People and businesses in the United States often struggle to find reliable and durable materials for large planters. Many options simply can’t withstand the elements or provide the aesthetic appeal needed for various landscape designs. This search can frustrate and overwhelm you, especially when poorly made planters deteriorate quickly, leading to wasted time and money.
However, a solution addresses these concerns: Corten Steel planters. For many architectural and landscaping applications, Corten Steel is the perfect material. This type of structural steel has a unique look, unlike any other material on the market.
As a planter material, Corten Steel can alleviate your worries about durability, maintenance, and design compatibility. This blog post will look closely at Corten Steel’s advantages and explore any disadvantages.
Corten Steel, also known as weathering steel, has recently become the trendsetter in architecture circles. So, what is Corten Steel? It’s a unique and innovative alloy mix of steel, copper, and chromium that creates a form of ‘weathering’ or corrosion-resistant steel. The word Corten is actually a combination of two words: CORrosion resistant and TENsile strength, which highlight two of Corten Steel’s advantages.
The alloying elements of this material provide rustic-looking exterior surfaces that are incredibly durable with minimal maintenance. The most fascinating part is that they get even more striking after they start to weather— gaining quite a distinctive patina over time as no other material can.
The benefits of Corten Steel far outweigh any disadvantages. It is the perfect architectural material for anyone who values minimal upkeep. The chemical makeup of Corten weathering steel allows it to withstand heat without compromising its integrity, making it an ideal choice for chimneys, log burners, fire pits, and, of course, planters!
Our Corten Steel planters come in various shapes and sizes, so you are sure to get the exact planter you need. Additionally, they arrive fully assembled for you, so you can start using them right away!
Many of our customers use these planters both inside and outside. The inside planters may not develop the rusty patina but still look gorgeous in the unweathered, grayish steel color. But for the planters used outside, each one can build its own weathering pattern, giving you a planter no one else on Earth has! Some other benefits include:
Corten Steel is designed to withstand the elements and atmospheric corrosion, and as a result, it has a much longer lifespan than traditional steel. This increased longevity means it requires less maintenance and can be left in its natural state for extended periods. It’s one of the many reasons why we use Corten Steel in planter design. Once you buy one planter, you’ll likely have it for life!
Another advantage of Corten Steel is its unique aesthetics. As it weathers, the patina develops on the surface of the planter, giving it a distinctive look that many architects and designers find appealing.
Initially delivered in a greyish steel color, Corten Steel planters transform into a beautiful rust-colored patina over time. This evolving look can complement both rustic and modern landscape designs. The surface of Corten Steel adds a sophisticated touch to any space, making it a popular choice among homeowners, landscape designers, and architects.
As we know, Corten has exceptionally high resistance to corrosion because it is a copper chromium alloy steel. Compared to other unalloyed steels, this alloy exhibits superior resistance to atmospheric oxidation. Protective coatings form on the steel’s surface and prevent further rusting when exposed to the elements and potentially harsh weather conditions.
When exposed to air, the natural oxidization process forms a protective oxide layer on iron, making it less likely to rust over time. This patina is also known for giving metal objects an antique charm as the warm brown hue changes in tone with the passing years and its external environment.
One of the most essential advantages of Corten Steel is its durability. Corten Steel is more durable than traditional steel (e.g., carbon steel). It is resistant to both abrasion and impact, meaning it will not easily dent, ding, or scratch. Corten is suitable for building solid structures, and Corten Steel in planter design is becoming an increasingly popular option among garden enthusiasts and landscape designers.
Because Corten Steel is so durable, it requires less maintenance than traditional steel. This lower maintenance is a benefit of Corten Steel and can result in substantial cost savings over the life of a Corten Steel structure.
Unlike other materials that may need regular painting or sealing, these planters require little to no upkeep. Over time, the protective layer of rust will stabilize, further reducing the need for maintenance. This characteristic makes Corten Steel products a cost-effective option in the long run.
