FREQUENTLY ASKED Q's

Our corten garden products are made of high-grade, 3mm weathering steel which has received a minimum of 6 months’ natural surface oxidation. Beware of cheap imitations, i.e. corten steel that has been artificially treated (acid washed) to create this look or where the oxidation process has been accelerated. N.B. Most of our competitors make their garden planters out of 1.5mm or 2mm corten.

On our cylindrical planters, the welded join goes all the way down the vertical seam. Other planters are welded at the corner. We use a corten wire so it rusts at the same rate as the rest of the planter. This weld can be ground off completely for a smooth finish and effectively hides the join.

Yes, we specialise in bespoke corten steel garden products. Our planters can be customised in size and shape by using our modular planter kit to design your own corten garden planter. If you require something completely bespoke, please get in touch to discuss how we can meet your specific garden needs and aesthetic preferences.

Yes. As standard, our square corten planters have a folded top lip and our cylindrical planters have a welded turned top lip. A folded top lip can also be added to our garden edging for an additional charge. Please contact us prior to ordering if you require lawn edging with a turned edge.

Yes. Our corten lawn edging comes with 300mm ground pegs and offset pipe loops at each end. The ground pegs can be driven through these pipes to join edging strips together and keep them firmly in place.

Yes, all of our corten steel garden products come with a 10-year guarantee, assuring you of their quality and durability. When looked after correctly (and with adequate drainage in planters), corten steel products will last a lifetime!

Our handmade corten planters all have a base panel. If you require a bottomless planter, check out our bottomless modular planter kits.

As standard, we do not pre-drill drainage holes, but if this is something you require, please let us know before you place an order.

No. Our artisan metalworkers have a wealth of knowledge in all areas of welding and fabrication and have taken on many large-scale, architectural corten projects, such as the iconic Dovecote Studio at Snape Maltings in Suffolk. We are always happy to take on custom commissions and consult on how corten steel can be used on a wide range of interior and exterior projects, including architectural cladding. Please see our About page for further information about our team and its qualifications.

Yes. To qualify for free UK delivery, your order must be for at least £125. Please get in touch if you would like to place a smaller order and are happy to collect it from our workshop in Framlingham, Suffolk.

No. With sufficient drainage, so water cannot pool and attack the metal, corten steel will last a lifetime. Corten steel planters are designed to develop a protective rust layer that prevents further corrosion. This means they are incredibly long-lasting and maintain their structural integrity over many years, making them a durable choice for your garden.

Yes, corten steel planters are safe for most types of plants. The steel's protective rust layer does not leach harmful substances, making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of plant species.

Corten steel planters are low maintenance. The rust patina that forms on the surface acts as a protective barrier, eliminating the need for painting or frequent care. Simply clean your planters and edging with water if necessary to maintain the product's natural appearance.

The natural rust patina of corten steel can cause staining on surfaces it comes into direct contact with. To prevent this, consider placing your planter on gravel, grass, or with a protective base underneath to catch runoff.

Corten steel is highly resistant to weather conditions, including coastal environments. Its protective rust layer offers additional resistance to salt-laden air, making it suitable for coastal gardens.

Corten steel is a sustainable choice for garden planters and other products. Its longevity and durability mean less frequent replacements and the material is fully recyclable, making it an eco-friendly option for your garden.

Alas, no. Currently, we only ship our corten planters within the UK mainland. Please refer to our shipping policy for further information.

Yes. We offer free local delivery to addresses within 25 miles of our Framlingham Forge in Suffolk. Free delivery is subject to a minimum order of £125. We also offer standard delivery to the UK mainland. If you do not live within our free delivery zone, please contact us before placing an order and we will provide a quote for shipping. Unfortunately, we are unable to ship our products outside of the UK mainland at the present time.

If you are local to our forge in Framlingham, Suffolk, you are welcome to arrange to collect your order from us. Our standard hours are 7am – 5pm Monday – Friday. Please get in touch if you'd prefer to collect your order and we will notify you when it's ready to be taken to its new home.

Yes. All prices displayed on the Rust & Thyme website are inclusive of VAT. If you are purchasing for a business and require a VAT invoice, let us know and we'll be happy to supply one.

If you have a large project and are looking to buy our corten garden products in bulk, please get in touch and we'll do our best to supply you with a more competitive quote. We can provide more than just corten planters and lawn edging so it's worth speaking to us when planning a project to find out how else we might be able to assist you.

All of our corten garden products are made to order and undergo a thorough Quality Assurance inspection before being shipped, therefore, all sales are final. However, if you receive your order in anything other than a satisfactory condition, please contact us immediately and we will do our best to rectify the situation. At our discretion, we will consider cancelling an order and issuing a refund if we haven't yet started fabrication. The deadline for requesting an order cancellation is, in all cases, as soon as possible after making the purchase. Please refer to our returns policy for further information.