Corten Metal Design

Lisa's Landscape & Design ♦ 10/15/2024 ♦ Leave a comment

Corten Metal is a Work of Art 

Corten metal is a high end steel that provides your hardscape areas with definition and purpose. This type of metal is often custom cut and installed, but there have been more options available as the metal becomes more popular with Central Texas gardeners. 

 Corten steel, also known as “Weathering steel” is a type of steel alloy that develops a protective patina over time. Unlike mild steel that will continue to rust and degrade in the elements, Corten steel will not. The rust finish provides a barrier for the metal and continues to darken over time. The graphite color you see in these photos will eventually turn a rust color, but the metal will never break down. 

This is the construction created prior to the finished product. The can see the patina process already beginning at the base of this planter. 

The after is a clean finish, ready for planting. The stone work is a stunning juxtaposition to the graphite color and clean lines. 

Below, we installed custom (floating) steps that are framed with metal and supported by metal posts. The custom cut Lueder stone is simply inserted into the custom frame and gives the illusion of floating on air over the rocky terrain that also serves as a drainage area and dry creek bed. 

Here is the framing required for completion. Much like the edging for the sidewalks, these steps had to be mounted to the existing bedrock. Each post is mounted to bedrock and stabilized, then a frame was added to hold the inlaid Lueder stone. This execution is so impactful and really raises the level of flow and creativity. 

This technique was specifically used to allow water flow from the front and side of the house to continue to travel the path of least resistance and a dry creek bed only adds to the design aesthetic. 

Using both block and native stone in the wall gives a rustic feel to the sleek metal and creates a symbiotic relationship with the various textures. 

Below, metal and stonework create varying levels of interest. This creates both feature and functionality. It is also valuable for both the resale of the home and for the longevity of the materials which would last a lifetime. 

The Art of Design

Once again, the structure and stability are as important as the finished product. Corten Metal is a high end finish not only for its look, but for its quality. Corten or Cor-ten Metal is a heavy duty steel that starts out dark grey but oxidizes over time. This rust colored patina is part of its character. 

However, given Corten’s longevity and lower maintenance needs, it represents a long-term investment.

It also means a lot of work up front, so expect to pay a premium for this quality product and workmanship.

This finished product is absolutely stunning and the high end finish is a resale upgrade that will pay for itself. 

Creating curves is a bit more challenging with metal and rectangular stone, but as you can see from design below, the finished product is spectacular, if I do say so myself. And I just did…

 

To add a final touch and a cohesion to the overall design, the Corten metal bands were added to the mailbox which makes this custom work a step above the rest. 

Think Outside the Box

Above, this mailbox is about as cool as it gets. I spotted this baby while on a consultation and fell in love with the concept. Creative solutions are where landscape design and arts inclusion make an inspiration collaboration. This is what Corten steel eventually looks like when the patina process has completed. It is a metal that will stand the test of time and never go out of fashion in Central Texas.

Below, this custom iron gate creates an inviting entrance to a welcoming garden. Thinking beyond practical uses and design is an even more spectacular result.

Here are several photos of inspiration I’ve seen along my consultation and garden travels. Using metal and steel in out of the box ways, brings the landscape to life. 

The two works of art below were made by a clients husband who does metal work for fun. It clearly demonstrates the whimsical approach to landscape art. But is functional as well.

 

Metal is also an excellent screening for privacy. 

And of course, Corten Metal is a quality material for landscape sculpture. Its heavy weight and ability to resist the environmental hazards is a winning combination. 

Now that you have some insight into this stellar product, I hope you will be encouraged to incorporate it into your landscape in some way. It will also help you understand the price point which can be 50% higher than mild steel, but for good reason. 

Being a landscape Designer has been a joy for me for over 20 years in Central Texas, and working with metal design has just made it that much more interesting. 

Lisa LaPaso

Lisa’s Landscape & Design

“Saving the Planet One Yard at a Time”