Corten Steel in the landscape
What is Corten steel and how can we utilize it in the landscape?
Embracing Nature's Palette: The Beauty and Benefits of Corten Steel in Landscape Design
In the ever-evolving world of landscape architecture and hardscaping, designers and enthusiasts alike are constantly on the lookout for materials that not only stand the test of time but also contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces. One such material that has been gaining popularity in recent years is Corten steel, celebrated for its distinctive appearance and practical benefits that make it a favorite among architects and landscape construction enthusiasts.
What is Corten Steel?
Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, is a group of steel alloys designed to develop a rust-like appearance over time when exposed to weather conditions. This unique attribute is not a sign of decay but rather a protective layer that forms on the surface, providing the steel with enhanced corrosion resistance. Originally developed for industrial applications, Corten steel has found its way into the realm of landscape design, offering a harmonious blend of functionality and visual allure.
Benefits of Corten Steel in the Landscape
1. Durability:
Corten steel is renowned for its exceptional durability. Its corrosion-resistant properties make it an ideal choice for outdoor structures and hardscapes, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance requirements. This makes it particularly appealing for those looking to create landscapes that withstand the test of time and the elements.
2. Low Maintenance:
Unlike some other materials that may require regular upkeep, Corten steel develops a protective patina that eliminates the need for constant maintenance. Its weathering process enhances its resistance to atmospheric corrosion, allowing it to maintain its structural integrity without compromising its aesthetic appeal.
3. Versatility:
Corten steel's versatility is another key factor driving its popularity in landscape design. It can be used for a wide range of applications, from planters and retaining walls to sculptures and architectural features. Its adaptability makes it a valuable asset for hardscapers and designers looking to push the boundaries of creativity.
The Aesthetic Allure
Architects are increasingly drawn to Corten steel for its warm, earthy tones and industrial chic aesthetic. The weathered appearance adds a layer of character and timelessness to the landscape, creating a connection with nature. The rusty patina, ranging from deep reds to earthy browns, offers a rich visual texture that complements both natural and modern surroundings.
Conclusion
As the demand for sustainable and visually striking landscape designs continues to rise, Corten steel has emerged as a material of choice for hardscapers and architects alike. Its unique combination of durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal makes it a standout option for those seeking to create landscapes that not only endure the elements but also resonate with a timeless and natural charm. Embrace the transformative beauty of Corten steel and elevate your outdoor spaces with a material that seamlessly blends industrial strength with organic allure
10 Ways to Elevate Your Yard!
Hey it’s Kevin here, let’s talk about a few ways to get some creative juices flowing when it comes to creating a new outdoor space for yourself.
Outdoor living spaces are becoming increasingly popular, with homeowners looking for ways to extend their living areas into their yards. A well-designed outdoor space can provide a peaceful retreat, a place for entertainment, and an opportunity to showcase your personal style. Hardscaping refers to the use of inanimate elements, such as stone, concrete, or brick, to create outdoor features such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls. Here are 10 ways to elevate your outdoor space with hardscape design.
Create an outdoor room.
One of the most popular hardscape design trends is the creation of outdoor rooms. These spaces can be used for dining, lounging, or entertaining, and they offer a sense of coziness and comfort. Design your outdoor room with a clear purpose in mind, such as a dining area, a lounge area, or a play area. Choose furniture that complements the space and add elements such as lighting, curtains, and fire pits to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Enhance privacy.
2. If you live in a densely populated area, privacy is a key concern. Use hardscaping elements such as walls, fences, and plants to create a private oasis in your outdoor space. Consider adding a water feature, such as a fountain or pond, to add a calming and soothing element to the area.
Add a focal point.
3. A focal point is a central feature that draws the eye and creates a sense of purpose in a space. In hardscape design, a focal point can be a statue, a fire pit, or a unique piece of furniture. Choose a focal point that fits the style and theme of your outdoor space and arrange the other elements around it.
Make a statement with a patio.
