Corten Steel Planters
British-made Corten steel planters, handcrafted to order for gardens, terraces and commercial landscapes.
From compact cube planters to enormous 200cm statement pieces, our collection combines clean architectural design with the natural warmth of weathering steel. Handmade near Birmingham, delivered fully assembled and designed to look better with age.
Shop By Shape
Round
Soft architectural curves for specimen trees, grasses and statement planting.
Trough
Perfect for screening, hedging, grasses and defining spaces.
Cube
Clean geometric planters for entrances, patios and contemporary gardens.
The Range
Why Chose Corten Steel?
Designed to change with the garden
Corten is a specialist weathering steel that develops its distinctive orange-brown patina naturally when exposed to the elements. This weathered surface isn't simply decorative — it forms part of the steel's protective layer.
The result is a wonderfully low-maintenance material whose warm, earthy tones sit beautifully amongst foliage, gravel, timber and stone.
Unlike painted metal, there's no colour coating to periodically repaint. The surface simply continues to mature and develop character outdoors.
ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
The soft movement of ornamental grasses creates a beautiful contrast against the strong, architectural lines of Corten steel. Their greens, silvers and golden seed heads also sit particularly well against the warm orange-brown patina, giving a relaxed but contemporary look.
Try Planting: Stipa tenuissima... Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’... Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’
CLIPPED EVERGREENS
For a smarter, more formal look, pair the clean geometry of Corten with clipped evergreen planting. Strong green forms look fabulous against the rusty steel and provide structure throughout the year — particularly effective either side of an entrance, along a terrace or repeated through a larger garden.
Try Planting: Taxus baccata (Yew)... Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)... Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese Privet)
MULTI-STEM TREES
Our larger Corten planters really come into their own when planted with a specimen tree. The height and delicacy of a multi-stem canopy balances the substantial steel planter below, creating an instant focal point for a courtyard, terrace or larger landscaping scheme.
Try Planting: Amelanchier lamarckii... Betula utilis var. jacquemontii... Cercis siliquastrum (Judas Tree)
SEASONAL PLANTING
Corten doesn't have to mean purely contemporary planting. Smaller planters and troughs can be filled with generous seasonal displays, with the understated weathered steel providing a wonderfully neutral backdrop for changing flowers and foliage throughout the year.
Try Planting: Tulips... Pelargoniums... Heuchera
ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
The soft movement of ornamental grasses creates a beautiful contrast against the strong, architectural lines of Corten steel. Their greens, silvers and golden seed heads also sit particularly well against the warm orange-brown patina, giving a relaxed but contemporary look.
Try Planting: Stipa tenuissima... Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’... Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’
CLIPPED EVERGREENS
For a smarter, more formal look, pair the clean geometry of Corten with clipped evergreen planting. Strong green forms look fabulous against the rusty steel and provide structure throughout the year — particularly effective either side of an entrance, along a terrace or repeated through a larger garden.
Try Planting: Taxus baccata (Yew)... Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)... Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese Privet)
MULTI-STEM TREES
Our larger Corten planters really come into their own when planted with a specimen tree. The height and delicacy of a multi-stem canopy balances the substantial steel planter below, creating an instant focal point for a courtyard, terrace or larger landscaping scheme.
Try Planting: Amelanchier lamarckii... Betula utilis var. jacquemontii... Cercis siliquastrum (Judas Tree)
SEASONAL PLANTING
Corten doesn't have to mean purely contemporary planting. Smaller planters and troughs can be filled with generous seasonal displays, with the understated weathered steel providing a wonderfully neutral backdrop for changing flowers and foliage throughout the year.
Try Planting: Tulips... Pelargoniums... Heuchera
Garden Designers, Landscapers & Commercial Projects
Working on something bigger?
We regularly supply garden designers, landscapers and commercial customers with garden products for projects throughout Britain.
From a single oversized planter to a coordinated collection for an entire landscape, Tom's Yard works with garden designers, landscapers, developers, hospitality businesses and other commercial customers.
Our made-to-order approach means we can help with unusual dimensions, larger quantities and heavier steel specifications where required.
Planning a project? Send us your drawings, dimensions or specification and we'll be happy to discuss it. Get in touch with Tom's Yard or apply for a trade account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Corten steel?
Corten is a weathering steel designed to develop a protective rust-coloured surface when exposed to outdoor conditions. This distinctive patina gives the material its characteristic appearance and helps protect the underlying steel.
Do Corten steel planters need maintenance?
Very little. Corten is chosen partly because its natural weathering finish removes the need for routine painting or refinishing.
Will Corten steel stain my patio?
During the initial weathering process, rainwater can carry rust-coloured residue from the steel and potentially mark pale or porous surfaces beneath. This is most relevant while the patina is developing, so consideration should be given to positioning on new paving.
Do the planters arrive rusty?
No. As standard, our Corten steel planters are supplied in their natural, unweathered state, ready to develop their distinctive rust-coloured patina naturally once placed outside.
If you'd prefer not to wait, our workshop can professionally accelerate the weathering process before delivery. For an additional surcharge and approximately one extra week of lead time, the team will treat your planter with a specialist solution to encourage the development of its characteristic Corten patina.
The result is a planter that arrives with a beautifully established weathered appearance, similar to one that has been naturally exposed to the elements for approximately six months.
Please get in touch before ordering if you would like to add our pre-weathering treatment to your planter.
How thick are your Corten planters?
Our standard Corten planter range is generally manufactured from 2mm structural-grade steel. Heavier specifications of up to 6mm can be quoted for applications requiring additional strength.
Do Corten planters have drainage holes?
Our standard enclosed cube, round and trough designs include drainage holes, with many designs also incorporating discreet 15mm feet to raise the planter slightly from the surface.
Are the planters delivered assembled?
Yes. The range is supplied fully assembled and ready to position.
What is a bottomless Corten planter?
Rather than having a steel base, a bottomless planter sits directly over prepared ground, allowing roots to grow into the soil beneath while retaining the visual appearance of a raised Corten planter.
Can you make bespoke Corten planters?
Yes. Bespoke dimensions can be manufactured by the workshop where the standard sizes aren't suitable.
Is delivery included?
Yes. delivery is included with our corten steel planters.
For unusual access requirements, particularly large commercial orders or deliveries to more remote locations, please contact us before ordering if you would like to discuss the delivery.
