Corten Hollow Sections have been used for centuries to store and transport goods. In the automotive industry, it is now used to build lightweight boxes. Interiors and exteriors. 

Natural oak is used for the interior and marine-grade aluminum for the exterior. Corten Hollow uses a moisture barrier to keep moisture out and prevent corrosion. Even when it sits in our workshop, we can use our Corten Hollow Section for every project!

Due to the growing interest in steel boxes, the Corten Steel Box section has been created. It should be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. As shown on the Products page, Corten Steel Boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. 

Are you looking for corten steel planter boxes for your landscape project? Choosing decorative materials that are aesthetic, functional, and sustainable can be difficult when designing residential or commercial landscapes. Corten steel planter boxes are a perfect solution…

Western States Metal Roofing offers a variety of corten steel components so our customers can create their own unique look. Corten steel planter boxes are a popular choice among architects and landscape designers due to their versatility.

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about corten steel planter boxes:

Corten Steel Planters: What Are They?

Since Corten steel is weathering steel, it will naturally form a beautiful rust-like protective coating over time, unlike other rustic planter box materials. As well as having a longer lifespan than normal steel, Corten steel develops a beautiful rustic finish.

To better understand this, let’s discuss what Corten® Steel is.

The unique type of metal rusts naturally when exposed to the elements. Over time, you will see a difference in the texture and colors of the surface. There will be brown, dark orange, or a combination of both colors. Corten steel rusts faster when exposed to more extreme temperatures, resulting in more drastic changes in appearance.

A downside of Corten steel is the possibility of rust stain damage to surrounding materials. Brown stains are often caused by the rust effects on white concrete, paint, stucco, and stone. Under the Corten steel box, you can place some type of matting to prevent it from directly touching the surrounding area.

Corten steel box

Most of us have seen rusted metal planter boxes in public. You may have seen them around outdoor shopping areas or even in front of popular restaurants. Why are rusted planter boxes so popular for decorating residential and commercial spaces? 

Adding corten steel planter boxes to any indoor or outdoor setting can help achieve a modern and rustic look. Most modern rusted steel planters are long and rectangular to give off a simple, yet modern, and trendy look.

Planters made of rusted iron complement other landscaping elements well. You would think working with a bulky, solid metal box would be challenging, but you’ll find that this product gives you more creative freedom. You can combine your planter box with accessories such as dividers, benchtops, trellises, and casters. 

This rusted metal planter box includes decorative privacy screens that are perfect for patios, backyards, and open outdoor seating areas.

corten steel box 2

2. Corten Steel Planters: How Long Do They Last?

Despite poor conditions, Corten planter boxes can last up to 10 years. The longevity of Corten metal planters depends on drainage, climate, and steel thickness. There is no definitive answer because every job is different.

The worst thing you can do to reduce the lifespan of a metal planter box is to have inadequate drainage. Wet and dry cycles are necessary for corten steel. Steel can get wet, but it must also be able to dry. Whenever the planter box is wet on the inside, the weathering steel will rust through faster.

Corten planter boxes should be sealed inside with an inexpensive emulsion sealer to prevent premature corrosion.

Extreme heat and cold conditions are not a problem for this material. Corten should not be used in coastal or salty environments. Salt prevents the steel from developing a protective coating that will reduce the rate of rusting.

Lastly, thicker steel will last longer than thinner steel. Steel with a minimum thickness of 1/8″ (11 gauge) is recommended. Heavier steel is even better, but it will cost more. Corten steel does not come with a warranty.

The Corten planters in the photo below are designed to create this “desert garden.” This is located in Las Vegas, Nevada where the climate is more extreme.

Corten steel is durable and easy to maintain. Damage to the Corten steel will soon be covered up by the rusting material if it is scratched or damaged somehow. The rust on weathering metal serves as an anticorrosive coating that protects it from corrosion.

 

If you want to build your own planter box, Corten steel may require special welding techniques. Make sure the Corten steel planter box is properly welded together so that it can support the weight of any plant and soil.

3. What is the cost of a Corten Steel Planter Box?

Corten steel planter boxes are significantly more expensive than other materials. A fully assembled one can cost between $200 and $500. Our four sizes are listed below

  • 24″ (L) X 24″ (W) X 12″ (H)” @ $200/EA

  • 48″ (L) X 24″ (W) X 12″ (H)” @ $400/EA

  • 24″ (L) X 24″ (W) X 18″ (H)” @ $300/EA

  • 48″ (L) X 24″ (W) X 18″ (H)” @ $500/EA

If you don’t want to spend that much money on a Corten steel planter box, consider buying the metal plates separately and assembling the materials yourself.

