Corten Steel in Your Outdoor Space: Landscaping Ideas for 2025

Corten steel – known for its rich, rusty patina – has quickly become a top pick for outdoor design. And in 2025, it’s everywhere. Landscapers and homeowners love it for the warm, natural finish, but also for how tough and low-maintenance it is.
At Breakwater Metaland, we’ve seen demand for corten steel skyrocket. From raised garden beds to custom edging, corten is turning everyday yards into sleek, modern spaces that still feel natural.

What makes corten steel great for outdoor spaces?

Corten’s biggest claim to fame is that it’s designed to rust on purpose.
That rusty surface isn’t a flaw. Not only does the distinctive, rusted look bring visual appeal to your outdoor space, but it’s also a self-protecting patina that seals the steel underneath from the elements. So while it looks weathered and earthy, it’s also incredibly tough and built to last. That’s a huge win for anyone who’s tired of replacing timber beds or plastic edging every few years.

Corten requires very little upkeep; just some sealant to prevent rust drips, and a waterproof coating on any surfaces in contact with soil. Other than that, just give it the odd brush! It weathers naturally and looks better over time. The orange-brown finish changes slightly with the seasons and always sits just right alongside timber, gravel, stone, and greenery.
So, if you’re planning a garden refresh or starting from scratch, here are some ways corten steel can take your outdoor setup to the next level.

Top landscaping ideas using corten steel

Raised Beds & Planters
In 2025, more homeowners are ditching the rotting timber sleepers for something solid and stylish. Corten raised beds give your garden a sharp, modern edge, while still feeling grounded and organic thanks to their earthy tones.
They offer a modern look while providing a sturdy structure for your plants. The warmth of the rusted steel contrasts beautifully with vibrant greens and colorful blooms, creating a striking focal point in your garden.
They come in all shapes and sizes – square, round, L-shaped, tall, short – and they’re basically set-and-forget. They handle harsh weather, look good all year, and never need a lick of maintenance. Perfect for veggie patches, flower beds, or even large feature planters along a driveway or courtyard.

Garden edging
If your garden feels messy, or your mulch keeps spilling into the lawn or onto your pathways, corten edging might be your new best mate.
It creates a clean, tidy boundary between different parts of the garden – like grass and beds, or gravel and paving. And because it’s steel, it holds its shape, resists shifting over time, and won’t crack like concrete or rot like timber.
But it’s not just functional. That rusty, industrial finish adds instant style. It draws a clear line without being too harsh, and it works just as well in a native bush-style garden as it does in a minimalist urban one.

Firewood storage units
While most firewood piles are a bit of an eyesore, so often tucked away in the corner of the backyard, corten steel firewood storage units will be a feature of your outdoor space.
These pieces don’t just look good – they’re super practical. They keep your firewood off the ground and neatly stacked, all while standing up to Geelong’s wet winters and hot summers. And because they’re made from corten, they won’t rot or buckle under the weight.

Feature walls and privacy screens

Corten steel feature walls and privacy screens are a standout choice for adding depth, texture, and structure to a garden. Their rich, rusted finish contrasts beautifully with greenery and gravel, creating a warm, natural look that suits both modern and rustic spaces.

In 2025, they’re being used to zone outdoor areas, shield patios from neighbours, or simply serve as eye-catching backdrops. They’re durable, low-maintenance, and a striking way to bring art into the outdoors.

How Breakwater Metaland can help with your corten steel needs

At Breakwater Metaland, we don’t only sell pre-made corten steel products like garden beds, edging, tree rings, and firewood holders. We also custom-make all kinds of outdoor projects to suit your needs. Got a tricky corner that needs a custom-shaped planter? Want a fire pit that fits your alfresco area just right? We can make it happen.
We work with landscapers, builders, and homeowners to design and fabricate corten features that are both practical and personal. From planters to edging, we’ll cut and weld everything in-house, ensuring quality and fast turnaround.
The result? Outdoor pieces that look like they belong – because they were made specifically for your space.