Corten Steel
Corten steel is a type of weathering steel designed to form a stable, protective rust layer on its surface when exposed to the outdoors. “COR TEN” originally referred to steel with improved corrosion resistance and tensile strength, and the name is often used generically today for weathering steels such as ASTM A588 and similar grades. Instead of rust continuing to flake off like it can on ordinary carbon steel, the surface oxidizes and then develops a tight patina that helps slow further corrosion.
Corten steel is popular for architectural panels, outdoor sculptures, bridges, and landscaping features because of its natural rusted appearance and reduced need for paint. It performs best in environments with regular wet and dry cycles, where the patina can form and stabilize. It is usually not a good choice for constantly wet areas, places where water is trapped against the surface, or high salt and marine environments, since those conditions can prevent the protective layer from forming properly and can lead to faster corrosion.
Corten steel is popular for architectural panels, outdoor sculptures, bridges, and landscaping features because of its natural rusted appearance and reduced need for paint. It performs best in environments with regular wet and dry cycles, where the patina can form and stabilize. It is usually not a good choice for constantly wet areas, places where water is trapped against the surface, or high salt and marine environments, since those conditions can prevent the protective layer from forming properly and can lead to faster corrosion.
