Corten, or weathering steel, consists of steel alloys that result in an impressive finish on metal. These corten steel raised garden beds are popular long-term garden fixture in yards within the United States and around the world.
In addition, restaurants and other public areas are employing corten beds in their designs as dividers.
This article will review four of the best corten steel raised beds available on the market today as well as a guide on how to choose the best one.
Before we discuss the pocketbook and present our findings, let’s discuss why corten is a better raised garden bed material than wood.
Why Corten Steel Garden Beds Are Better Than Wooden Beds
Corten steel garden beds are the better option for a variety of reason, one of which is weather resistance.
Their rusting does not erode the metal but insulates plants and protects them from harsh weather conditions.
Wooden garden beds break down over time and have to frequently be replaced. Wood is generally treated with chemicals that leach into the growing food area to keep from rotting. This is not an issue when using corten steel.
Cedar is the only type of wood that can withstand the conditions for an extended period of time, but it is incredibly expensive, and ultimately will need to be replaced as it is not entirely decay and rot resistant.
Overall, a corten steel garden bed is much more affordable in the long run.
Additionally, you do not have to coat the corten steel or paint it. Over time it develops a beautiful stable rusty appearance that resists corrosion.
Because of this, you do not have to be concerned about helmet destruction due to humidity, rain, snow or frost. Wood on the other hand, you will need to coat it to prolong its use.
Factors To Consider When Buying Corten Steel Raised Garden Beds
Finding the ideal corten steel raised garden bed may not be the simplest exercise due to the numerous brands available in the market. Below are some factors that you should keep in the back of your mind while you shop:
Affordability
To refrain from causing any economic hardship, it is a good idea to make purchases you can afford. Each person has unique purchasing power. It is important to know yours and stick to it.
The Great News is that different corten steel garden beds have different prices, so you?ll find one that fits your budget easily.
Quality
The quality determines the durability and function of a corten steel plant bed, and you want to purchase a product of a high quality so that it can serve you well and for long.
The truth is, good quality usually comes with the highest amount of money, a consideration that pays off by not having to incur a repair or replacement cost later on.
Drainage
Effective garden beds include drainage options to regulate how much water reaches the bed. Most corten steel garden beds include weep holes in the bottom to allow drainage of any excess water.
Size
Garden beds are available in a range of sizes, from those small enough to sit on a table to large ones that can sit on the ground in a garden.
The size you select will be dictated by the variables of space and the function of the garden bed.
Shape
There are many shapes for garden beds. Some will be round or rectangular while others are cube-shaped.
The shape is going to depend on your style and how it works with the design style of your garden, patio or even balcony.
Ease of use
You are looking for a product that is easy to put together and operate. A garden bed that you can build on your own in just a matter of time loving it seems perfect for an appeal.
It would be even better if the package includes the proper equipment and instructions.
Purpose
Are you looking for the garden bed strictly for your plants, for a decorative purpose, or a combination of both? You should keep these elements in mind when selecting the perfect one for you.
Corten steel has a modern rustic appearance that fits seamlessly with a variety of styles.
Insulation
You’d like to have a raised bed that will protect your plants from damaging weather. Corten steel is very resistant to cracking.
When the material rusts it creates an insulating layer of rust that keeps the plants protected from extreme heat or extreme cold.
Best Corten Steel Raised Garden Beds
PLANTERCRAFT Corten Steel Metal Planter Box
Despite being rather pricey, this box is worth every penny you spend on it. In its new state, it is greyish because the corten steel is not exposed to the elements and is therefore not weathered.
After a few months, it develops a pretty rust patina and will continue to have that color for many decades. The good news is that once it turns into its full rust color, the rust stops, so the material is not eaten away.
This rusty color gives this corten steel metal planter box a natural rustic appearance that complements various spaces, including commercial and residential.
Designers love using it for creating landscape designs on patios, balconies, and rooftops as well.
On top of that, it creates a wonderful area for you and your family to grow plants in the garden. For one, it is incredibly simple to use as all you have to do is fill it with garden soil and move your plants in or plant your seeds.
To promote drainage, this garden bed has drainage holes on the bottom and is raised one inch off the ground.
Furthermore, this planter is of high quality as it is constructed of heavy-duty corten steel that is built to last. The industrial construction and perfect finish also provide it plenty of structural rigidity.
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.
Corten Steel Planter Box by DIY CARTEL
Similar to all corten steel raised garden beds, this specific model rusts within a few months’ time. However, the corrosion does not impair the structural integrity of the steel. Instead, it cushions it from temperature extremes on both sides, whether hot or cold.
