CorTen Steel
The use of CorTen steel in public spaces creates a warm, natural look. CorTen steel can be applied outdoors without any treatment, thus avoiding environment-unfriendly zinc or chemical coatings.
CorTen is a steel alloy with added chromium, copper and nickel, on which a dense, tight layer of rust appears. The air and water-tight patina is formed over a period of six months, which prevents the steel from rusting any further.
Apart from its warm character, CorTen steel has a number of other advantages: it is environment-friendly, sticker and graffiti-resistant, displays an attractive fading effect from orange to brown and any repairs or alterations to a CorTen steel structure will become invisible over time due to its natural oxidation.
For applications in public spaces, oxidation fluid or traces of CorTen rubbing off on clothes should be taken into account. Streetlife certainly considers this when designing products and will gladly provide tips on how CorTen steel products should best be applied.