Corten steel (often referred to as Cor–Ten) is a weather-resistant or ‘Atmospheric Corrosion Resistant Steel’. Unlike ordinary steel, it does not bubble, peel or flake. It is a copper chromium alloy steel – this alloy displays a greater level of resistance to atmospheric weathering and if left alone, will take 1-2 years to reach its peak ‘rust coloured’ patina and then should remain in that state with little change (changing from vibrant orange to a dark red). The rusting process can be sped up by spraying with saltwater. Care must be taken on paving surfaces during the first 9 months as rust bleeding or runoff may cause stains prior to the rust patina stabilising. The fire pit comes unweathered but weathers within a few months.