While you are required to assemble the raised garden bed, the process is straightforward and takes little time. The manufacturer even gives you all the necessary tools to complete the assembly, including bolts and nuts.
This raised corten steel garden bed has drainage holes at the bottom of it. Therefore, your plants receive a controlled amount of water without the risk of over-watering them.
Additionally, the structure is built using solid and durable raw steel that is worn and will withstand the test of time.
In short, this product is a worthwhile investment that is worth the investment. Worse case scenario, if you do not like it or are not satisfied with it, you can return it for a full refund or an exchange.
What more could you ask for?
Key Features
- Thermal insulation protects plants against the rigors of the environment.
- Comes unassembled, but the assembling instructions are clear and easy to follow.
- There are drainage holes in 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.
Elevens Planter Box Metal Series Corten Steel Raised Garden Bed
The Elevens Planter Garden Bed is aesthetically pleasing in shape and can be used both indoors, as a part of your home decor, or outdoors in your garden. It looks modern, yet rustic.
The material is corten steel, with a 19 inch diameter and 28 inches high. Curling up towards the bottom are two functional bars which create a visual sense of order within the garden bed.
There is very little extra setup or install for our planters. All the hardware you need is supplied, it’s not rocket science to put together and can be assembled with one person. The planting process is easy and quick, as you will not have to fill the planter with appreciable soil.
It is crack resistant because the corten is architectural steel that rusts on the surface but does not compromise the integrity of the material.
It is also insulated with Styrofoam, which appropriately resists extreme weather. If your plants are too hot or too cold, you will not be worrying about them.
The Elevens Planter Garden Bed has a drainage hole in the bottom to control the amount of water retained in the soil. If you want to build a raised bed to plant your vegetable garden, this planter garden is the perfect fit.
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.
Corten Steel Planter Box by DIY CARTEL
The garden bed made from corten steel by DIY CARTEL is highly durable, being constructed from heavy-duty corten steel using an industrial-grade build.
This means you can expect it to last you a lifetime with little repair and replacement costs.
When received, the garden bed will be greyish in color. It will take about 2 to 3 months for it to develop a nice rust patina, which it will keep for the rest of its life. This unique look gives the garden bed a cute modern farmhouse rustic style that complements different styles.
Additionally, it is easy and quick to put together and use a garden bed. It comes with both bolts and nuts, along with instructions to successfully put it together.
It has two drainage holes on the bottom that help control how much water will be in your growing structure to avoid flooding and damaging your plants.
The manufacturers provide an excellent after sale service, offering a full refund or replacement if the product does not meet your expectations.
This tells me the manufacturers fully believe 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 strong due to its construction from heavy-duty corten steel.
- It has good easy assembly and usability.
- It has two drainage holes for drainage.
- It has great after-sale services such as replacement and refundable.
Cons
- It is costly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is corten steel better than normal steel?
Corten steel is not a typical type of metal, it is a weathering metal. This means it will acquire a protective layer of rust with time.
Not only is this layer protective for plants from harsh weather, but corten steel will last much longer than a typical steel.
Is it easy to maintain corten steel raised garden beds?
Definitely. Low maintenance is one of the attractive advantages of corten steel garden beds.
Once bed installation is done correctly, you will not need to do much of anything else except maybe check in occasionally to ensure nothing is falling apart.
Is it safe to grow edibles in corten steel garden beds?
There is absolutely no danger in cultivating your vegetable and other edibles in a corten steel garden bed. Most of the time, you would not need additional treatments.
However, some manufacturers will place a protective liner between the raised bed and the soil.
In most cases, this protective barrier is a food-grade waterproof coat similar to what you would use in a rainwater tank.
Is corten steel expensive?
In comparison to traditional steel, Corten steel is quite pricey. Overall, Corten steel is about 50% more than standard steel grade.
The best part is that Corten is value for every dollar you spend, and will be a great value for years to come.
How deep should raised garden beds be?
Normally, vegetable beds should be around 12 to 18 inches. If the plant you are growing does better in dry soil and drainage is really an issue, then you can have a deeper bed.
But a garden bed does not have to be too deep to be effective.
More Raised Planters
Final Thoughts
If you have been considering purchasing a corten steel raised bed for your backyard or garden, then this article was specifically written for you.
I hope you found this useful, and if you’re interested in learning more about the products or purchasing it, click the links provided.
And by the way, also keep in mind the different factors we discussed in this article before you just select any one garden bed.