Corten Weathering Steel; Fun Facts

More information about Corten Steel

Used for decades for construction of everything from bridges to shipping containers, the organic look combined with the strength and longevity has made Corten weathering steel a favourite for architects and landscape designers alike.

Corten steel is a special steel originally developed for bridge building and skyscraper construction due to its incredible strength. When the steel weathers it develops a dense oxidisation layer which protects the blue steel inside. If this protective layer is compromised, it will simply form a new skin to protect itself. This makes Corten Steel extremely durable and gives it far higher resistance to atmospheric corrosion than other steels.

When you first receive your corten steel products they will arrive in a partly weathered condition. Once placed outside the weathering process will begin. This can take some time, corten steel has a reactive patina period of between 3 and 9 months depending on location and climate. The patina or rust acts as a protective barrier - it will not penetrate or compromise the structural integrity of the material. The colouration of each item will vary as the weathering process takes place, eventually producing a rusty brown patina.

Stage 1 - Freshly manufactured corten steel. At this stage the dark oily residue coats the corten steel.

Stage 2 - The oily residue is beginning to break down, as the corten steel begins to weather.

Stage 3 & 4 - The “Run-Off” stage – This can take around 3-9 months depending on weather and positioning.

Stage 5 & 6 - The final stages of the weathering process. Some “Run-Off” may still occur as the corten steels patina develops to a striking more consistent appearance.

During the weathering process the corten steel produces a rust run off or staining to adjacent materials such as stone or concrete. To reduce this possible staining, you can place the corten steel products on small feet or a stand, lifting the product and preventing direct contact with the flooring material. After the initial reactive period corten steel will cure and self-seal with little to no run off. The weathering process of corten steel is integral to this product and as such we will not accept any responsibility for damage caused to surrounding materials as a result of rust run off from corten steel products. Please ensure you do not place your product on any surface that may be damaged during the weathering process.