Earlier this year, the Wall Street Journal identified three trends in landscape design based on survey results from the National Landscape Professional Association. Three notable trends include pergolas, unpolished metal finishes and multi-tasking built-in features. The article notes that the most popular choice for "unpolished metal finishes" is weathering steel.

What is Cor-Ten steel?

Cor-ten ® is a U.S. Steel trade name for a type of atmospheric corrosion resistant steel that is commonly used when higher strength and longer life cycle materials are required. When exposed to various atmospheric conditions, the steel naturally forms a layer of rust or copper rust. This patina is what protects the material from future corrosion. As cor-Ten ® became more popular, other production mills began to develop their own atmospheric corrosion resistant steel. For example, ASTM focuses on creating specifications that are considered equivalent to COR-TEN ® in most applications. Applicable equivalent ASTM specifications are ASTM A588, A242, A606-4, A847, and A709-50W.

Advantages of using weathering steel

The Wall Street Journal article notes that contemporary landscape architects prefer "large areas of clean, unpolished metal" to cedar and wrought-iron. The architect mentioned in the article praised the steel's patina appearance and praised its usefulness. The patina produces a "beautiful brown leathery texture," he says, while the steel is "anti-counterfeiting" and requires little maintenance.

Like COR-10, weathering steel offers significant advantages over other metals for structures exposed to outdoor elements, including low maintenance, high strength, enhanced durability, minimum thickness, cost savings and reduced construction time. In addition, over time, rust from the steel blends perfectly with gardens, backyards, parks and other outdoor Spaces. Ultimately, the aesthetic appearance of weathering steel combined with its strength, durability and versatility allowed it to be used in less-than-ideal situations such as concrete walls.

Application of weathering steel in landscape design and outdoor space

As a supplier of corten equivalent, Central Steel Service specializes in the distribution of specialty corten products ideal for garden design, landscaping and other outdoor applications. Here are 7 ways to use weathering steel in landscape design and outdoor Spaces:

Landscape edge grinding

Retaining wall

Planting box

Fences and gates

Dolphin

Roofing and siding

Bridge