What Are the Different Types of Corten Products?
Corten-type weathering steel is available in a wide range of product forms: flat sheets, plate, flat bar, tube, pipe, angle, beams and channels - each with its own standard and typical applications.
Corten Flat Sheets
Weathering steel sheets (from about 0.7 mm up to 12 mm) have a variety of uses from siding to fencing, available in many lengths and widths. Popular uses: bridges, marine transportation, sculptures, planter boxes, landscape edging, wall cladding and large commercial projects.
Corten Plate (ASTM A588)
Corten plate is commonly specified as ASTM A588, primarily intended for welded bridges and buildings where savings in weight or added durability are important. Its atmospheric corrosion resistance is substantially better than carbon structural steels with or without copper addition. Popular uses: bridges, building facades, rail cars, storage containers and industrial shipping.
Corten Flat Bar
A588 flat bar has a 345 MPa (50 ksi) minimum yield strength and a 483 MPa (70 ksi) minimum tensile strength, in thicknesses from 6 mm to 25 mm. Popular use: bridgework.
Corten Tube and Pipe (ASTM A847)
Corten tube and pipe are specified as ASTM A847 - cold-formed, welded high-strength low-alloy steel shaped into square, rectangular or round sections. Cold forming ensures chemical consistency throughout the surface and enhances the physical properties, with a 345 MPa (50 ksi) minimum yield and 483 MPa (70 ksi) minimum tensile. They are specifically designed for structures requiring welding and bolting. Popular uses: cranes, passenger ships, handrails, furniture, bridges and flue-gas structures.
Corten Angle, Beams and Channels (ASTM A588)
Angles, beams and channels are produced to ASTM A588 with a 345 MPa minimum yield and 483 MPa minimum tensile strength, in a wide range of sizes. Popular uses: welded bridges and buildings where added strength and corrosion resistance are important.
Corten Steel Corrosion Resistance
One of the main advantages of Corten steel is its corrosion resistance, but it is not completely rust-proof. The longevity depends on the climate, the steel thickness and the speed of the protective rust layer developing. You can expect Corten steel to begin patinating within about 6 months of atmospheric exposure; it requires cycles of wet/dry weather to develop and fully stabilize. Once the protective layer forms, Corten steel has superior durability compared with normal steel and can last over 100 years in suitable environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Corten sheet and Corten plate?
A: Sheet is thinner (typically up to about 12 mm) for siding, cladding and decorative use; plate is thicker (typically A588) for structural use in bridges and buildings.
Q: What standard applies to Corten tube?
A: ASTM A847 - cold-formed, welded high-strength low-alloy weathering tube and pipe.
Q: How long does it take for Corten to develop its patina?
A: Patina begins within about 6 months of atmospheric exposure and stabilizes with wet-dry cycling; full protection develops over 1–3 years depending on the climate.
Q: Can Corten steel last over 100 years?
A: In suitable atmospheric environments with proper design (drainage, wet-dry cycling), the stabilized patina allows service lives over 100 years.
Company profile
Founded in 2008, Gnee (Tianjin) Supply Chain Group Co., Ltd. specializes in the global trade and processing of Corten steel products.
• We handle all kinds of Corten engineering projects, such as bridges, gardens, hotels, and facade systems.
• Compliant with ASTM, EN, and other international standards; third-party inspection supported.
• Exported to over 200 countries and regions worldwide.
• 8 subsidiaries across China and overseas, ensuring global service coverage.
Application Fields: Architecture, landscaping, gardening, cladding, and urban infrastructure.
