FAQ
Let us answer your questions about all things steel.
Any further Questions please contact us via this page by using the Contact tab and filling in a request form or call us on 02 4441 6693.
Weathering steel is usually referred to by its trademark name Corten and is known for its superior corrosion resistance (COR) and tensile strength (TEN), two distinct characteristics from which the name is derived. The surface of the steel forms a protective oxide layer when exposed to the weather. In other words, the steel is allowed to rust to protect itself, without the structural weakening associated with rust.
Unlike mild steel that will rust through when left out in the elements, this protective layer prevents the steel from rusting through. The surface continually regenerates itself each time it is subjected to poor weather creating its own protective coating and a lovely, rusted finish.
Your Fire Pit or Brazier will arrive in a bare metal finish (grey in colour) and will gradually rust when exposed to the elements. As Corten steel is a natural product and keeps aging, it undergoes a variety of texture and colour changes, like a natural timber.
Under normal conditions, and if the surface is alternately wet and dry, the patina forms and matures within 18-36 months. In some instances, the Corten can even form a patina between 6 months and 1 year. However, the entire process can take between 4-10 years.
Patina forms consistently when the Corten steel is subjected to alternating wet and dry periods. The rusting or weathering process depends on the aggressiveness of the environment into which the Corten steel is placed and the frequency of the wet and dry cycle.
Yes, rust runoff from a steel surface can stain concrete, paint, pavers, and stone surfaces. It will settle after the initial flush of colour, but it is important to note that it will leach a rust stain onto surrounding surfaces when exposed to poor weather. There is no way to seal off the rust or avoid the rust stains leaching onto surrounding surfaces.
It is recommended that your Fire Pit or Brazier be placed on a gravel surface or a non-decorative surface such as simple concrete pavers etc.
It's a very hard-wearing, high tensile steel.
The developing rust layer that forms over the Corten steel will help provide corrosion resistance.
The plate steel never requires treatment for longevity.
It removes the need for painting. In fact, painting Corten steel sheet eliminates its corrosion resistance because it prevents the protective film from forming over time.
Corten Steel is double the tensile strength of mild steel.
Corten steel is preferred for our Braziers, but we are limited in terms of thicknesses available. The sheer chunky, solid appeal of 8 mm steel is why we opt for it in our Eternity Braziers. Mild Steel also has longevity and will form a rust layer on the surface like Corten, but the colour will vary a little. Mild Steel will corrode at approx. 1 mm per 8 to 10 years depending on its exposure to the elements. The sheer longevity of our Eternity Braziers means just that, they will last for years to come. We like to be able to offer a variety of products with different looks for all customers.
Yes, we work closely with our customers to help bring their ideas to life. So, if you have something different in mind, please get in touch through the Contact tab on this page or you can call us on 02 4441 6693.
This will vary depending on the item, the reason and how far progressed an order is. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
If you place an order directly through our website for an item, you will pay 100% upfront including shipping if required. Your item will then take approx. 2-3 weeks to be made and shipped.
If you place an order for something not directly for sale, you will be sent and Invoice with information confirming your order and requesting a 50% Deposit. If Design work is required, this will then begin, and you will be liaised wit throughout that process. Most items are completed within 4 to 6 weeks depending on the item. Custom pieces can take longer, and lead times and prices will be discussed at the time of placing the order.
Final payment is required prior to shipping, or on or before collection.