Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ page, where you can find answers to the most commonly asked

questions about our company, products/services, policies, and more

1. General Questions

What is Corten Steel?

Corten steel, also known as weathering steel initially developed for bridge and skyscraper construction where a high tensile strength material was necessary with little or no ability to maintain the area. The patina or rust acts as a protective barrier.

Due to the chemical composition of Corten Steel, a very dense oxidisation layer is formed during the weathering process which protects the steel. If this protective barrier is compromised, it will simply form a new skin to protect itself.

Corten Steel is extremely durable and has a far higher resistance to atmospheric corrosion than other steels. Weathering steel products produce carbon run off or staining to adjacent materials like stone and concrete. We pre-weather our corten steel to minimise the run-off. Tiny Anvil planters are manufactured from ASTM A-588

What material is used in the powder coated planters?

A thick gauge 3mm mild electro galvanised sheet which is then powder coated. Powder Coating is an advanced method of applying a dry decorative and protective finish. The electrostatic charged powder is a mixture of pigments and bonding agents positively charged and sprayed on to a negatively charged grounded planter. The charged powder adheres to the grounded planter and is melted and fused into a solid coating in a curing oven. This results in a unique, high quality and durable finish. Our planters are fully welded and ground smooth to achieve the most perfect finish.

Do you use recycled steel?

Yes all the steel used in Tiny Anvil products is from recycled steel.

Our planters are build to last but when their life reaches an end they can also be recycled.

Can I pre-order or custom order?

We have shipments arriving at different times of the year. Pre-ordering is a great way to secure your Tiny Anvil products that aren't currently in stock.

We can custom make a single item for your home or 100's for a commercial project. Please contact us for pricing and lead times.

2. More information about Corten Steel

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.