Corten Basics

Benefits of Corten/Weathering Steel 

Esthetic Appeal and Look: Weathering steel has atmospheric resistance allowing it to be in several applications that would otherwise need the steel to be painted to avoid rust and wear. This means Corten roofing, signage, landscape products and some elevated temperature applications like duct work or chimneys are all meant to rust and are stronger without additional coating or finishes. 

  • Attractive Appearance

    The natural look of Corten steel is becoming extremely popular with modern and classical designers. The natural look of rust will blend in nicely with its surroundings and improve with age.

  • Low Maintenance

    One of the biggest and most cited benefits of weathering steel is the ability to cut down/eliminate the need for maintenance. This makes for an install and forget mentality with the product while not sacrificing any quality or look the end user desires.

  • Cost Savings

    Corten steel can be 2 to 3 times the cost of cheaper alternatives, but once the factor of no extra painting/upkeep is eliminated, Corten steel will save the end customer money.

  • Environmentally Friendly

    This is related to avoiding painting and repainting and avoiding the need to blast clean in Contruction environments.

  • Speed of Contruction

    No painting or needing to wait for other process to be complete before construction allows for Corten projects to be completed faster.

  • Superior Strength vs Wood or Plastic

    Corten is often used in landscaping setting to replace wood and plastic edging, planters, and other elements. Corten steel is built to be outside and can out last the lifespan of these products by 4 to 10 times.

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THE KEY BASICS OF

Corten Steel

What is Corten steel? 

In its most simplistic explanation weathered steel is steel that forms a protective rust, requires minimal maintenance and is aesthetically pleasing. Weathered steel was originally developed in the 1930’s as an atmospheric resistant steel. The name Corten was developed by the developers, US steel. Today there are a lot of different names for the product. Along with the trade name of Corten, weathered steel, cor-ten steel. 

What Makes Corten Popular? 

Corten steel is designed to naturally oxidize (rust) while keeping its tensile strength. Basically, once left to the elements the steel will rust, like regular mild steels. The difference is the composition of Corten allows it to keep its tensile strength only forming rust on the outer layer. This thin layer of rust will then go through the patina process until cured. The patina process will change the colour and tones of the material over a 6 -10 week period, during the period rust run off is present (rust drips). Once cured the material will continue to evolve with the environment for years to come without losing any strength!

Where is Corten Used? 

Corten started to gain strength in popularity long after it was invented by US Steel in the 1930s. Its original use in railcars was a practical one, citing little no ongoing maintenance and long lasting in the elements. Those same advantages make it popular today with large infrastructure projects like bridges and skyscrapers. Corten is also used for its look and feel, great for accents or to tie in with the natural environment. We sell and create custom Corten projects for landscapers installing lawn edging, planters, signage, artwork and more!

What We Can Offer Our Clients 

We are one of Ontario's trusted Corten steel providers, we stock a variety of different thicknesses and have the equipment to cut those sheets down to whatever is required. We stock 11 ga, 14 ga, 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", and 1/2" raw stock (not pre rusted). 

We offer an expanding range of products and the ability to make custom products. We have expensive manufacturing capabilities in metal that is transferable to Corten steel.