09 Mar Get the Look: Corten Steel Planters and Raised Garden Beds
From commercial landscapes and outdoors spaces to residential gardens and backyard escapes, raised garden beds and planter boxes serve as major structural elements while creating a sense of coherence in outdoors spaces. Finding the right material for planter boxes and raised beds can be tricky.
What are the benefits of using corten steel for planters and raised garden beds?
Corten, also referred to as weathering steel, continues to gain popularity in landscape and garden design, particularly as a material for planter boxes and raised garden beds. Why? Using weathering steel is a win-win. It’s not only aesthetically-pleasing for most outdoor spaces, but also extremely practical.
The patina, or “rust layer,” that weathering steel develops when exposed to outdoor elements protects the steel from further corrosion making it a long-lasting, low-maintenance, high-strength and minimal thickness material choice. Plus, the earthy, rustic look of the patina brings texture, clean lines and warmth to any outdoor space.
How are corten steel planters and raised gardens used?
Corten steel planter boxes and raised beds offer a simple way to bring plants and greenery to outdoor spaces like patios, sidewalks, rooftops and balconies where planting in the ground is not an option.
- Residential and commercial curb appeal
- Decorative privacy barriers for storefronts, offices and outdoor dining spaces
- Backyard garden beds
- Rooftop and balcony landscaping
Tips for installing/using corten planters
When you are ready to install and begin using corten planters, here are a few tips to consider:
- Beware of rust-run off: While corten steel’s patina provides practical corrosion protection and an aesthetically pleasing look, it can produce rust run-off as it develops. Areas below and around planters are often concrete, stone or brick, which are all fairly difficult surfaces to clean, so it’s important to consider how you can prevent rust run-off and stains. Because the run-off is a part of the weathering process, it cannot be prevented, BUT it can be managed so that the drainage does not flow over vulnerable surfaces. Read how to prevent rust run-off stains here.
- Consider applying a two component polyurethane coating on the inside walls of the planter for an extra layer of corrosion protection. Corten steel needs to go through wet and dry cycles to properly form its protective patina. The steel can get wet, but must be able to dry out, as well. Consider the drainage of the planter box. If the planter box remains wet on the inside, the steel will rust through at a quicker rate. Extend the lifespan of your planter box by applying a two-component polyurethane coating up to the dirt fill line of the planter.
- Consider using styrofoam inserts to protect plants against extreme hot or cold weather. Inserts could be used instead of or in addition to coating the inside walls of the planter to provide extra insulation for the plants.
Contact Central Steel Service for Weathering Steel Plate and Parts for Custom Planter Boxes
Interested in using weathering steel for your next landscaping project? Central Steel Service stocks ASTM A588 and A606-4 weathering steel plate, which is commonly used to construct custom planter boxes. Provide the dimensions and quantities of the parts you need for a planter box or raised bed, and we can CNC plasma burn material to meet your needs. Contact us to request a quote!