Corten steel - everything you need to know!

Gestaltungstipps
Corten steel - everything you need to know!


Key Points

  • Corten steel is a particularly weather-resistant steel whose characteristic rust patina not only protects against further corrosion but also adds a stylish touch to gardens and outdoor spaces.
  • ELEO focuses on high-quality workmanship with this material and offers, among other things, the durable Monterosso raised garden bed and the Vernazza planter made of Corten steel, which impress with their stability, unique appearance, and practical functionality.
  • For maintenance and to ensure a consistent look, Corten steel can be easily sealed, which prevents abrasion or unwanted wear, especially on new items. Discoloration of the substrate can be avoided.

 

Corten steel – what's so special about this structural steel

Corten steel could be described as the rediscovered "big thing" in garden and home design. In any case, it's a trend that is increasingly captivating garden and homeowners. We explain in detail what this special structural steel is all about, where it is used, and what makes it so unique.

What exactly is Corten steel?

The name Corten steel (trade name COR-TEN® steel) is composed of the English terms COResistance (rust resistance) and TENsile strength (tensile strength). Simply put, Corten steel is a weather-resistant structural steel that boasts a distinctive appearance.
As early as the 19th century, Corten steel was used for bridge construction because it requires no coating and does not rust despite exposure to the elements. Corten was patented in 1932.

What is the difference between steel and Corten steel?

Corten steel is a steel to which copper, chromium, and nickel are added. This gives the material its special corrosion-resistant properties. Corten steel becomes weather-resistant because it forms a protective layer – the characteristic rust patina. Ordinary steel does not form this protective layer. Although this steel also rusts and is visually difficult to distinguish from Corten steel, ordinary steel is not weatherproof, as it continues to rust and eventually rusts through completely – unlike Corten steel. Our Manarola privacy raised bed made of Corten steel offers a wide range of uses and planting options. © ELEO

What is so special about Corten steel?

Corten steel forms a solid, barrier rust layer, but otherwise does not rust further. This makes the structural steel particularly weather-resistant and durable. The reason for this is the oxide layer that forms on the steel surface. Due to special alloying elements, this layer is dense and almost impermeable to oxygen.


Where is Corten steel used?

Corten steel is not only used in bridge construction. It is used wherever objects are exposed to the elements and need to withstand them effectively. The weatherproof structural steel is currently trending, and more and more people who appreciate the fine rust look are bringing Corten steel objects into their gardens.

In addition to decorative garden stakes and practical privacy screens, Corten steel is also revolutionizing the raised garden bed range. Because a raised garden bed made of Corten steel scores points with reliable weather resistance, high stability, durability, and a unique look.

Does Corten steel need to be sealed?

Sealing Corten steel sounds contradictory at first, since the structural steel is weatherproof and cannot rust. However, under certain circumstances, sealing it can be beneficial:

  • The rust layer is prone to abrasion, especially at the beginning, and can cause discoloration on surfaces.

    A sealant counteracts the problem. For objects in or near water, a sealant prevents rust from entering the water. A sealant is also a good option if you want to preserve a particular rust patina – because you find it visually appealing. Corten steel has the characteristic of continuously changing its appearance. The surface can look different every day without a sealant.

    ELEO corten steel planter planted with dahlias

    Corten steel develops beautiful color variations ranging from reddish to brownish. Pictured: Our Vernazza planter made of Corten steel. © ELEO


    How to Seal Your Corten Steel Object

    If you want to seal your Corten steel object, it's quick and easy:

    • Degrease: Apply a special degreaser for metal surfaces to remove oil and grease.
    • Rust Accelerator: For a uniform rust surface, you can apply a rust accelerator, but this isn't essential.
    • Sealing: Now you can apply the actual sealant. Clear lacquer or a special rust sealant are suitable for this. Done!

    Our raised beds and planters

    Monterosso corten steel raised bed
    Hochbeet Monterosso Cortenstahl (unbeschichtet) 45x90x68cm Hochbeet Monterosso bepflanzt neben einem kleinen Weg zum Wintergarten | Cortenstahl
    Regular price from £175.12
    Sale price from £175.12
    Regular price £218.90
    Unit price per 
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    Manarola corten steel raised bed
    Hochbeet Manarola 40x136x100 cm aus Cortenstahl als 3D-Modell Hochbeet Manarola hinter einer Sitzgelegenheit auf einer Terrasse | Cortenstahl
    Regular price from £242.00
    Sale price from £242.00
    Regular price £302.50
    Unit price per 
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    Vernazza corten steel planter
    Pflanzkübel Vernazza 40x40x40 cm aus Cortenstahl als 3D-Modell Pflanzkübel Vernazza 80x80x40 cm aus Cortenstahl als 3D-Modell
    Regular price from £122.32
    Sale price from £122.32
    Regular price £152.90
    Unit price per 
    Sold out
    Monterosso metal raised bed
    Hochbeet Monterosso 45x90x68 cm in pulverbeschichtet Anthrazit als 3D-Modell Hochbeet Monterosso 90x90x68 cm in pulverbeschichtet Anthrazit bepflanzt in einem grünen Garten
    Regular price from £127.60
    Sale price from £127.60
    Regular price £159.50
    Unit price per 
    Sold out
    Manarola metal raised bed
    Hochbeet Manarola 40x136x100 cm in pulverbeschichtet Anthrazit als 3D-Modell Hochbeet Manarola freistehend in einem Garten mit ELEO Pavillon | Pulverbeschichtet anthrazit
    Regular price from £175.12
    Sale price from £175.12
    Regular price £218.90
    Unit price per 
    Sold out
    Vernazza metal planter
    Pflanzkübel Vernazza 40x40x40 cm in pulverbeschichtet Anthrazit als 3D-Modell Pflanzkübel Vernazza 40x40x40 in Metall bepflanzt vor einem grünen Garten
    Regular price from £87.12
    Sale price from £87.12
    Regular price £108.90
    Unit price per 
    Sold out

Important to know:

Alternating dry and wet weather is necessary for the special barrier layer to form.

Tip:Discover our privacy screen elements made of high-quality Corten steel now!

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