Corten Steel (or weathered steel as it’s often known) is a group of steel alloys that are frequently used in outdoor construction work. They were designed to minimize the need for painting, and if left outside, exposed to the weather, in as few months they will develop a rusted appearance.

The name COR-TEN refers to the two distinguishing properties of this type of steel: corrosion resistance and tensile strength. They are also known as Corrosion Resistant Plates.

While you may think that rust is not something to be hoped for, this oxidized dark brown coating in the case of Corten actually prevents the metal and stops any deeper rust penetration from causing damage.

The History of Corten Steel

U.S Steel produced a product back in the 1930s, which they called Corten Steel. It was originally designed to build coal wagons on the railroad; in the 1950s and 1960s, it quickly became a common material for outdoor art projects.

In fact, some of the earliest examples of Corten Steel’s beauty can still be seen in American sculptures and structures.

How is it made?

Corten Steel is made by mixing a particular combination of steels and alloys, it is this combination that creates easy rusting properties and gives recognizable look to Corten Steel.

It is manufactured in a sheet form is normally just one and a half inches thick. However, Corten Steel is a strong and resilient material despite the thin nature.

What is used for?

Corten Steel is the material chosen for a number of outdoor projects. Outdoor sculptures must be one of the most common uses; this is because Corten Steel can rapidly grow its rust layer to protect the sculpture and give it a weathered effect. Corten Steel Plates is not only used to make this, but also some bridges and other structures.

Corten Steel Plates are used for smaller projects to include domestic gardens. When a concrete wall does not fit and would overpower the rest of your garden space, it is often a chosen alternative.

There are a number of items that feature Corten Steel; including cycle hoops, tree grilles and planters for bushes and shrubs too. After all, we believe that public space can still be a beautiful space.

It is very widely used in marine transportation, in the construction of intermodal containers as well as visible sheet piling.

So now you know more about Corten Steel; you might want to check out some of our fantastic pieces of outdoor furniture, just so you can see what this material can create.