Looking for an authentic, weathered outdoor metal planter? Start with this bare steel planter and let nature slowly do the rest. Corten steel was originally developed for use in railroad cars. It is considered “weathering steel” and is made of a group of alloys that together have exceptional tensile strength and corrosion-resistant properties. When exposed to the weather, the steel forms a layer of rust on its surface that serves as a protective coating. This controlled corrosion creates the rustic, antiquated appearance for which Corten steel has best become known. The weathering process may take a month or so depending on the elements to which the planter is exposed. Note: Oxidation in Corten steel is typically slow, but some planters exposed to excessive rain or moisture/heat combinations might weather more quickly. Similar to eager gardeners planting bulbs in the fall expecting brilliant colors in the spring, anticipation for the transition from bare steel to a weathered rust-look is part of the natural gardening experience.
