WAYS TO USE CORTEN STEEL IN GARDEN DESIGN

Corten steel, found in some of the world’s most distinctive architectural projects, has been in use since it was patented in 1933. Today, Corten steel landscaping is a growing trend, making use of the material’s natural appearance and durability to create innovative layouts and striking designs.
We’re going to run through some of our favourite creative garden designs with Corten steel, as well as the benefits of using it, some design tips and where to get started. Looking for high-quality Corten Steel landscaping features? Shop now at WEATHER IT.

Why Corten Steel is Perfect for Garden Design

Corten steel is named for its two primary qualities: corrosion resistance (Cor) and tensile strength (ten). It’s an extremely durable, long-lasting material that forms its own corrosion-resistant barrier. This barrier also happens to develop into a strikingly attractive shade of rust red, making it not just practical but also visually appealing.
It’s commonly used for garden design as the vivid reds contrast with the greens, browns and floral colours found in nature.

Unique Applications of Corten Steel in Garden Design

Let’s get stuck into some of our favourite Corten steel garden ideas:

Corten Steel Garden Borders and Edging

Because of the natural contrast of the red and orange hues of Corten steel with the greens of grass and other plants, it makes an excellent choice for edging for lawns and flower beds. Plus, thanks to its corrosion resistance, Corten will last even when submerged in the damp soil.

Outdoor Fire Pits and Fire Bowls

Fire pits must be heat resistant and durable, able to withstand constant exposure to the elements. Corten steel is ideal for fire pits and bowls, being both highly durable and resistant to heat. Additionally, Corten fire pits can make an attractive centre piece for your garden, especially when they feature patterned cut outs adding texture and allowing glimpses of flame to shine through.

Sculptural Garden Features

One of our favourite ideas for Corten steel landscaping is sculptural features. These can include everything from floral-inspired designs to the growing trend of Corten steel moongates. Moongates draw on ancient Taoist iconography and symbolise good fortune, protection and renewal.

Garden Screens and Panels

Screens and panels can be a great way to separate different areas of your garden or create privacy from nosy neighbours. They can be plain sheet steel or even feature a range of geometric or floral patterns.

Pathways and Steps

Another innovative Corten steel garden idea is steps and pathways. Corten steel paths and stairs are a visually stunning yet practical way to connect different levels and spaces within your garden or landscape. Not only will they last for years to come, but they are also safe to walk on and a striking use of this attractive material.

Planters

Corten steel planters are a great way to elevate any garden design, adding a flash of contrasting colours as well as being able to resist constant moisture exposure. Choosing plants that feature heavy green and purple tones will also add another level of colour contrast, making them a design element in themselves.

Water Features

Thanks to its corrosion resistance, Corten steel is an ideal material for water features, from ponds to fountains. The orange and red tints also create an interesting look with the addition of water that can take your garden design to another level.

Benefits of Using Corten Steel in Landscaping

Aesthetic Appeal

As Corten steel ages, it develops a natural red and orange patina. This contrasts beautifully with the green and floral colours found elsewhere in gardens, making for a perfect decorative element for almost any outside space, but especially contemporary and landscaping designs.

Weather Resistance and Longevity

This same natural patina that gives Corten steel its amazing appearance also protects the material from corrosion. The surface develops a shallow rust layer that then shields the rest of the metal from further degradation. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications, from water features to planters.

Versatility in Design

The applications for creative garden design with Corten steel are numerous. Its two key properties make it fantastically versatile, able to be applied to almost any outdoor feature from sculptures and decorative creations to stairs and lawn edging.

Sustainability

Because Corten steel is so durable, able to last decades even in harsh conditions, it doesn’t need replacing frequently, limiting its impact on the environment. As such, Corten steel is a perfect landscaping material for the environmentally conscious.

Design Tips for Using Corten Steel in Your Garden

Pairing Corten Steel with Natural Elements

One of the best Corten steel landscaping tips we can give you is to consider which elements you place around your steel features. For example, deliberately opting for contrasting colours such as purples can create striking accents. This could be achieved by planting purple flowers in your Corten steel planters, for example. Alternatively, you could choose to complement the orange and red of your Corten with similar shades of reds and even browns for a cohesive look.

Keeping it Minimalist

Corten steel typically looks its best when incorporated into more minimalist garden designs, where the bold colours are able to speak for themselves. Don’t overcomplicate or overcrowd your layout, instead use carefully selected elements and features that contrast or complement the Corten.

Maintenance and Care

Because it’s so durable, Corten steel requires next to no maintenance; its natural patina will protect it from the elements for decades. When you first place your Corten features, they may display some colour run-off which might require a little care to ensure it doesn’t affect any surrounding elements, but once they have developed their patina, they won’t release any more colour.

Ready to Transform Your Garden with Corten Steel?

At WEATHER IT, we craft and supply a premium range of carefully crafted and expertly designed Corten steel garden features. Each product is hand-built here in the UK using quality materials and delivered with outstanding service at every step.
You can browse our products online by clicking here. For any questions or custom enquiries, just reach out to our friendly team by calling 0121 824 5700, emailing sales@weather-it.co.uk or filling out our contact form here.