Our Arden Corten steel trough planters, commonly known as rectangular Corten steel planters, are perfect for use anywhere from large-scale commercial landscape design to domestic gardens. Its unique 90mm feet elevate the planter off the ground, giving it a stylish and contemporary finish.
The Arden Corten steel trough planter is a popular choice for outdoor plantings, such as herbs, vegetables, and small trees. The rectangular shape and raised design of the planter make it ideal for creating a small garden or planting bed in a limited space, such as a patio or balcony.
Our planters are strong and robust items that can withstand exposure to the elements and, thanks to their durability, will not rust through or easily corrode. As such, the Arden Corten steel trough planter is designed to last for many years, even with regular use and exposure to harsh weather conditions. In fact, the planter gets better with age and will develop a unique orange and brown patina finish.
Firstly, we laser-cut the steel to ensure our design is precisely and consistently replicated for each item. Once the laser cutting is complete, we use specialist machinery to apply folds to the sheet steel.
We then complete the fabrication by hand using only the best, qualified fabricators who take immense pride in their work. Everything is proudly made in the UK and none of our products are imported from overseas.
Each trough has a double-folded return top lip feature. A lot of similar products on the market leave a steel edge or a single fold. We have opted for a double fold for several reasons:
- It’s a much higher quality, premium finish (and it just looks so much better!)
- It gives the trough unbelievable strength and rigidity
- It’s safer for hands when planting
The corners and connecting sides are fully seam-welded and we take the time and effort to smooth welds which provide amazing corner and edge detail. Once we’re finished, you won’t even know where the welds are! As they are handmade by our professional fabricators, each trough is ever so slightly unique, adding to the charm of this product.
Arden: Corten Steel Trough Planter: Pre-Weathered With Optional Feet
What is it made of?
Our planters are made from 100% genuine, certified Corten steel. Also known as weathering steel or COR-TEN steel. COR refers to the metal’s property of corrosion resistance. TEN denotes the metal’s tensile strength.
We make our rectangular Corten steel planters with feet from structural grade, 2mm thick steel as standard. Corten steel develops a unique and distinct patina when exposed to the elements. The patina is beautiful and protective. The oxidised patina forms a barrier to slow down the oxidisation process which further lengthens the life of the material.
The patina develops rich, warm, autumnal shades of orange, red, and brown over time when exposed to the elements. The beauty of this material is that the shades and colours of the patina depend on the climate of where the product is situated. So, you’re guaranteed to have a totally unique planter in your very own garden.
Corten steel is a premium metal used widely in landscaping and construction. Some of the most notable structures that use Corten are:
- The Angel of the North by Anthony Gormley
- John Deere World Headquarters by Eero Saarinen, Kevin Roche
- Leeds Broadcasting Tower by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Any custom sizes can be produced in up to 6mm steel depending on the intended use. We offer all our planters in rustic patina steel and Corten steel.
How will my order arrive?
We have a trusted network of nationwide pallet and parcel couriers. Larger-sized planters or orders with larger quantities will arrive via a pallet courier, and smaller-sized orders will arrive via one of our parcel courier partners. All deliveries are fully tracked.
As our planters are handmade, there may be a short wait time between placing your order and receiving your delivery, especially during busy periods. Information regarding delivery lead times can be found on our Delivery Page. Our current lead time is 3 to 4 weeks. If you need your planters sooner than our current lead time, please do not hesitate to contact the team and we’ll see what we can do.
How long will it take for my Corten trough planter with feet to weather?
Our Corten steel trough planters with feet are available in a raw steel finish as standard. If you order your planter pre-weathered, we’ve done the hard work for you. If not, no problem, the finish will start to develop a beautifully unique orange and brown patina in a matter of days and will continue to develop over a period of six to nine months. The speed of the weathering process will depend on other factors such as weather, climate, proximity to the coast/sea spray, etc.
Our trough planters with feet can take up to 9 months to develop a full patina. The planter is supplied in a raw steel, un-weathered finish as standard. However, If you’re inpatient like us, we can pre-treat the planter to guarantee the planter arrives with a fully developed, pre-weathered rusty patina. If you don’t opt for the pre-weathering service your planter may arrive at any stage of the weathering process from raw steel to full patina.
Does the planter just sit on the ground?
No, all our Corten Steel Planters come with fixed 15mm feet that are hidden underneath the planter. The feet keep the planter ever so slightly off the ground to give off an ethereal effect that it is floating.
In a practical sense, this also helps with drainage and extends the life expectancy of the planter. We can also make any of our planters bottomless so they can be installed directly on soil as a raised flower bed. As well as this, we can add adjustable height legs or castors to the bottom of your planter, if you require.
Can a Corten trough planter with feet be used indoors as well?
Yes! They are suitable for domestic, commercial, indoor, and outdoor use. The planters come with drainage holes as standard, but if using indoors you may want to request that these are removed.
How do I maintain it?
You don’t have to! Honest! Unlike wooden or plastic alternatives, no maintenance is required at all with our Corten steel trough planters. All you need to do is fill, plant, and enjoy.
Other things to note
- Due to the natural weathering process, the ’run-off’ from rainwater and watering may stain the surface the planter is placed upon. This is a higher risk during the first three to six months of the weathering process.
- Where possible, we have started the weathering process for you; planters can be delivered in various stages of the weathering process from new steel to full patina.
- All dimensions are in millimetres and in Length x Width x Height format. For example, 2000 x 500 x 600 is 2000mm long, 500mm wide, and 600mm high.
- Once production has started, we may not be able to accommodate requests or amends.
