Due to its excellent properties, Corten steel has been increasingly finding its way into modern gardens in recent years. Whether as a lawn edge, practical raised bed, plant pot, retaining wall, privacy screen or fire pit - Corten steel looks good anywhere in the garden. But what other advantages does the material offer besides the obvious decorative potential?
What is Corten steel?
COR-TEN is a trademark and common name for a weatherproof structural steel used primarily outdoors. The Corten steel is characterized by a rusty patina, which also serves as a protective layer for the steel core. Due to the treatment with chromium, copper and phosphorus, its corrosion resistance is further increased.
From a technical point of view, this material is considered one of the most durable because the rusty barrier layer protects the steel from further rusting.The surface of Corten steelrequires no additional treatment or protection from water and remains beautiful all year round.
Since the 1960s, Corten steel has been used extensively in the construction of buildings including private projects in the United States. Artists - especially Richard Serra - have also experimented with the interesting materialunique works of artand create installations.
Characteristics and properties of the material
– Corten steel impresses with its durability and ease of care. You do not need to repair or additionally treat the fence or facade of the house after a few winters.
– High temperature strength and resistance – you don’t need to think about whether snow, sun or moisture would damage a fire bowl on the terrace.
– The color range of Corten steel panels can vary from warm orange tones to rich reddish brown tones. They go perfectly with the lush greenery in the garden.
First, structural steel is obtained, on the surface of which there are no traces of chemical corrosion. The oxidation process occurs gradually and takes several years - with the alternation of dry and moist air in a room or outside.
In the process of chemical corrosion, a thin layer of oxide is formed on the surface of the core steel. This cannot be removed with water (e.g. through rain, fog, snow, etc.). The alloying elements (chromium, copper, nickel) form chemical compounds that are insoluble in water during the oxidation process. When it rains, water droplets evenly fill the pores on the surface of the material, causing the corrosion process to significantly decrease and then - actually - stop.
Is it possible that Corten steel causes rust in the lawn?
It's not out of the question. Heavy rainfall can produce rusty wastewater. It is also possible for Corten steel items to leave rust spots on the shelves.
COR-TEN does not tolerate other metals
Caution is advised when planning landscape decorations made from Corten steel. Products must not come into contact with other metal objects. For example, one should avoid contact between zinc and alloy steel surfaces. There are no restrictions on the use of stainless steel and corten steel only.
The surface of the COR-TEN can easily be made into the main decorative element of the property or house. Corten steel products complement perfectly with brick, concrete and natural stone. Thanks to the rustic patina, the material blends seamlessly into different styles. Check out the examples below and get inspired!
