Which is the best edging mild steel or Cor-Ten garden edging?
Customers often ask which type of landscape edging they should choose for their garden or driveway project, the Classic galvanised powder coated mild steel, or the Cor-Ten garden edging. Both edging materials have been developed for their strength, durability, flexibility, and usability, both are excellent, so which should you go for?
Here is some more information to help you decide which EverEdge garden edging products are best for your project.
EverEdge Cor-Ten garden edging
What is Cor-Ten steel?
The word Cor-Ten is an amalgamation of ‘corrosion resistance’ and ‘tensile strength’. Tensile strength is the maximum stress a material can support without it fracturing when being stretched or pulled. Corten steel has a tensile strength of around 480 MPa: it’s an exceptionally strong high-quality steel.
Cor-Ten steel is also commonly called weathered steel. It contains an alloy that encourages the production of surface rust – and this is what makes Cor-Ten so special. The rust layer protects the steel underneath it from the elements and prevents degradation, but it also gives Cor-Ten its famed rust-coloured aesthetic. On installation the Corten steel edging is a dull silver colour with the rust developing over time with exposure to the elements which means the colour is unique.
Everedge Classic landscape edging
What is mild steel?
Mild steel is the raw material that comes from the mill. Mild steel, in comparison with Cor-Ten, has a comparatively low tensile strength of around 400MPa. If left untreated mild steel will rust. However, the Classic range of edging is galvanised – and this is important to note. Galvanisation increases the mild steel’s surface strength through carburisation by an additional 13%, so the product becomes incredibly strong and durable while protecting the steel from oxidisation (rust).
The Everedge Classic collection is also powder coated. Powder coating is where a heavy-duty polyester powder is bonded to the steel. Powder coating provides a protective barrier that helps prevent corrosion and corrosion and gives the opportunity to change the colour of the product.
What features do the Classic and Cor-Ten steel edging share?
1. Adds stunning texture, contrast and depth
2. Supports innovative and functional design
3. Looks fabulous in traditional and rustic garden settings
4. Minimal degradation over time
5. Easy installation with zero maintenance
What are the differences between Classic and Cor-Ten steel edging?
Longevity
While both products are highly durable, Cor-Ten has more longevity. However, the process for degradation of the mild steel is extremely slow. Even in acidic soil conditions and extreme weathers, mild steel degradation occurs at a rate of approximately 10 microns per year (0.01mm). To put this in perspective, it would take 50 years to degrade 1mm.
Aesthetic outcome
While aesthetic outcome of Corten garden edging weathers into a distinctive warm and varied brown patina. The natural process means climate conditions and the soil acidity influence the finish – the outcome is unique. The Classic collection is powder coated and available in brown or black, so you have more control over the outcome.
Cost
Cor-Ten steel products cost more than the Classic range. The higher cost is because it requires laser cutting to create the different sized edges.
If you have any further questions about which garden edging is best for your project, contact Everedge online or call 021 925 389. It’s a big decision, and we are always happy to help with garden edging and installation questions.
