Corten Steel: A Guide To Corten Products And Their Uses
When you’re looking for a beautiful, long lasting rusted finish, look no further than Corten steel, otherwise known as A606 or weathering steel. This corrosion resistant material is available in everything from roofing to landscape edging, and comes in every accessory you need for a successful construction project.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we are proud to be the leading provider of Corten/ weathering steel products. We offer the largest selection of Corten structural components and Corten metal roofing products designed to meet or exceed your building requirement needs.
In this article, we discuss the most popular types of corten products so you know which are necessary for your next project.
What Are The Different Types Of Corten Products?
- Corten Flat Sheets
- Corten Plate
- Corten Flat Bar
- Corten Tube
- Corten Pipe
- Corten Angle
- Corten Beams
- Corten Channels
Corten Flat Sheets
Corten steel sheets have a variety of uses from siding to fencing. The Corten is available in thicknesses from 22 gauge up to ½” thick in a variety of lengths and widths, which makes it compatible with any type of project.
Popular uses for Corten flat sheets include:
- Bridges
- Marine transportation
- Sculptures
- Planter boxes
- Landscape edging
- Wall cladding
- Large commercial projects
Corten Plate
Corten plate is referred to as ASTM A588. Stock lengths for ASTM A588 plate are 96" widths X 240" or 480".
This material is primarily intended for use in welded bridges and buildings where savings in weight or added durability are important. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of this steel in most environments is substantially better than that of carbon structural steels with or without copper addition.
Popular uses for Corten plate include:
- Bridges
- Building facades
- Rail cars
- Storage containers
- Industrial shipping
Corten Flat Bar
ASTM A588 has a 50ksi minimum yield strength and a 70ksi minimum tensile strength. Stock lengths are 40' or 20’ Sections with 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", or 1" thickness.
Popular Corten flat bar uses:
- Bridgework
Corten Tube
Corten tube is referred to as ASTM A847, cold-formed high strength-low alloy steel that is welded and shaped into square tube and rectangular tube.By cold forming, chemical consistency throughout the entire tube surface is ensured and the physical properties are enhanced.
Corten tube is specifically designed for structures that require welding and bolting. It is the only choice where high strength and enhanced corrosion resistance are required.
Stock lengths for ASTM A847 are 24’ sections and available in 11 GA ( 1/8" ), 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" thickness.
Popular Corten tube uses:
- Cranes
- Passenger ships
- Handrails
- Furniture
- Bridges
Corten Pipe
Corten pipe is referred to as ASTM A847. Similar to corten tubes, it is cold formed and welded to ensure chemical consistency and maximum durability.
The cold forming process enhances the physical properties with a 50ksi minimum yield strength and a 70ksi minimum tensile strength.
Stock lengths for the Corten Pipe are 21’ sections.
Popular Corten pipe uses:
- Flue gas structures
- Handrails
- Furniture
- Bridges
Corten Angle
Corten angle is referred to as ASTM A588.
ASTM A588 has a 50ksi minimum yield strength and a 70ksi minimum tensile strength Stock lengths for A588 Angle are 40' or 20’ Sections.
Corten angle is available in 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 1", and 1 1/8" thickness.
Popular Corten angle uses:
- Welded bridges
- Buildings where added strength and corrosion resistance are important
Corten Beams
Corten beams are referred to as ASTM A588. The beams are available in a variety of sizes.
Popular Corten beam uses:
- Flue gas structures
- Handrails
- Furniture
- Bridges
Corten Channels
Corten channels are referred to as ASTM A588. The stock length for ASTM A588 channels is 240".
ASTM A588 has a 50ksi minimum yield strength and a 70ksi minimum tensile strength.
Popular Corten channels uses:
- Welded bridges
- Buildings where added strength and corrosion resistance are important
Corten Steel Corrosion Resistance
One of the main advantages everyone mentions regarding Corten steel is it’s corrosion resistance. However, it is not completely rust-proof. The longevity of Corten depends on the climate, thickness of steel, and the speed of it’s protective rust layer developing.
The speed of Corten developing its protective layer of rust depends on climate. You can expect Corten steel to patina within 6 months of atmospheric exposure. It requires cycles of wet/dry weather to develop and fully rust.
Once Corten has its protective layer, it has superior durability when compared to normal steel and can last over 100 years.
Order Your Corten Material Today
When you need a maximum strength, corrosion resistant material, trust Corten for your construction project.
Now that you know what Corten materials are available, now is the time to get your material list together and request a free quote today. Once you fill out our quick and easy form, a knowledgeable member from our sales team will be in touch shortly with a delivered price.