What Are The Benefits of Corten Steel?

Corten steel is also known as weathering steel, it's a steel that weathers naturally over time.

Corten develops a protective layer of rust, this develops when exposed to water or just normal weather conditions.

This rust coat will protect the metal against further corrosion and will keep the under layer of steel in excellent condition. 

The name corten derives from: 

COR - corrosion resistant

TEN - tensile strength

Yes, all metals when they rust "bleed". 

When corten steel is first exposed to water and the elements, it will start the rusting process that will help protect the metal from further corrosion.

During this process, the rust run-off will stain light coloured paving stones and other flooring.

During this period we recommend protecting any flooring under the fire pit or place in the garden where this rust run off isn't a concern.

This corten weathering process can last months but can be accelerated to a few weeks if you spray with salt water or chemicals.

• Corten steel is non toxic
• It's 100% recyclable
• Because of the natural development of the protective rust layer, there is no need for any corrosion protective treatment
• A corten steel fire pit will last many years longer than a regular metal fire pit, the anti corrosion qualities is 8 times better than regular steel
• This helps the environment by generating much less wastage

There are four types of rust, the rust that forms on regular metal fire pits can quickly degrade the fire pit. 

However, the rust that forms on corten steel is stable oxidization.  This stability means that the rust layer actually protects the metal, meaning it will last longer, is more durable, and won’t be prone to further corrosion once the rust layer has formed.

The rust that forms on regular steel or cast iron is bad for your fire pit! That's why here at Firepit.co.uk we recommend corten steel fire pits.

There are ways to help prevent rust forming on a fire pit. It's already on the fire pit, it can be removed, we show you how to remove rust from a fire pit.

Your corten steel will form its protective layer of rust naturally when left to the elements.  

In general, you want your steel to get wet and then dry and have the process repeated.  

Depending on where you are in the world this may take longer or shorter depending on weather patterns.

There are two methods that we have used to speed this process up.  Both work very well.  

The first is using salt water, which helps speed up the natural rusting process.  The second is using chemicals, which forms rust before your very eyes.

Check out our blog post where we provide more information on how to speed up rusting on your corten steel fire pit.

Yes, you can.

This method honestly couldn’t be simpler.

• Get a spray bottle and fill it with salt water (you don’t need to run down to the sea to get it, a simple solution of water and table salt will be fine). A table spoon of salt will be enough
• Spray your corten fire pit with the saltwater and let it dry naturally
• Spray repeatedly each day until you have the rust colour and consistency that you want

It’s as simple as that. 

The rusting time of your corten steel fire pit will be dramatically reduced, to a matter of a couple of weeks. You will see your fire pit turn that gorgeous orange in a few short weeks.

Yes, what you will need is:

• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Table salt
• Degreaser

Full instructions can be found on our post explaining how to speed up corten steel rusting.