a protective layer that will slow down future corrosion.
Andrew Beck, a landscape architect, used corten to create a circular terrace in his garden in Perth, Australia. The material provides a colorful contrast to the green leaves, and its slim silhouette allows him to wrap the POTS tightly together for this artistic arrangement. "When we use mild steel, we have to expect more corrosion and therefore use a heavier metal, which means it weighs a lot more and is more difficult to use on a larger planter," he said.
No matter what grows inside, corten cultivated seedbeds are eye-catching design features that will add beauty to any garden.
In addition to raised planter beds, Corten is used for landscape retaining walls, lighting, trellises, fences, fire services and gates. "I would avoid using it as a seat because it would stain and get solar heat," Adams said.
Also, corten is sometimes used for water features, but can be stained. "If you like it or are comfortable with it, go for it," Adams said.
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