Corten steel plates range in price from $1.00 to $3.45 per square foot, depending on the type of metal panel.

For your planter box project, most metal manufacturers allow you to request specific measurements. You can request customized Corten steel plates from your metal manufacturer.

corten steel box 3

How To Assemble A Corten Steel Planter Box

Each Corten Steel planter box kit from Western States Metal Roofing comes with 4 sides and all screws. An optional bottom is available.

When looking at a side section, you will be able to decipher the top from the bottom as there is a folded tab at the top section and just a flat piece on the bottom section.

The pieces simply interlock. Once you have a smooth corner, you know the pieces are in the correct spot and can be screwed together.

For easier assembly, pre-drilling holes may be necessary. Measure and mark out your holes prior to drilling for even screw spacing. Fasten sides using 3 screws per corner. 

We highly recommend applying an asphalt emulsion sealer to the inside of the Corten planter boxes. This helps protect the material because constant moisture will decrease the lifespan of Corten products. 

 

Uses of corten steel planters boxes

Corten steel planters add a stylish and durable accent to gardens, patios, and other outdoor spaces. The following are some things to know about corten steel planters:

  1. Designed to resist corrosion and rust, Corten steel is a weather-resistant material. Consequently, it is a durable choice for outdoor planters.
  2. Corten steel planters lend an industrial aesthetic to outdoor spaces with their distinct rusty appearance. A variety of landscaping styles and design themes can be complemented with them.
  3. It is versatile: Corten steel planters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so they can accommodate plants of different sizes and types. In addition to patios, decks, and gardens, they can also be used in a variety of settings.
  4. Corten steel planters require little maintenance. It is not necessary to paint or treat them, and they can weather naturally over time. In addition to protecting the planters from further corrosion, rust on their surfaces serves as a protective agent.
  5. Since corten steel planters are durable and have a unique aesthetic, they can be more expensive than other types of planters. In the long run, however, they can also be a cost-effective choice due to their low maintenance requirements.

Adding a unique touch to any outdoor space with corten steel planters is a durable, versatile, and stylish choice.

Corten steel planters box advantages you need to know

Compared to other types of planters, corten steel planters offer several advantages. The following are some of the key advantages:

  1. Material durability: Corten steel is a highly durable material that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Corten steel planters are corrosion- and rust-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use.
  2. The unique, industrial aesthetic of corten steel planters adds visual interest to any outdoor space. Its natural rusted finish creates a striking contrast with the colors and textures of plants, making them a popular choice among designers and landscapers.
  3. Corten steel planters require very little maintenance since they don’t need to be painted or treated. Corrosion is prevented by the natural rusted finish.
  4. Corten steel planters can be customized to meet a variety of design requirements. In addition to being available in a variety of shapes and sizes, they can be used for a wide range of plant types and sizes. It is also possible to design them to include various features, such as drainage holes or feet.
  5. Planters made from Corten steel are built to last a lifetime. Even in harsh outdoor conditions, their durability and resistance to corrosion and rust ensure that they will maintain their appearance and structural integrity for many years.

This combination of durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance requirements makes corten steel planters a popular choice for outdoor design projects.

Corten steel planters box disadvantages you should know

Although corten steel planters have many advantages, they also have some disadvantages:

  1. The initial cost of Corten steel planters is higher than other types of planters because the materials and fabrication are more expensive. Additionally, corten steel can be expensive due to its unique aesthetics.
  2. Staining: While corten steel planters are attractive because of their natural rusted finish, it can also stain surrounding surfaces such as patios and decks. To avoid potential stains, it is important to consider the placement of corten steel planters.
  3. Although corten steel is designed to resist corrosion and rust, it is still susceptible to weathering over time. As a result, the natural rusted finish may change in appearance, which may or may not be desirable.
  4. Large corten steel planters can be difficult to transport or move because corten steel is a relatively heavy material.
  5. It is possible that Corten steel planters aren’t available in all regions, as they require specialized fabrication and may not be stocked by all suppliers.

While corten steel planters offer many benefits, they also have some potential drawbacks that should be considered before selecting them.