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Weathering steel is often recognized by its distinctive, rust-colored appearance—but there’s much more to this material than its looks. At Central Steel Service, one of the questions we hear often is: “Is the weather resistance a coating? What happens if the plate is cut or welded?” The answer is simple: No. Weathering steel is not coated. Its corrosion resistance comes from the chemistry of the steel itself.

When specifying steel for bridges, buildings, or outdoor structures, the upfront material cost is only part of the equation. Two common options, weathering steel and painted carbon steel, offer very different lifecycle cost profiles.  The true investment lies in how that material performs—and what it costs—over decades of service. Understanding those differences can help engineers, architects, and owners make smarter, longer-lasting decisions.

Weathering steel is well-known for the rusty, orange-brown “patina” that it develops overtime. While this aesthetically-appealing patina serves as a protective, corrosion-resistant barrier, it can produce rust run-off as it develops. The Weathering Process Just like standard steel, weathering steel is silver in its original state. When...

When it comes to durable, low-maintenance materials for outdoor construction, weathering steel has become a top choice for architects, engineers, and fabricators alike. Known for its distinctive rust-like appearance and exceptional corrosion resistance, weathering steel offers both aesthetic appeal and long-term performance making it ideal for a wide range of outdoor structures.

When project timelines are tight and performance matters, material availability becomes just as important as material quality. At Central Steel Service, customers can count on both, especially when it comes to ASTM A847 hollow structural sections (HSS). With a deep inventory of square and rectangular weathering steel tubing and pipe, we’re proud to help engineers, fabricators, and contractors stay on schedule without sacrificing strength or durability.

While there are several benefits of using weathering steel, the fundamental benefit is its ability to resist corrosion. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of weathering steel enables it to be used unpainted in many structural and architectural applications for structures, including bridges, open-frame buildings, transmission towers,...

When specifying weathering steel for bridges, buildings, or architectural applications, engineers often encounter two commonly used terms: COR-TEN® and ASTM weathering steel. While they’re frequently used interchangeably, there are important distinctions that can impact your project’s specifications, sourcing, and long-term performance. Understanding the difference ensures you select the right material and avoid unnecessary limitations in procurement.

When designing for and sourcing ASTM A588 and ASTM A606-4 weathering steel plate, many customers assume one standard width option: 96-inch wide plate.  However, designing, nesting parts and building your bill of materials strictly around a 96” wide plate width can lead to unnecessary material waste, additional processing, and as a result, higher costs.