Cor-ten Weathering Steel Signs & Decor
Cor-Ten (or CORTEN) steel can be used to manufacture industrial looking signs and decor products. We have utilized this material in a number of projects where long term weather resistance was required, while achieving a unique industrial look. The character of the steel has become widely appreciated in the design and architectural communities, making it useful in modern and vintage landscapes and living spaces alike. In addition to signs, Cor-Ten can also be used for custom fabricating outdoor planters, retaining walls, fences, decorative screens, panels, industrial components and many other metal fabricated products. Various gauges and thicknesses are available in sheets that can be laser cut and custom fabricated into fully finished products. The most common gauges and thicknesses in our portfolio range from 11 gauge up to 3/8″, with lighter and heavier options available when required by the project.
Popular uses and applications of CORTEN steel
Signage
Fire pits
Doors
Fences
House numbers
Sculptures
Landscape architecture
Planters
Decorative panels
Privacy screens
Cladding
Steps and stairways
Mailboxes
Divider walls
Although the general public refers to weathering steel as Cor-Ten, most of it is actually grade A588, A606 and A606 type 4 steel. These materials are technically not Cor-ten, but possess very similar weathering properties, and is most often what you’re seeing in fabrication and construction projects today. This material is initially not rusted, but if exposed outdoors for an extended period of time it will begin to rust and develop the oxidized look for which it has become known.
While most weathering steel products are for outdoor use and display, the material can be used indoors as well. When used indoors the rusting and oxidation rate will slow significantly, to the point where the material may not develop any visible rust for many years depending on the humidity and climate in the surrounding area. In these situations the material will not change much over the years, and will retain its original look and finish as it came from the factory. It’s important to note that different grades and gauges of Cor-Ten (weathering steel) can have varying looks on the surface, depending on the source of the material. For example, the photo of the Byllesby Dam sign shown below was taken immediately after fabrication, as was the 4490 sign shown at the top of this post. There is a stark difference in the way the material can look when new, but both would eventually develop a similar orange/brown oxidized look when exposed to moisture and outdoor climates.
Knowing this, it’s important to consult your metal fabricator when choosing your materials. We can often times provide examples of the specific material that will be used for each project, along with our recommendations based on your requirements. Please contact us if you’re planning on using Cor-ten or weathering steel in a project of yours, and we can help turn your vision into reality.