Frequently Asked Questions

Corten is named for its Corrosion (Cor) resistance and High Tensile (Ten) strength. It is predominantly used in shipping containers and railway wagons, and due to its high strength, these can be lighter in construction. Corten is also widely used in architectural applications, outdoor garden landscaping and artwork due to its rustic look and its longevity.

Corten has superior environmental resistance to normal steels due to chemical composition, particularly the inclusion of Copper. The rust layer on the surface is very tight at a molecular level and tends to seal off the steel against moisture and oxygen, thus creating a durable barrier which greatly slows down the rate of corrosion compared to other steels.

The steel in your artwork is degreased prior to delivery and will not need any treatment aside from brushing off cobwebs etc. The hardwood items are oiled with two coats of 100% Tung oil, a natural preservative which will protect the timber from the elements but wanes after a few years. Like hardwood decking, the colour and grain can be brought back out again with a recoat of any natural oil or let to silver off overtime.

Fresh corrosion on new Corten can wash or leach onto surrounding areas. However most items we deliver will be partially sealed off already. This slows down with age, but if unsure it's best to locate above a garden, stones or mulch rather than concrete or timber decking, or let it age a bit more prior to final install.

Corten starts off yellow-orange in the first 6 months but will darken to a deep brown – black overtime.

Most items that are in stock can be shipped within a week. Please enquire about large items and custom designs.

Most of our stocked items have a Rebar stake, simply identify where you will place item, soften soil with a bucket of water and press down. For all designs the strength is above the stake.