Corten steel is most often used in the garden for creating boundaries between different spaces. Corten steel edging is extremely popular, with its rusty orange colour working well to complement the bright green of Aussie gardens.
However, corten steel doesn’t just have the singular purpose of being used for edging. You can purchase it in different lengths and widths, and it has the capability to be bent into the shape you desire. This means that it can work as a versatile outdoor material.
Add function and style to your garden with these three inventive uses of corten steel:
01
Multi-level garden beds
Instead of being used as edging between lawn and garden, why not create a raised garden bed using corten steel? This multi-level, circular design allows you to add numerous plants, and create a flow between each bed.
Our best recommendation? Use this garden bed design to create a herb garden!
02
Privacy screening
Corten steel isn’t just available in basic sheeting, it can also be made into interesting designs. Buying a large sheet of corten steel to use as privacy screening works wonders in gardens that are exposed to neighbours or the road.
Pair with bright green foliage, and plants that lean into purples for a beautiful contrast of colours.
03
Mosaic bird bath
A bird bath can be easy to purchase on its own, but it’s so much more fun to make it yourself! This DIY mosaic bird bath fits perfectly into a corten steel round planter filled with pebbles.
Sturdy and practical, yet bright and colourful for you (and the birds!) to enjoy.
What is corten steel?
Corten steel is a type of weathering steel in the steel alloy family. This weathering steel was created as a material that does not require any painting or sealing. Instead, it forms an outer layer of rust that protects it from the elements.
What is the difference between Corten steel and regular steel?
Both normal steel and Corten steel are made from iron. The main difference between corten and other steel is that corten develops a protective layer of rust, and does not require any painting or sealing,
How long will corten steel last outside?
Because it is weathering steel, corten is extremely durable and will last for decades in the outdoors. Corten steel requires little to no maintenance and the layer of rust it forms easily protects against corrosion, and slows the ageing process.