Corten Steel is also a more sustainable choice than traditional steel. Because it is so durable, Corten Steel can be reused or recycled at the end of its lifespan without losing any of its strength or durability.It can be recycled almost 100% by returning to the foundry after the project’s lifespan.
Yes, Corten Steel Planters are cost-effective. The initial investment might be higher than other materials, but the long-term savings on maintenance and replacement costs make them a wise choice. The durability and minimal maintenance required contribute to significant cost savings over time, making it another one of the benefits of Corten weathering steel.
While you’ve just read about Corten Steel’s advantages, it also has some disadvantages. We are big fans of this material, but we feel it wouldn’t be right if we withheld some of the cons associated with this metal. We think you’ll find that, in the end, the benefits of Corten Steel far outweigh any of the negatives.
Weathered steel is available in limited quantities, making it challenging to find the material for larger projects. Additionally, the cost of Corten Steel can be significantly higher than other types of steel, making it cost-prohibitive for some applications. However, Corten Steel in planter design can be remarkably affordable, depending on the size and structure. Plus, you’ll have to keep in mind the reduced maintenance and replacement costs that are associated with these planters.
Weathering steel certainly protects against corrosion, but it isn’t indestructible. If left exposed to standing water in certain areas, its lifespan decreases significantly. Similarly, if your Corten Steel planters don’t have adequate draining capabilities, they may not last as long as those with proper drainage. Still, you can expect a Corten Steel planter to last at least 10 years and possibly up to 100 if the right drainage conditions exist.
To prevent this, ensure that your weathering steel has adequate drainage capabilities – especially if you live in a humid or subtropical climate where moisture is more likely to linger! When you order your Corten Steel planters from PlanterCraft, you have the option to add drainage holes to help with this issue.
One potential drawback is that no two Corten Steel sheets rust identically. If uniformity in rusting is crucial for your design, be sure to order planters cut from the same metal sheet. Otherwise, you may notice variations in rust patterns, which some might find appealing, but others may not.
This uneven weathering is a common phenomenon among Corten steel facades, and it’s something to keep in mind when deciding on the material for your planters. This alloy’s unique color characteristics make it attractive, but if you order two different planters at separate times, the weathering pattern may be highly irregular and unpredictable.
For example, if a façade panel needs to be replaced, it may be challenging to locate Corten Steel products with the same weathering pattern. Similarly, if you want to add another Corten Steel planter to your outdoor design, it may not weather the same as your first one. In this case, it’s better to order two at once since they’ll likely be cut from the same batch of steel.
While Corten Steel Planters bring numerous benefits to the table, one potential disadvantage is their substantial weight. These planters are significantly heavier than alternatives made from materials like plastic, fiberglass, or even some types of wood. This weight can pose challenges during transportation, installation, and repositioning.
For DIY enthusiasts or those without access to professional landscaping services, moving these heavy planters can be cumbersome and may require additional tools or assistance. Furthermore, the weight can restrict flexibility in design updates, as relocating the planters may not be as straightforward. This aspect is essential to consider, particularly for projects that might demand frequent adjustments or reconfiguration.
Corten Steel Planters are an excellent choice for those seeking durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing planters. They offer a unique blend of practicality and beauty, making them suitable for various landscape designs. By choosing Corten Steel Planters, you can feel confident in your investment’s longevity and visual appeal.
Now that you understand Corten Steel’s advantages and disadvantages, you’ll have a better idea of whether Corten Steel would be the right planter type for you. Just imagine how exceptional that beautiful rust patina could look in your outdoor space!
With PlanterCraft’s Corten Steel rectangular planters, you can easily create a luxurious outdoor area that stands out from the rest. Our modern and stylish planters are built with high-quality materials to ensure they last for years with little maintenance required. Your outdoor décor will look great for decades!
Shop Now and discover the transformative power of Corten Steel planters in your landscape design.
