A Guide To Corten Products And Their Uses

When you’re seeking a beautiful, long-lasting rusted finish, look no further than Corten steel, also known as A606 or weathering steel. This corrosion-resistant material is versatile, available in everything from roofing panels to landscape edging, and comes with all the accessories needed for a successful construction project.

At Western States Metal Roofing, we take pride in being a leading provider of Corten/weathering steel products. We offer the largest selection of Corten structural components and metal roofing products, designed to meet or exceed your project requirements.

Below, we explore the most popular types of Corten steel products so you can select exactly what you need for your next project.

Types of Corten Steel Products

1. Corten Flat Sheets

Corten steel sheets are versatile and widely used in siding, fencing, and architectural projects. Available in thicknesses from 22 gauge to ½” and various lengths and widths, they can fit virtually any project specification.

Popular Applications:

• Bridges

• Marine transportation

• Sculptures

• Planter boxes

• Landscape edging

• Wall cladding

• Large commercial projects

2. Corten Plate

Corten plate corresponds to ASTM A588. Standard stock sizes are 96″ width × 240″ or 480″ length.

This plate is ideal for welded bridges and building projects where weight savings or extra durability are critical. Its atmospheric corrosion resistance far surpasses standard carbon structural steels.

Popular Applications:

• Bridges

• Building facades

• Rail cars

• Storage containers

• Industrial shipping

3. Corten Flat Bar

Corten flat bars are ASTM A588 steel with a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi and tensile strength of 70 ksi. Stock lengths include 20′ and 40′ sections, with thicknesses from ¼” to 1″.

Popular Applications:

• Bridgework

4. Corten Tube

Corten tube is ASTM A847, a cold-formed, high-strength low-alloy steel. Cold forming ensures chemical consistency and enhances physical properties. Designed for structures requiring welding and bolting, it offers high strength and corrosion resistance.

Stock Lengths: 24’ sections
Thicknesses: 11 GA (1/8″), 3/16″, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″

Popular Applications:

• Cranes

• Passenger ships

• Handrails

• Furniture

• Bridges

5. Corten Pipe

Corten pipe is also ASTM A847 and shares similar advantages with Corten tubes. Cold forming improves its mechanical properties, with 50 ksi minimum yield and 70 ksi minimum tensile strength.

Stock Lengths: 21’ sections

Popular Applications:

• Flue gas structures

• Handrails

• Furniture

• Bridges

6. Corten Angle

Corten angles (ASTM A588) provide 50 ksi minimum yield and 70 ksi minimum tensile strength, with stock lengths of 20′ or 40′ and thicknesses ranging from 1/8″ to 1 1/8″.

Popular Applications:

• Welded bridges

• Buildings requiring added strength and corrosion resistance

7. Corten Beams

Corten beams (ASTM A588) come in various sizes and are ideal for structural applications requiring strength and durability.

Popular Applications:

• Flue gas structures

• Handrails

• Furniture

• Bridges

8. Corten Channels

Corten channels (ASTM A588) offer 50 ksi minimum yield strength and 70 ksi tensile strength. Stock lengths are 240″.

Popular Applications:

• Welded bridges

• Buildings where added strength and corrosion resistance are required

Corrosion Resistance of Corten Steel

One of the main advantages of Corten steel is its corrosion resistance, though it is not completely rust-proof. Longevity depends on climate, steel thickness, and the formation of the protective rust layer.

• Patina Development: Corten typically develops a protective layer within 6 months of exposure to outdoor weather cycles.

• Durability: Once the patina forms, Corten steel can last over 100 years, significantly outperforming normal steel in longevity and maintenance.