4. A patio is a key element in hardscape design, and it's an opportunity to make a statement about your personal style. Choose materials that fit your aesthetic, such as natural stone, pavers, or a decorative concrete. Consider the size of the patio and how it will be used, and don't be afraid to add unique elements such as a fire pit, water feature, or pergola to make the space truly your own.
Incorporate natural elements.
5. Hardscaping elements don't have to be all man-made. Incorporating natural elements, such as stones, plants, and water, can create a harmonious and peaceful outdoor space. Use stones or boulders to create garden retention in sloped areas, and add plants to soften the hardscape elements and create a sense of tranquility.
Create a walkway.
6. A walkway is a functional element that can also be used to add interest to your outdoor space. Choose materials that complement the style of your home and the surrounding landscape, utilizing natural curvatures or square and rectangular sharp lines. Consider the use of lighting to add a warm and inviting atmosphere to the walkway.
Add a retaining wall.
7. Retaining walls can be used for practical purposes, such as controlling erosion, but they can also be used to add interest to your outdoor space. Choose materials that fit the style of your home and landscape, and consider the height of the wall and how it will be used. A retaining wall can also be used to create a raised bed for plants, which can add a pop of colour to your outdoor space.
Make the most of small spaces.
8. If you have a small outdoor space, don't despair. There are plenty of hardscape design elements that can help you make the most of your limited space. Consider using a raised patio or a small fountain to create a sense of scale. A vertical garden or a wall-mounted herb garden can also add interest to any space
Incorporate multi-level design.
9. Creating a multi-level design can add depth and interest to your outdoor space. Use retaining walls, steps, and patios to create different levels in the space, and add elements such as plants, lighting, and furniture to create a cohesive and visually appealing design. Multi-level design can also help to separate different areas of your outdoor space and create a sense of privacy.
Create a fire pit area.
10. A fire pit is a great way to add warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space, and it can also serve as a focal point. Choose a fire pit that fits the style of your outdoor space, and arrange seating around it to create a cozy gathering area. Consider adding lighting and plants to complete the design and make the space feel inviting.
Use hardscape elements for functional purposes.
Hardscape design can also be used for functional purposes, such as creating outdoor storage or defining outdoor areas. Consider adding a storage shed, a pergola, or a trellis to your outdoor space to create a functional and attractive design. You can also use hardscape elements, such as walls and walkways, to define different areas of your outdoor space and create a sense of organization.
By incorporating these 10 ideas, you can elevate your outdoor space and create a beautiful and functional outdoor living area. Hardscaping offers endless possibilities, so get creative and use these ideas as a starting point to create your own unique outdoor space. Whether you're looking to entertain, relax, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, a well-designed outdoor space can provide the perfect retreat.
Drainage for Hardscapes
Why is drainage important for landscape projects?
Hard surfaces such as patios act as large areas for water catchment. So dealing with this water in a responsible way is key to prevent maintenance problems, flooding, and for optimum plant health.
Three solid drainage options:
Use an open graded base for patio installs
install drains that are similar in shape and colour to the finishing product
Use hidden drainage techniques for ease of maintenance without sacrificing look.
Open graded base is a game changer in a lot of ways. It still gives us the compaction values that we need for our surface materials such as pavers, but it also adds a huge amount of value in being used as water storage, and for allowing water to seep back into the local water table. Pairing open graded bases with modern permeable jointing compounds is an excellent way to make sure your projects are going to drain well, and look beautiful.
Choosing the correct size of drain is important so that it matches with the finishing product. Also simply laying out the patio or walkway to have the drain positioned so that there aren’t awkward sliver cuts or a bad angle around it is key.
Getting clever with our drainage techniques can add hidden drainage solutions that keep the landscape looking very clean and seamless, and functioning properly for ease of maintenance. Such as this example:
Whatever drainage solution you choose, tying your accurate use of string-lines and laser levels together with your vision for your project will yield nothing but success!
What is Hardscaping?
