Corten steel — sometimes called weathering steel — is a low-alloy steel that develops a stable rust patina under normal exposure. The patina protects the metal underneath, which is why architects love it for everything from bridges to fire pits.
It’s a strong choice for fire pits in temperate climates with seasonal rain. The patina deepens for the first 18 months, then settles into a stable dark amber-brown that takes on its own character with age. No paint, no annual maintenance, no rust streaks worse than what’s already there by design.
Where we steer away from Corten: salt-air locations and patios with light-coloured paving. The runoff during patina formation can stain travertine, limestone, or unsealed concrete — and salt accelerates the chemistry beyond what the protective layer can handle. Coastal customers usually go for our powder-coated steel or the GFRC concrete line instead.