Embracing the Beauty of Corten Steel: Your Guide to Modern Retaining Walls and Fencing
As the owner of Klinks Fencing here in Tauranga, I've seen countless materials come and go over the years. But there's one that continues to capture both my professional interest and my clients' imagination: Corten steel.
I'm Craig from Klinks, and today I want to share why this remarkable material has become such a popular choice for retaining walls and fencing across the Bay of Plenty region.
What Exactly Is Corten Steel?
When clients visit our yard for the first time, they're often drawn to those distinctive rust-coloured panels. "What's that?" they ask, running their fingers along the textured surface.
Corten steel (sometimes written as Cor-Ten*) is a group of steel alloys developed to form a stable, protective rust layer when exposed to the weather. Unlike regular steel that continues to corrode, Corten develops a patina that actually protects the material underneath.
I remember John and Sarah, who were building on a sloped section in Welcome Bay. They wanted something that would blend with their native garden while providing solid structural support. When I showed them Corten samples, Sarah immediately said, "That's it! That's exactly the look we've been searching for."
The Advantages That Keep My Clients Smiling
Natural Beauty That Evolves
One of the most appealing aspects of Corten is how it changes over time. When installed, it has a raw steel appearance, but within a few months, it develops that rich, warm, earthy tone that many of my clients fall in love with.
Melissa from Mount Maunganui chose Corten for her beachside property because, as she put it, "It complements the natural coastal tones and creates a beautiful contrast against the blue ocean backdrop."
Remarkable Durability
I've been installing Corten retaining walls and fences for several years now, and those early projects still look fantastic. The self-protecting nature of the steel means minimal maintenance for homeowners.
Eco-Friendly Choice
For environmentally conscious clients (and we have many here in Tauranga), Corten is a sustainable option. It doesn't require chemical treatments or regular replacement like some materials.
Perfect for Our Coastal Environment
Living in the Bay of Plenty means contending with salt air and sea breezes. Corten handles these conditions exceptionally well, making it ideal for our local climate.
Being Honest: The Disadvantages to Consider
While I'm a big fan of Corten steel, I always make sure my clients understand the full picture:
Initial Runoff Management
During the first 6-12 months, Corten releases some of its oxidation as it forms its protective layer. This can stain adjacent surfaces like concrete and light-colored paving.
I recommend installing a small gravel trap at the base of new Corten walls or fencing. Dave from Papamoa learned this the hard way when his new concrete path developed some orange staining. We've since installed drainage solutions that direct the runoff away from surfaces he wants to keep clean.
Not for Every Design
While versatile, Corten has a distinct industrial-meets-natural aesthetic that doesn't suit every home. I always recommend clients invite us to their site to see how it might complement their existing architecture.
Weight Considerations
Corten is heavier than some alternative materials, which can impact installation methods and costs. For significant retaining walls, proper engineering is essential.
The Cost Question: Is Corten Steel Expensive?
This is probably the most common question I hear at Klinks. The honest answer? Corten is an investment, but one that often pays for itself over time.
While the upfront cost is higher than standard steel or timber options, the long-term value is exceptional due to its longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.
For budgeting purposes, Corten currently runs between $12-$18 per kilogram depending on thickness and finish requirements. But remember, price shouldn't be your only consideration.
Marion and Peter from Otumoetai initially balked at the price comparison with treated pine for their retaining project. "But when we calculated that we'd need to replace the timber at least twice over the next 25 years, plus regular staining and maintenance, the Corten actually worked out cheaper long-term," Marion told me last year.
Lifespan: How Long Will Your Corten Investment Last?
For standard 3mm Corten steel used in fencing applications, you can expect a minimum lifespan of 50+ years in our Bay of Plenty climate. For retaining walls, where we typically use 5-6mm thickness, the lifespan extends even further.
Professional Tips From My Years at Klinks
Design Integration
I always suggest incorporating other materials alongside Corten to create visual interest. Plantings work beautifully with the earthy tones – flaxes and native grasses are particularly complementary in our Tauranga gardens.
Maintenance Advice
While minimal maintenance is required, I recommend hosing down Corten surfaces occasionally to remove salt buildup if you're very close to the ocean. This helps maintain that beautiful patina.
Fabrication Matters
Not all Corten installations are equal. At Klinks, we pay special attention to water drainage, ensuring no water pools on horizontal surfaces which could lead to premature wear.
Consider Your Whole Property
Corten works best when it's part of a cohesive design approach. I recommend considering how retaining walls will work with fencing, garden features, and even outdoor furniture for a harmonious result.
Is Corten Steel Right for Your Tauranga Property?
After years of working with different materials throughout the Bay of Plenty, I can confidently say that Corten steel stands among the best options for our unique environment. Its combination of structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, and longevity makes it ideal for coastal properties and those challenging sloped sections we so often encounter in Tauranga.
Whether you're looking for a statement fence to define your property boundaries or a reliable retaining wall solution to manage your sloping section, Corten deserves serious consideration.
Craig Roughton is the owner of Klinks Fencing Tauranga, specializing in innovative fencing and retaining wall solutions for residential and commercial properties throughout the Bay of Plenty region.
Call Craig at 027 630 2735 if you want more information on corten steel retaining walls.
* The name "Cor-Ten" (or Corten) is actually a trademark that comes from the two key properties of this specialized steel:
CORrosion resistance
TENsile strength
This trade name was originally developed and registered by United States Steel Corporation (USS) in the 1930s. The name directly highlights the steel's two most valuable characteristics: its ability to resist corrosion through the formation of a protective rust layer (the patina) and its exceptional structural strength.
The hyphenated name "Cor-Ten" is the official trademark, though it's commonly written as "Corten" in general usage. Today, while similar weathering steels are produced by many manufacturers around the world, the original Cor-Ten brand name has become somewhat generic, similar to how "Kleenex" is often used to refer to facial tissues.