The “bones” of the landscape, Hardscaping is an aspect of the Landscape construction industry that is rapidly growing.
The term ‘hardscaping’ is becoming a household name. Across North America, companies specializing in landscape construction have formed a new category of business. Widespread recognition of the immense skillset needed to be successful has created a unique trade, akin to electricians and plumbers.
As manufacturing has improved in it’s accuracy and ability to produce a huge range of products suitable for exterior applications, so has the everyday landscaper.
Wielding the latest technology, there’s no limit to what this industry can achieve as we bring the same professionalism that is used to create indoor spaces, outside.
Check out our online courses ,youtube and tonnes of free content for you to learn how to become a world class Hardscaper!
Base Prep- Starting Strong
Start strong.
The true measure of an excellent Hardscape install isn’t in the overall appearance of a completed project, but rather how it holds up to weather, traffic, and time. Excavation depth, subsoil type, base material, moisture, and compaction are all contributing factors to base preparation. A strong grasp of what it takes to make a project last comes from experience combined with the business mindset that each project should last for many, many years.
Time tells all. Did you use a hand tamper in the corners that the plate compactor couldn’t reach? Did the pavers settle out in spots where the base prep is thinner? Is there stand- ing water causing a minor depression in the surface to get worse and worse?
Taking the time to increase the depth of our excavation if the sub soil isn’t ideal, or even adding a layer of geotech cloth to stabilize the base, are the first key steps to success.
If your project has you digging in dark soil with visible organic matter i.e. root, leaf, or plant material, then you need to dig deeper until you see a visible colour change to more of a clay-like or load bearing soil type. These decisions can be difficult when worried about the cost of extra excavation and additional road-base, so pricing your base prep accordingly to cover the cost of doing it exceptional- ly well is key.
What amount of compaction is ideal? What do we need to do to achieve our target % of Proctor Density? It’s literally hard to tell with- out renting the special equipment required to measure the density of the base layer. More often we use standard rules to achieve an acceptable level of compaction. These rules include using an appropriately sized plate compactor (bigger is better if space allows for it) only adding and compacting layers of 4” or less at a time, and using patterns of compaction to be sure that every square foot receives the same amount of compaction force. The harder and more consistent the base layer is from the bottom all the way to the final layer, the longer your finished surface will stand the test of time.
Take your base prep to the next level by do- ing an accurate screed of the final layer. Use your string-line setup with a 2”x4” notched out to the appropriate height (taking compaction into account), or set your screed bars for the final layer of road-base. This extra step will improve the accuracy of any project and make sure that as the project settles slightly over time, it settles uniformly and looks perfect for as long as it should.
Suction Technology
See what the future holds for hardscape equipment.
Suction Technology
The GRABO lifter in action
The ability to lift a naturally textured stone from the top surface is a huge deal for our industry. Sure there have been larger suction de- vices for a while, but only ones that require an extension cord ran to it, an excavator to operate it, and a large amount of money to purchase it! Innovation in this field has produced equipment that it is lite weight, rechargeable, safe, and even small enough to fit in one hand.
The Grabo has taken our trade by storm. The latest iteration, the Grabo Pro features a 375 lb lifting capacity and sensors to keep you safe while reducing battery usage. It lifts everything from natural flagstone to large format tiles and pavers, natural stone, and more. An extremely versatile tool that will keep your hands out of pinch points, protect your materials from chipping, and simply make lifting easier on your body.
The MQuip MK2. With a lithium ion battery, pressure gauge, and warning lights and sounds, this tool makes moving monolithic stairs and large pieces of stone a breeze. If you’ve ever had to do things the old school way with a strap and some dunnage, you will increase your productivity and accuracy by a significant amount with this tool.
For large stair treads and anything over 300lbs, this is a must have tool.
Wielding this new technology will without a doubt increase your productivity, reduce the chance of in- jury, and make your job physically easier. If you have a chance to borrow one of these types of tools or demo it at your local supplier then jump on it! It’s hard to know what you’re missing until you try it. Have fun!