“What sets Cor-ten apart from regular steel—and one of its biggest benefits in the garden—is that it becomes harder and stronger when exposed to weather over time,” writes Meredith.
“Cor-ten is the trade name of a material manufactured by US Steel. But, like Kleenex, the copyrighted name is now commonly invoked to refer to a whole category of products. In Cor-ten’s case, that’s any steel that develops a protective layer of rust when exposed to weather,” she says.
Frost- and crack-resistant, this metal will develop an attractive surface patina but will never rust through. We’ve rounded up 10 stylish hardscape and garden elements—from planters on wheels to metal frames for raised garden beds.
Above: A Nice Corten Square Planter has drainage holes, comes in two sizes and can be customized, with or without casters. Prices range from $199.99 to $349.99, depending on the model at Nice Planter. Above: A 13-inch-deep Corten Steel Raised Garden measures four feet square; $229.99 from Veradek. Above: A portable 16-inch Corten Steel Planter Box on wheels comes with a set of four casters; $480.99 at All Modern. Above: A 40-by-40-inch square Nice Corten Steel Planter Bed is 14 inches deep. “Corten Steel planter beds do not ship pre-weathered and will arrive with the bare steel finish which will have to weather over time to develop a golden brown rust color and texture,” says designer Dimitri Shein of Nice Planter; $289.99. Above: A rust-colored Corten Steel Long Box Planter comes in three sizes; starting at $119.99 at Veradek. Above: A Corten Steel Planter Box designed for extra deep roots has drainage holes and comes in two sizes (16 and 20 inches); $179.99 to $217.99, depending on size, at All Modern. Above: A 20-inch diameter Cor-ten Steel Cylinder Planter measuring 18 inches high has casters mechanically fastened to a recessed bottom, creating a 1/2 inch- to 3/4-inch reveal between the deck and the bottom edge of the container; $805 at Yard Art. Above: Corten Steel Fully Welded Cubes are available in a range of sizes and shapes. For more information and pricing, see Bespoke Planters. Above: A Metal Planter Trough by Plantercraft is available in six lengths, from 40 to 72 inches; $449.95 to $1,399.95 at Amazon. Above: A True Square Planter Box is available in a Cor-ten steel finish in two sizes (16 and 20 inches) is currently out of stock at Planterworkx. For more information, see Planterworkx. See more of our favorite uses for Cor-ten steel in 10 Genius Garden Hacks with Rusted Metal and Landscaping Ideas: 8 Surprising Ways to Use Cor-ten Steel in a Garden. If you’re planning a hardscape project for spring, see:
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