Corton Steel

corton steel

Corten Steel Planters

A Living Finish. Built for Longevity.

Corten steel is widely used in garden and landscape design for its strength, durability and distinctive evolving appearance.

Often referred to as weathering steel, it is designed to form a natural protective layer as it reacts with the elements. Over time, this process creates a rich, rustic brown patina that not only defines its appearance but also protects the material from further corrosion.

This organic transformation makes corten steel a popular choice for architectural planting schemes in both commercial and residential environments.

Designed to Evolve Naturally

Corten steel planters are typically supplied in an unweathered or partially weathered state. Once installed outdoors, the weathering process begins.

Over a period of approximately 3 to 4 months, depending on climate and location, the steel develops its characteristic orange-brown patina.

Each planter evolves slightly differently, creating a natural, unique finish that matures over time.

We can also offer a pre-weathered service, where planters are delivered fully transformed with a consistent rustic finish.

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Weathering Process

Understanding the Weathering Process

During the initial weathering stage, corten steel will produce natural carbon runoff. This may result in temporary staining on surrounding surfaces such as stone or concrete.

To help minimise this:

  • All planters are supplied with discreet feet

  • This lifts the unit slightly off the ground

  • Reducing direct contact with surrounding materials

Once the material has fully cured and sealed, runoff reduces significantly or stops altogether.

As this process is a natural and essential characteristic of corten steel, care should be taken to protect surrounding surfaces during the early stages.

Built for Commercial Use

Our corten steel planters are manufactured to commercial-grade standards, using steel thicknesses ranging from:

  • 1.5mm

  • up to 8mm

This ensures structural integrity, durability and suitability for large-scale or high-traffic environments.

All products are supplied with a 5-year manufacturer’s guarantee, providing confidence in long-term performance.

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Our Products

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Planter Styles & Applications

Our Corten Steel range includes a variety of formats suitable for different schemes:

Troughs

Planters

Raised Beds

These are widely used across:

  • commercial developments

  • public realm and local authority projects

  • roof terraces and podium levels

  • hospitality and leisure spaces

  • residential developments

Corten steel works particularly well in structured planting schemes, helping define spaces and soften hard landscaping.

Lead Times & Availability

Some standard items, including selected Oklahoma planters, may be available with a 48-hour delivery service.

Most Corten Steel products are made to order. Typical lead times are:

  • Metro (1.5mm) — 2 to 3 weeks (including bespoke sizes)

  • Oklahoma (2mm) — 2 to 4 weeks (bespoke sizes up to 6 weeks)

  • Oklahoma Premium (4mm) — 4 to 6 weeks

Lead times may vary depending on specification and project scale.

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Bespoke Corten Steel Solutions

We offer custom fabrication for projects requiring specific dimensions or design features.

Options include:

  • Bespoke sizes and configurations

  • Integrated seating or screening

  • laser-cut patterns and branding

  • Tailored solutions for commercial schemes

This allows Corten Steel to be fully integrated into wider architectural and landscape designs.

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Supply, Support & Installation

From initial enquiry through to delivery, our team will guide you through selecting the right solution for your project.

Working alongside Enscape, we can also support with:
security

Design integration

waste-reduction

Full installation

long-term

Planting schemes

quality-assurance

Ongoing maintenance for commercial environments

A Material That Improves Over Time

Corten Steel is not a static material — it is designed to develop, mature and improve with age.

Its evolving finish adds depth and character, while its structural strength ensures long-term reliability.

  • Oklahoma Premium Steel Vase

    A large heavy duty commercial grade Corten steel square shaped planter with a distinctive flaired profile with outer rust coating. Available in 4 standard sizes. Please contact us for a quotation.

  • Metro Corten Cube Planter

    A quality, commercial grade, corten steel cube shaped planter, hand made from 1.5mm thick corten steel, laser cut, folded, welded and dressed. Available in 5 standard sizes and also available in bespoke sizes.

  • Oklahoma Aspect Vase

    Heavy duty commercial grade planter. A circular tapered shaped design sitting on angled feet constructed using 3mm thick corten steel.

  • Oklahoma Fire Cube

    Contemporary Corten Steel fire pit which would make a stunning centre piece for any garden as well as a gathering point on chilly evenings, the Oklahoma Fire Cube is available in 2 sizes and has a 50cm square fire pit in its centre.

  • Oklahoma Oval Steel Planter

    Large heavy duty commercial grade planter. A distinct oval shaped design constructed using 3mm thick corten steel with outer rust coating

Planters & Materials

Efficiently Sourced, Delivered & Installed across the UK

Our North West location allows us to seamlessly manage and deliver projects across the UK, with a strong concentration of work across Local Government and Private Commercial Spaces in Liverpool, The Wirral, Cheshire and North Wales.

From concept to installation, every project is handled with precision and ease.

Women with pot in her hand