Why is corten steel so expensive?

People often think that corten steel is much more expensive than other materials used for garden products. But where does that idea actually come from? And is it really true? In this blog, we delve into the price of corten steel. Additionally, we compare this type of steel with other commonly used materials such as regular steel, polyester/plastic, and aluminum. This way, you can make an informed decision for your garden projects!

Summary

• Although corten steel may seem more expensive at first, it is a smart choice in the long term as it lasts longer and requires little maintenance.
• The price difference between traditional steel and corten steel is minimal.
• Corten steel is more expensive due to the materials used and the specialized production process.
• Traditional steel rusts and is therefore a less suitable choice for outdoor applications.
• Polyester is cheaper than corten steel, but does not withstand temperature changes as well and can become porous over time.

How expensive is corten steel per kilo?

The price difference between traditional steel and corten steel is minimal. Regular steel costs about €1.20 per kilo, while the price of corten steel is around €1.35 per kilo.

Although there is a small price difference, you usually do not see garden products made of regular steel in stores. This is because they can rust quickly when exposed to moisture and air.

At MySteel, we have an alternative to regular steel, namely powder-coated planters. Powder coating protects products from external influences, such as rust formation.

Note

In its initial stage, corten steel looks a lot like regular steel. Corten steel will eventually rust and show a brown rust color. For more information on rusting, read more in our corten steel rust process blog.

Why is corten steel more expensive than other materials?

The price of corten steel depends on several factors. One important factor is the combination of different types of metal that give corten steel its unique properties.

Additionally, the production of corten steel is complex and requires specialized processes, such as checking the chemical composition of the alloy, heating and cooling the steel under controlled conditions, and closely monitoring the production process. You can read more about it in the paragraph ‘The production process of corten steel’.

These factors contribute to the higher costs of corten steel but also ensure that corten steel is of good quality and lasts a long time. That’s why many people find it worth paying a little extra for corten steel.

The production process of corten steel

But what is corten steel actually and how is it made? Corten steel is a type of steel that can withstand various weather conditions well. It is created by mixing different materials together. Such a mixture is called an alloy.

The basis of corten steel is iron. Chrome, phosphorus, copper, nickel, and silicon are added to it. These raw materials are combined and melted in a blast furnace at very high temperatures. During this melting process, the alloying elements are mixed evenly with the base iron to achieve the correct chemical composition. This process requires careful monitoring to ensure the quality and consistency of the final product.

Due to this combination of materials, corten steel later acquires the unique brown-orange rust color and durable properties. This makes it a popular material for various applications, such as art, bridges, and structures, as well as landscape architecture.

Comparison with regular steel

Corten steel contains multiple, more expensive raw materials than regular steel. This not only brings higher costs for production but also has advantages that explain the higher price.

Advantages of corten steel compared to regular steel

1. Weather resistance: The added alloys, such as chromium and nickel, ensure that corten steel can withstand various weather conditions well. As a result, the material remains strong and does not rust through; not even in rain, wind, or sunlight.
2. Long lifespan: Due to its weather resistance, corten steel can last longer than regular steel, sometimes even up to 25 years. Therefore, it is a good choice for outdoor projects such as planters, façade cladding, and sculptures.
3. Little to no maintenance required: Corten steel requires almost no maintenance because it forms a layer that protects it from rust. Therefore, you do not need to treat it often to keep it looking good. Read more in our blog about the maintenance of corten steel.
4. Environmentally friendly: The material is fully recyclable. This means that at the end of its life cycle, it can be recycled and reused without loss of quality. Because it requires little maintenance, there is also no need to use harmful chemicals or coatings.

“Although there is a small price difference between corten steel and steel, you usually do not see garden products made of regular steel in stores. This is because they can rust quickly when exposed to moisture and air.”

Powder-coated steel as an alternative to regular steel

Moreover, regular steel is not often used for garden products because it can easily rust through if it gets wet. Therefore, people often opt for galvanized steel options that are powder-coated (for example, powder-coated planters).

During the powder coating, a dry powder is applied to the surface of a product and then heated in an oven. This creates a durable coating that protects the surface from rust, wear, and other damage.

Also, garden products made of plastic or polyester are becoming increasingly popular. These materials are cheap and require little maintenance.

Comparison with polyester and plastic

Polyester is cheaper than corten steel because it is made from cheaper materials and the production process is less complex. Making corten steel is a more intensive and complicated process, requiring skilled craftsmen and specialized equipment. Thus, the costs for corten steel are higher than for polyester.

Advantages of polyester

Garden products made of polyester are improving in quality. Compared to polyester products from years ago, they last longer and are more resistant to wear. This material also has several advantages, making it an attractive choice:

1. Little maintenance: Polyester requires little maintenance and is easy to clean with water and soap.
2. Lightweight: Polyester is lightweight, making it easy to move and handle.
3. Versatility: Polyester can be molded into various shapes and colors. This makes it suitable for many different garden products and accessories.
4. Affordability: Garden products made of polyester are generally affordable and offer a good price-quality ratio.

Disadvantages of polyester

Although polyester is improving, it still has several disadvantages:

1. Weather resistance: Over time, polyester can weather, become brittle, and even crumble.
2. Colors fade: The color of polyester can fade when exposed to UV light. Thus, your garden products will not look good for as long.
3. Durability: Polyester is made from petroleum. Therefore, it is less durable than corten steel, which can be easily recycled into new products.
4. Susceptibility to weather conditions: Polyester can shrink or expand due to temperature fluctuations, causing garden products to warp.

While corten steel is initially more expensive, it remains a more sustainable choice than polyester. Corten steel does not rust through and remains good for a long time without losing its shape.

Comparison with aluminum

Additionally, there are also garden products made of aluminum available, which have their own characteristics.

Aluminum is more expensive than corten steel, but it is lighter in weight. This has both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it makes it easier to move garden products around, for instance, when you want to rearrange your garden. On the other hand, it also makes it less sturdy. This means that the products can bear less weight and are often also more susceptible to damage, such as dents or scratches.

Moreover, aluminum heats up quickly when in direct sunlight. This can cause problems on hot days if you want to touch the products.

Corten steel, on the other hand, is stronger, more durable, and resistant to UV radiation. It does not discolor or weather. Therefore, it is an attractive option for long-term use in the garden.

Alternative garden products with rust color

A well-known disadvantage of corten steel is that it can take time for the garden products to rust completely and acquire the desired rustic appearance. This may discourage some people from purchasing a corten steel product. But fortunately, there are other options that allow garden lovers to instantly enjoy the beautiful rust color in their garden without compromising on durability and quality.

Reading tip

Want to know more about the rust process of corten steel and how to speed it up? Read more in our blog about the corten steel rust process!

Corten look

For those who do not want to wait until the corten steel planter has completely rusted, MySteel offers a good solution. In addition to the regular corten steel option, you can also choose powder-coated planters with a corten look. These have the desired rusty appearance immediately without you having to wait.

Rust accelerator

If you prefer an actual corten steel garden product but do not want to wait for the natural rust process, you can also purchase our rust accelerator. This rust accelerator is specially designed to speed up the rust process. By evenly distributing the rust accelerator over your corten steel product, you can enjoy the warm, rusty appearance sooner. It is also completely safe for both the corten steel and the environment.

Conclusion

It is a misunderstanding that corten steel is much more expensive than regular steel. Even if the price may initially seem higher than other materials, you save money in the long run. Corten steel lasts longer, withstands various weather conditions better, and requires little maintenance. Therefore, it is a good investment for your garden.