Corten Steel Guide: everything you need to know about this material.

Corten Steel Guide: Everything You Need to Know About This Material


Corten steel is the secret behind many of our popular products. This unique metal forms a protective rust layer that prevents further rust formation. Our products are delivered in gray and naturally develop a warm, brown rust layer. Because it is easy to maintain and looks beautiful, corten steel is very popular. In this guide, we will tell you everything about corten steel, so you quickly have the most important information. 

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Summary

  • Corten steel is a type of steel to which copper, phosphorus, chromium, silicon, and zinc have been added. 
  • Corten steel was developed in 1930 and first used for building coal wagons.
  • At MySteel, we use corten steel for, among other things, plant pots, water tables, and border edges.
  • The advantages of corten steel are corrosion resistance and low-maintenance. 
  • A disadvantage is that it needs alternating dry and wet conditions to form a solid protective layer. 


What is corten steel?

Corten steel, also known as COR-TEN steel, is a special type of steel. It is a combination of ordinary steel with copper, phosphorus, chromium, silicon, and zinc. The name COR-TEN steel comes from the abbreviations COR and TEN:

  • COR stands for corrosion resistant, which means it is corrosion-resistant. This ensures that it develops a beautiful rust layer without further rusting.
  • TEN stands for tensile strength, which means that the steel has high tensile strength. As a result, it is very strong and can withstand heavy loads.
Corten steel is an alloy of ordinary steel with copper, phosphorus, chromium, silicon, and zinc.

Origin of corten steel

Corten steel was developed by US Steel in the 1930s. The goal was to create steel that is weather-resistant and lasts long. In the beginning, it was primarily used to build coal wagons. In the 1950s and 1960s, corten steel was increasingly used in artworks, bridges, shipping containers, and high rises. Around 1959, corten steel appeared in the Netherlands. Now you often see it back in garden products and residential construction. 

Costs of corten steel

What does corten steel actually cost? Corten steel products are usually more expensive than ordinary steel, but also much more durable. Ordinary steel completely rusts through if placed outside.

Want to know more about this subject? Then read our blog about the costs of corten steel. In it, we compare corten steel with other materials such as steel, polyester, and aluminum.

In what garden products is corten steel used?

At MySteel, you will find many different products made of corten steel. You can choose from more than 150 types of corten steel plant pots, in various shapes such as square and octagonal. 

In addition, our corten steel water tables are an elegant addition to your garden. These come with a pump and cord. We also have corten steel border edges, which are perfect for creating height differences in your garden. Check out our extensive range and order easily online!

Garden products where corten steel is becoming increasingly popular. Discover the water tables, border edges, pedestals, and other products in our webshop.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of corten steel?

Advantages of corten steel

Corten steel has several important advantages. A few of those have already been mentioned, such as corrosion resistance and high tensile strength. The high tensile strength ensures that the steel does not deform easily under extreme heat, which is handy for a corten steel fire pit. 

Additionally, corten steel products have the advantage of requiring little maintenance. Moreover, the material obviously provides a unique and warm appearance. 

Disadvantages of corten steel

A disadvantage of corten steel is that it requires a constant period of both dry and wet conditions to develop a solid rust layer. This is usually not a problem in the Netherlands and Belgium, but it may be problematic in a country like Spain. Regularly wetting the corten steel can be a good solution. 

Another small disadvantage is that corten steel may stain underlying tiles during the initial rusting process. 

The advantages and disadvantages of corten steel summarized.

Letting corten steel rust

Corten steel forms a recognizable rust layer during the rusting process. This natural process starts within a few weeks to months, but you can also accelerate it yourself. 

For more details, you can read our blog about the rusting process of corten steel. In it, we explain the entire process. 

How long does corten steel last?

A well-maintained corten steel garden product can last as long as 25 years. A significant advantage of corten steel is its long lifespan. This is due to the protective layer that forms during the rusting process. This layer ensures that corten steel lasts up to ten times longer than ordinary steel. The average lifespan depends on various factors, such as:

  • The environment
  • The maintenance 
  • The thickness of the material 
The elements that influence the rusting process of corten steel.

The maintenance of corten steel

Want to know how to best maintain your corten steel products? Read our blog about the maintenance of corten steel and discover handy tips and tricks.

What properties does corten steel have?

Corten steel has physical, chemical, and aesthetic properties. It is very strong and weather-resistant, allowing products to withstand heavy loads and extreme weather conditions. 

Due to its chemical composition, a stable rust layer forms upon contact with moisture and oxygen, which protects the underlying steel. 

Aesthetically, corten steel has a unique rust-brown color and texture. This creates a unique appearance and requires little maintenance. 

Guide to popular corten steel questions

You may still have many questions. Therefore, we have created a guide that answers the most common questions. 

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Assembly of plant pots

Step-by-step assembly instructions for all plant pots in our range.

  • Coming soon! Keep an eye on this page for updates.

Assembly of other products

Step-by-step assembly instructions for wood storage, picnic tables, and more. 

  • Coming soon! Keep an eye on this page for updates. 

Installation

 Maintenance and environment

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