Weathering steel
Weathering steel (also known by the trademark COR-TEN steel) is a form of high-strength, low alloy steel originally developed in the 1930's by United States Steel. It is a steel alloy, chemically composed to form a stable rust-like appearance that can resist corrosion and abrasion, by forming a protective surface layer, or patina.
The protective layer’s increased resistance is produced by the alloying elements and their particular distribution and concentration. When subjected to the influence of the weather, the protective surface layer continuously develops and regenerates, allowing the rust to form.
Weathering steel is often used in external sculptures, the most iconic of which is the Angel of the North in Gateshead. It can be used in bridges and other large structural applications, such as the New River Gorge Bridge, and it is becoming an increasingly popular design choice for buildings, often used alongside materials such as glass and terracotta. An example of such a building is the distinctive Broadcasting Tower in Leeds (see top image).
The advantages of weathering steel are that because it is already weathered and ‘rusted’, there are very low maintenance costs, it can be installed easily, and the need for a protective paint system is removed. Studies have found that bridges fabricated from unpainted weathering steel can achieve a design life of 120 years with only nominal maintenance, due to the low corrosion rate.
However, there are several challenges to weathering steel. It is unsuitable for use in marine or coastal environments, and in humid subtropical climates the patina may continue to corrode instead of stabilising into a protective layer. In addition, interface details require careful design as run-off water from wet rusted steel may negatively impact on other materials, such as staining glass. This is a particular problem in the first years after installation.
Special welding techniques or materials may be needed to ensure that weld-points weather at the same rate as the other materials.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.