If you’re looking to invest in a DIY home improvement project such as building a shed or a retaining wall, chances are that you’ve probably come across Corten steel as a potential building material. The weatherproof nature of Corten steel makes it one of the most popular materials when it comes to outdoor building and construction. In this post, we take a closer look at the various properties of Corten steel and some of its common uses.
What is Corten Steel?
Corten steel is a type of steel alloy that is designed to develop a rust-like protective layer or patina after it is exposed to the weather for several years. This unique characteristic gives it a beautiful brown colour that develops over time, and that can be reminiscent of architecture from the 1900s. Some of the various composite elements that you might find in Corten steel include copper, chromium, nickel, phosphorus, manganese and silicon.
Benefits of Using Corten Steel
Some of the many benefits of using Corten steel in construction include:
No Need for Painting
Unlike other types of steel, the patina that Corten steel develops over time gives it a unique and uniform colour. This removes the need for you to paint your steel with galvanising paint to protect it from the elements.
Enhanced Durability and Strength
As an alloy that comprises various different materials, each of the different elements that go into Corten steel contributes positive characteristics. Because of this, Corten steel enjoys enhanced durability and strength that set it apart from other types of steel.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Corten steel is highly corrosion resistant, meaning that you will not need to inspect it for signs of damage or to repair it frequently. Instead, all that is needed is an occasional cleaning to prevent dirt and grime from building up.
Common Applications of Corten Steel
Some common applications of Corten steel include:
Retaining Walls
Corten steel retaining walls are becoming increasingly popular amongst homeowners because of the many advantages that they have over retaining walls built using other materials. They also have a rustic look that can be visually appealing and can enhance the outward appearance of a garden or yard.
Planter boxes
A common alternative to retaining walls in landscaping is the planter box. Planter boxes are more suitable if you don’t want to alter the basic layout of your yard by building a retaining wall since they can simply be placed on top of the land and removed when necessary.
RW Steel Has You Covered
For all your steel needs in Melbourne or the surrounding areas, RW Steel has you covered. We are a leading supplier of steel, and we offer a wide selection of steel for you to choose from for your building and construction project needs. Whether you’re looking for retaining wall steel, galvanised steel posts or other types of steel products, contact us today and let us help you with all your steel needs!
Image Source: Amardeep Steel Centre