Also known as weathering steel, corten is made up of steel alloys that create a spectacular finish on metal. Corten steel raised garden beds are a popular long-term solution to backyards in the United States and other countries worldwide.
Moreover, restaurants and other public places are increasingly incorporating corten beds into their design as dividers.
This article reviews four of the best corten steel raised beds in the market today. It also provides you with a guide for choosing one that best suits your needs.
Before that, let’s look into why corten steel makes a better garden bed than wooden material.
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Why Corten Steel Garden Beds Are Better Than Wooden Beds
One of the reasons corten steel garden beds are a better option is that they are resistant to weathering.
Their rusting does not eat away at the metal and instead insulates the plants and protects them against harsh external conditions.
On the other hand, wooden garden beds wear down after a while and have to be replaced often. To resist degradation, wood is usually treated with chemicals that end up getting soaked in the soil where food is growing, something that you would not have to do with corten steel.
The only type of wood that is known to last a long time is cedar. However, it is super expensive, and eventually, you would have to replace it as it is not entirely immune to degradation.
In the long run, getting a corten steel garden bed is way cheaper.
Moreover, you do not have to coat or paint corten steel. After a while, a beautiful stable rusty look forms and resists corrosion.
Therefore, you would not have to worry about it getting ruined by harsh conditions like humidity, rain, snow, or frost. On the other hand, you would have to apply a coating on wood so that it lasts longer.
Factors To Consider When Buying Corten Steel Raised Garden Beds
Choosing the best corten steel raised garden bed for yourself may not be the easiest task as there are many brands in the market. The following are factors you ought to put into consideration when shopping for one:
Affordability
To avoid hurting your pockets, it is wise to spend within your financial capability. Different people have different purchasing power, so it is important to understand yours and stick to it.
Fortunately, different corten steel garden beds come with different price tags, so you will easily find one that suits your budget.
Quality
Quality determines the durability and functionality of a corten steel garden bed. You want to buy a product of excellent quality so that it serves you well and for a long time.
While good quality usually comes with a higher price tag, it is worth it in the long run. This is because you will not incur repair or replacement costs.
Drainage
A good garden bed should have drainage mechanisms to control the amount of water that is collected in the structure. Most corten steel garden beds have holes at the bottom to facilitate drainage.
Size
Garden beds come in different sizes. Some are small enough to stand on a table, while others are big enough to sit squarely in a garden.
The size you choose will depend on variables such as the available space and the purpose of the garden bed.
Shape
Garden beds come in a variety of shapes. Some are round, others are rectangular, and others are cube-shaped.
The shape will depend on your taste and how it complements the design of your garden, patio, or even balcony.
Ease of use
You want a product that will not give you a hard time assembling and using. Get a garden bed that you can assemble by yourself within a short time.
If the package comes with the necessary equipment and instructions, the better.
Purpose
Do you want the garden bed strictly for your plants, for decoration, or both? You have to put these into consideration as you choose the perfect one for yourself.
Corten steel has a modern rustic look that goes well with different styles.
Insulation
You want a garden bed that protects your plants against harsh weather conditions. Corten steel is crack resistant.
When the material rusts, the rust insulates the plants and protects them from extreme heat or extreme cold.
Best Corten Steel Raised Garden Beds
PLANTERCRAFT Corten Steel Metal Planter Box
While it is quite costly, this box offers value for every cent you spend. When new, it is greyish as the corten steel is not exposed to elements and, therefore, non-weathered.
After a few months, it develops a pretty rust patina and maintains that color for decades. The good news is that when it attains its full rust color, rust ceases, so the material does not get eaten away.
Its rusty color gives this corten steel metal planter box a natural rustic look which accentuates different spaces, including commercial and residential areas.
Designers favor it for creating landscape designs in patios, balconies, and rooftops.
More importantly, it creates a beautiful space for you to grow your plants in the garden. For one, it is extremely easy to use as all you need to do is fill it with garden soil and transfer your plants into it or sow seeds.
To facilitate drainage, this garden bed has drainage holes at the bottom and is raised one inch from the ground.
Additionally, this planter is of excellent quality as it is made with heavy-duty corten steel that is bound to stand the test of time. The industrial construction and perfect finish also make it structurally rigid.
Key Features
- Develops a beautiful rust patina after a while.
- Used for interior design.
- Heavy-duty corten steel material.
Pros
- It has value for the money
- It has a beautiful modern look.
- It is made in the USA, so the quality is top-notch.
- It comes with a 5-year warranty.
Cons
- It is pretty expensive.
- It is heavy.
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Corten Steel Planter Box by DIY CARTEL
Synonymous with all corten steel garden beds, this one by DIY CARTEL rusts after a couple of months. Luckily, the rust does not compromise the integrity of the steel.
On the contrary, the rust insulates the plants therein from extreme weather conditions like too much heat or extreme cold.
Although it comes unassembled, the assembling process is fast and straightforward. Besides, it comes with the equipment necessary to facilitate the process, such as bolts and nuts.
