MORE THAN
A RUSTED
FINISH.
COR-TEN® is a genuine weathering steel designed to form a dense, protective patina when exposed to alternating wet and dry conditions. It is used for architectural cladding, facades, landscaping and fabrication where a natural weathered finish is required.
Patina
Self-Protecting Surface
Wet · Dry
Best Weathering Cycle
SSAB
Genuine COR-TEN® Supply
Sheets & COILS
Available NOW
COR-TEN® is not just a colour — it is a specific weathering steel product.
Steel engineered
to weather.
COR-TEN® is not ordinary steel left to rust. It is a carefully alloyed weathering steel designed so the surface develops into a protective patina over time.
The name COR-TEN® comes from its two key performance characteristics: CORrosion resistance and high TENsile strength.
Not ordinary
rusted steel.
COR-TEN® is a carefully alloyed weathering steel incorporating elements such as copper, chromium, nickel and phosphorus. These alloying elements help the initial oxidation process form a tightly adhering, fine-grained oxide layer rather than the loose, flaking corrosion typically seen in conventional mild steel.
The surface is
functional.
The oxide layer — known as the patina — is not just aesthetic. It acts as a functional barrier that helps slow further corrosion by limiting oxygen and moisture access to the steel beneath.
Once the patina has stabilised, typically after 18–24 months of outdoor exposure with alternating wet and dry cycles, COR-TEN® can achieve its natural weathered appearance without paint or applied coating.
The wet / dry
cycle matters.
COR-TEN® needs to fully dry out between rain events to form the correct patina. Permanently wet conditions — such as standing water, poor drainage or continuously humid environments — can prevent the oxide layer from stabilising and may lead to ongoing corrosion.
Exposed areas with airflow, drainage and regular wet/dry cycling.
Avoid trapped moisture, poor drainage and constant water contact.
Trademarked
material.
COR-TEN® is a registered trademark of U.S. Steel Corporation. SSAB produces COR-TEN® under licence to meet the original chemical and mechanical specification.
Products sold as “corten” without this licensing are weathering steel, but they are not genuine COR-TEN® and may not meet the same standard.
From raw steel
to protective
patina.
COR-TEN® changes naturally once exposed to the atmosphere. The surface colour shifts over time as oxidation develops, deepens and stabilises into the protective patina the material is known for.
Raw Steel Surface
COR-TEN® is supplied in its raw steel form. The surface may appear dark grey, blue-grey or mill-finished before exposure.
Orange-Brown Colour
Once exposed to rain, air and changing site conditions, the surface begins developing its initial rusted appearance.
Colour Variation
With repeated wet and dry cycles, the oxide layer becomes denser and more stable. Uneven colour and streaking can be normal during this stage.
Mature Protective Layer
Over time, the patina matures into a darker, more settled surface that helps protect the steel beneath in suitable environments.
The patina forms best when COR-TEN® can fully dry between wet periods. Airflow and drainage matter.
Avoid details that trap water or keep the steel permanently wet, as this may prevent the protective layer from stabilising.
View Design Considerations →
Where COR-TEN®
Gets Used
COR-TEN® weathering steel is used across architectural, landscape and fabrication projects where a durable material and natural weathered finish are required.
Facades & Cladding
External wall panels, architectural cladding and feature elevations for commercial, residential and institutional buildings.
Screens & Partitions
Privacy screens, laser-cut decorative panels, sun screens and architectural partitions with a strong weathered finish.
Landscape Edging & Retaining
Garden edging, retaining walls, raised beds, outdoor features and landscape elements where the natural patina suits the design.
Planters & Outdoor Features
Commercial planter boxes, raised garden beds, outdoor seating elements and architectural landscape features.
Fabrication Supply
Raw sheets and coils supplied for cutting, folding, welding, forming, profiling and architectural metalwork.
Public & Civic Features
Sculptures, signage, public art, civic installations and statement pieces designed to age naturally over time.
Material supply only: Corten Australia supplies raw COR-TEN® sheets and coils. Fabrication, installation, detailing and final project design are handled by the buyer, fabricator or project team.
COR-TEN®
In Application.
Example uses of COR-TEN® weathering steel across facades, cladding, landscape features, screens and architectural fabrication.
Images shown are for application reference only. Corten Australia supplies raw COR-TEN® sheets and coils for fabrication, cladding, landscape and commercial project use.
Genuine
COR-TEN® by
SSAB.
SSAB is a Nordic steel manufacturer with origins in Sweden and Finland, known globally for advanced high-strength steels, structural grades and weathering steel products.
About
SSAB COR-TEN®
Established in 1978, SSAB operates globally and is known for rigorous standards in steel production across structural, advanced and weathering steel grades.
COR-TEN® is a registered trademark of U.S. Steel Corporation. SSAB produces COR-TEN® under licence, meeting the original chemical and mechanical standards set by U.S. Steel.
This licensing arrangement means that genuine SSAB COR-TEN® is not simply a product associated with SSAB — it is a formally licensed product that meets the specification the trademark represents. Only materials produced under this licence can legally carry the COR-TEN® name.
Why it matters
Corten Australia supplies genuine SSAB COR-TEN® in commercial quantities, giving fabricators, builders, architects and project teams greater confidence in the material being supplied.
Products sold as “corten” without the appropriate licensing are weathering steel, but they are not genuine COR-TEN® and may not meet the same specification.
Ready to quote
Ready to
source
COR-TEN®?
Corten Australia supplies genuine SSAB COR-TEN® sheets and coils for fabricators, builders, cladding contractors, landscape contractors and commercial project teams across Australia and New Zealand.
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project details.
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Material supply only. Fabrication, installation, detailing and final project design are handled by the buyer, fabricator or project team.