What if, reminiscent of a rusty sheet metal, the plate would take a back seat to home interior design? Some are of the opinion that this concept is too bold, not compatible with modern aesthetics. Others think it's a solution fit only for industrial spaces. There are also those for whom it is a stylish, original and even sophisticated material. Loved by designers, it is eagerly used for construction and facades of buildings and used in small architecture. More and more often it is also hosted in interiors. Undoubtedly, however, with other materials, it must be juxtaposed in a very thoughtful way.
What exactly is the recently fashionable corten?
Balustrade made of corten sheet metal
What is weathering steel?
Corten steelis a visually and structurally attractive material with improved weather resistance. It is a type of low-alloy steel that, in addition to iron and carbon , also contains chromium, copper and manganese, which significantly affect its characteristics. Surfaces made of this material are covered over time with a characteristic protective layer of oxides, slowing down the further corrosion process. Cortenium initially has a gray tint, and its characteristic ore color, is the result of subsequent oxidation.
Passivation, or the process of patina formation, occurs gradually. The rusty tarnish, under outdoor conditions, is formed over 18-36 months. Subsequently, the orange layer darkens, taking on brown tones, and turns brown after more than 20 years. The rate of patina formation depends on weather factors - climate, degree of sun exposure and air quality. In heavily polluted and humid environments, the tarnish develops faster and its shade is noticeably darker, in dry environments the patina takes on a lighter color.
The whole process happens under the influence of alternate wetting and drying of the material. So while in the external environment, a layer of patina develops naturally, items intended for interiors require artificial patination. After this stage, the maturation processes of sheet metal stop, leaving a unique decorative layer.
A brass-looking sliding door made of corten and a wall covered with pressed corten sheet metal
Material not new at all
Korten is a material whose history dates back to the 1830s. Back then, during the Great Depression, the United States Steel Corporation, wanting to find a replacement for corrosion-prone structural steel, produced weathering. It turned out that the product had excellent properties - it was durable, easy to maintain and resistant to weathering. Initially it was used to build railroad cars. Only after some time did people begin to notice its aesthetic qualities and cover the facades of buildings with it. The first architectural project of this type was created in 1964, the headquarters of the John Deere company in Illinois, designed by Eero Saarinen.
Corten plates can be used to cover walls, shelves, as well as furniture facades
Why is it worth and what should be kept in mind when deciding on weathering?
Cortensteel does not require additional protection or regular painting - patina is sufficient protection. The weathering of weathering steel is so durable that even in conditions of varying temperature and humidity it can withstand intact for several decades. It is also fully safe for health.
It is a material of great aesthetic value. Surfaces made of it are characterized by artistic appearance and originality. Advantages also include the availability of plates in many sizes, the possibility of ordering an openwork pattern or engraving. The sheet is easily perforated, which allows to achieve interesting decorative effects.
Properly installed panels should not cause problems. It is worth remembering that water should not be allowed to collect on the surface, as constant contact with moisture can result in damage to the material. At the initial stage of use of corten, there is a risk of staining adjacent surfaces. So, if you decide to use weatherboard in a wet environment, you need to temporarily protect the surfaces next to it, which can easily become discolored. The leaching of the layer should subside after a few weeks.
Stairs made of weathering sheet. This material is easily subjected to perforation
The charm of corten in the interior
Corten steel has excellent properties, and is beautiful in its simplicity. It takes on a captivating rusty color, making it regarded as an interesting design material. The use of COR-TEN panels has become one of the most avant-garde interior solutions today. We can put them on the main wall in the living room or bedroom, make doors, cabinet fronts or an unorthodox coffeetable out of COR-TEN. Stairs or balustrades made of this material also look extremely interesting.
Corten sheet works well in conditions of frequent and large temperature differences
Undoubtedly, it is a material dedicated to industrial, modern and minimalist interiors. In the midst of subdued arrangements, it will stand out as a bold element and testify to original taste. Its matte, varied texture will look great in the vicinity of architectural concrete, sandstone, brick or glass. Due to its resistance to changing, extreme temperatures and substances in smoke, weathering is also suitable for covering fireplaces.
The interior will also gain character by accenting it with corten accessories. So we can install openwork walls, lamp fixtures or set up pots in which lush flowering plants will perfectly correspond with the refined aesthetics of "rusty" sheet metal.
Development: Liwia Sus
