Corten Steel Edging

Corten steel edging is a premium landscape border made from weathering steel - an alloy designed to form a stable, protective rust-coloured layer when exposed to the elements. This patina seals the surface, preventing deeper corrosion and giving the edging a warm, organic look that blends naturally with gardens. Because of its strength, long lifespan, and ability to hold crisp lines, corten edging is used to define garden beds, pathways, lawn edges, and architectural features while adding a modern, sculptural touch to outdoor spaces.

Corten steel garden edging is known for its exceptional lifespan, typically lasting anywhere from 40 to well over 100 years in normal garden conditions. Once the protective patina forms, it seals the surface and dramatically slows corrosion, allowing the steel to hold its shape and strength for decades with virtually no maintenance. In dry or inland climates, corten can last a lifetime; in harsher environments, such as coastal areas or spots that stay permanently damp, the weathering process may be disrupted, which can shorten its lifespan. With correct installation and good drainage, corten edging remains one of the longest-lasting landscape materials available.

No, Corten steel is designed to be practically maintenance-free. Once its natural patina has developed, it protects the steel without the need for painting, sealing, or ongoing treatment. In most gardens, the only upkeep needed is the occasional rinse to remove built-up dirt or debris so the patina can weather evenly. As long as the edging is installed with good drainage, so water doesn’t sit against it, the material will continue to age naturally and remain low-maintenance for decades.

Corten steel is considered safe for garden use and does not leach harmful substances into the soil. As the patina forms, it becomes a stable, protective layer that limits further runoff and keeps the steel’s minerals locked in place. Any trace elements that may wash off early in the weathering process, such as small amounts of iron or zinc, are naturally occurring and are commonly found in soil already. These minerals are not harmful to plants and can even support healthy growth, which is why corten edging is widely used in flower beds, landscaping projects, and vegetable gardens without issue.

Yes, you can drill into corten steel, and the process is straightforward as long as you use the right tools. Because corten is harder than mild steel, a good-quality cobalt or titanium-coated drill bit makes the job much easier. Mark the spot with a centre punch, drill a small pilot hole first, and work at a slow speed with steady pressure. Using cutting fluid helps keep the bit cool and extends its life, especially for larger holes. For big openings, a metal-rated hole saw or step bit is ideal. With proper technique, corten drills cleanly without damaging the patina or the edging.

Yes, corten steel edging can be cut easily with the right tools. For most DIY installations, an angle grinder with a metal-cutting disc is the simplest and most effective option. A metal-cutting circular saw or a plasma cutter will produce even cleaner, faster cuts if you have access to them. Mark your line clearly, clamp the edging to keep it steady, and let the tool do the work without forcing it. After cutting, a quick pass with a metal file or flap disc will smooth the edge and keep it safe to handle. In some layouts, you can also avoid cutting altogether by overlapping pieces or adjusting your layout to use full lengths.

Corten steel edging can be joined easily, and the method depends on the system you’re using. With modern quick-join designs (like YardSteel), the ends simply slot together to create a tight, secure connection without the need for stakes or extra hardware. This keeps the install fast and ensures the pieces line up cleanly for a smooth, continuous edge. For custom layouts or corners, you can overlap sections or use joining plates if required, and any cut edges can be lightly filed for a neat finish. As long as the ground is level before joining, the connections lock firmly into place and allow the edging to weather evenly over time.

Bending corten steel edging is surprisingly easy, making it perfect for custom garden layouts. For gentle curves, you can bend it by hand over the edge of a table, a solid block, or even another piece of edging - no special tools required. For sharper angles, you can use a vice or a soft mallet to apply steady, controlled pressure. If needed, lightly scoring the bend line with an angle grinder can help achieve a crisp angle, but in most cases, hand-bending is sufficient. This flexibility allows you to shape the edging on-site while preserving the steel’s integrity and ensuring the patina develops evenly.

For lawns and driveways, corten steel lawn edging around 100 mm high is usually ideal. For garden beds or areas where you need to contain more soil or mulch, taller edging is better, typically 150 mm or higher. Choose a height that suits the amount of containment you need while keeping the look balanced with your space.

You can buy YardSteel’s corten range right here on our website, with shipping available anywhere in Australia. If you’d rather purchase in person, contact us and we’ll connect you with a local stockist.