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Many of our products are made from what we call Rustic Steel. This is plain mild steel with no paint or coating. It is made to change when left outside. Over time, the steel reacts with air and rain. This creates a warm orange-brown finish, often called a patina. It gives the product a natural, aged look.
When your item arrives, it will look grey. It may also have small marks of light rust. This is normal. It is not a fault. It simply shows that the steel is beginning its natural ageing process. As the product stays outdoors, the rust layer will slowly grow and darken in colour.
How fast this happens depends on the weather. Rain, damp air and cold days will speed it up. Dry weather or a sheltered spot will slow it down. Each item will age in its own way. No two pieces will ever look exactly the same, which adds to their charm.
In normal outdoor conditions, full rusting can take a few weeks or even a few months. If you would like to speed up the process, there is a simple method you can try.
Mix equal parts distilled vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Add a quarter of a cup of table salt. Shake well. Spray the mixture evenly over the surface. This will start a fast reaction and you should see rust forming within a couple of days. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling the mixture, and use it in a well-ventilated area.
Drag the slider to see how the steel changes over time.
If you are more used to working in inches and feet rather than millimetres, this quick guide can help. Below you will find a handy reference for some of our standard planter sizes, along with a simple converter to calculate more specific measurements whenever you need them.
| Millimetres (mm) | Inches (") | Feet + Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 120 | 4.72" | 0ft 4.72in |
| 200 | 7.87" | 0ft 7.87in |
| 300 | 11.81" | 0ft 11.81in |
| 400 | 15.75" | 1ft 3.75in |
| 600 | 23.62" | 1ft 11.62in |
| 900 | 35.43" | 2ft 11.43in |
Tip: 25.4mm = 1 inch.
No, our planters are not made from Corten steel. Corten is actually a specific brand name for a type of weathering steel. Over time the name has become widely used to describe any steel that develops a natural rust finish outdoors, much like how many people use the word “Hoover” to describe a vacuum cleaner.
Our planters are made from high-quality British steel that naturally weathers when exposed to the elements. As the steel sits outdoors, it slowly develops a rich rusted surface that protects the metal and creates the rustic appearance many people look for in garden planters.
This means you still get the same attractive weathered finish and long-lasting durability. The steel gradually forms a warm, natural rust patina that blends beautifully with plants, stone and timber in the garden.
Smaller planters are sent by courier. Larger planters or bulk orders may be delivered on a pallet to keep them safe during transport. Any products that require pallet delivery will be clearly marked on the product page.
No. You will only pay one shipping fee for your order, even if you purchase multiple planters. This makes it easier and more cost effective to buy several planters at once.
Yes, they can be placed on patios, decking or paving. During the early weathering stage, some rust runoff may occur. If you are placing the planter on light coloured surfaces, you may wish to raise it slightly or place it on gravel to reduce the chance of marking.
No special maintenance is required. The steel is designed to weather naturally outdoors. The rusted surface will continue to develop over time and does not need to be treated or painted.
Yes. Weathering steel planters are widely used in gardens and landscaping. Once the surface rust layer forms, the planter provides a stable and long-lasting container for a wide range of plants.
Yes. Steel planters are strong and designed for long-term outdoor use. As the rust layer develops it forms a stable surface that protects the steel underneath. This allows the planter to remain durable while maintaining its natural rustic appearance.