This corten steel garden bed is raised and has drainage holes at the bottom. This way, the plants get a controlled amount of water so that they don’t get damaged from excess moisture.
Moreover, the structure is made with sturdy and durable raw steel, which is bound to serve you for a long time.
It is, without a doubt, a great investment that is worth the cost. And the good news is, if you are not satisfied with the product, you can always return it for a refund or a replacement.
Can the deal possibly get any better?
Key Features
- Insulated to protect plants from harsh weather conditions.
- Arrives in an unassembled state, but the assembling process is easy and straightforward.
- Drainage holes at the bottom.
Pros
- It has drainage holes at the bottom of the planter.
- It has excellent quality.
- It is easy to assemble.
- It can be a beautiful addition to any outdoor space.
Cons
- You have to assemble it yourself.
- It is quite heavy.
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Elevens Planter Box Metal Series Corten Steel Raised Garden Bed
The shape of this garden bed makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. It has a modern, rustic appearance which makes it suitable for home decoration.
Made of corten steel, it is 19 inches in diameter and 28 inches high. It also has two bars at the bottom, which give the bed a visual sense of hierarchy.
This garden bed is extremely easy to install and use. It comes with the necessary hardware to put it all together- a one-man job that does not require rocket science. Planting is also easy and quick as it does not even require a lot of soil.
Moreover, it is crack resistant as corten is architectural steel that rusts the surface but not through the material.
Also, it is equipped with Styrofoam insulation that resists extreme weather conditions. Thus, you would not have to worry about your plants when they are too hot or cold.
The Elevens Planter Garden Bed has a drainage hole at the bottom to control the amount of water in the soil. If you want a raised bed to plant your vegetables, this one is perfect.
Key Features
- Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Modern, rustic appearance.
- Easy to install and use.
Pros
- It is easy to use.
- It is crack resistant as it is equipped with Styrofoam insulation.
- It is affordable.
- It has a drainage hole at the bottom.
Cons
- It is relatively small.
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Corten Steel Planter Box by DIY CARTEL
This corten steel garden bed by DIY CARTEL is extremely durable, having been made with heavy-duty corten steel with industrial-strength construction.
Thus, you would be assured of a lifetime of use and minimal repair requirements and costs.
When new, it is greyish in color. After about 2 to 3 months, it develops into a beautiful rust patina which it maintains for the rest of its lifetime. This look gives the bed a modern farmhouse rustic design that compliments different styles.
Also, it is easy and fast to assemble and use this garden bed. Not only does it come with bolts and nuts, but it also has instructions on how to assemble it successfully.
At the bottom, it has two drainage holes that help control the amount of water in the structure to avoid flooding and subsequently damage the plants.
The manufacturers have attractive after-sale services, whereby you get a full refund or replacement if the product does not meet a user’s expectations.
This goes to show that the manufacturers have full confidence in the quality and durability of their products.
Key Features
- The heavy-duty corten steel makes it durable.
- Modern farmhouse rustic design.
- Easy and fast to assemble.
Pros
- It is durable as it is made with heavy-duty corten steel.
- It is easy to assemble and use.
- It has drainage two drainage holes.
- It comes with great after-sale services such as product replacement or refundability.
Cons
- It is costly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is corten steel better than normal steel?
Unlike normal metal, corten steel is a weathering metal. This means that it develops a protective coat of rust over time.
Not only does this coat insulate plants from harsh weather conditions, but it also gives corten steel a longer lifespan than normal steel.
Is it easy to maintain corten steel raised garden beds?
Absolutely. Minimal maintenance is one of the features that make corten steel garden beds attractive.
Once you have set it up correctly, you will not have much else to do, save for the occasional checking in to make sure that nothing is failing.
Is it safe to grow edibles in corten steel garden beds?
It is completely safe to grow your vegetables and other edibles in a corten steel garden bed. More often than not, you would not even need any additional treatments.
Still, some manufacturers tend to install protective liners between the raised bed and the soil.
The protective barrier is usually a food-grade waterproof coat that is similar to the one used in tanks that hold rainwater.
Is corten steel expensive?
Corten steel is significantly more costly than normal metal. All factors kept the same, corten steel is about 50% more expensive than common grades of steel.
Fortunately, corten offers value for every cent spent on it, making it financially worthwhile in the long run.
How deep should raised garden beds be?
Typically, vegetable beds should be about 12 to 18 inches deep. If the type of plant does better in dry soil and drainage is a problem, then you could opt for a deeper bed.
Still, a garden bed does not have to be very deep for it to work effectively.
More Raised Planters
Final Thoughts
If you have been planning to get a corten steel raised bed for your backyard or garden, this article was meant just for you.
Hopefully, you have found it helpful. Feel free to click on the links provided if you would like to learn more about the products or make a purchase.
Also, remember to consider the different factors discussed in the article before you settle for a garden bed.
