2025 trends: CorTen steel in outdoor design

The year 2025 marks a turning point in the way we design our outdoor spaces. Gardens are no longer simply green spaces, but true extensions of our living spaces, where aesthetics, functionality and sustainability coexist in harmony. At the heart of these new trends, CorTen steel is an essential material. With its unique patina, timeless rawness and robustness, it is the ideal material for enhancing gardens and terraces.

1. A return to authentic, raw materials

In 2025, simplicity is the name of the game. Raw, natural and sustainable materials take centre stage. Wood, stone, concrete and CorTen steel fit perfectly into this approach, bringing timeless charm and a connection with nature.

• Why CorTen steel?
  With its warm, changing rust colour, CorTen steel blends harmoniously into the landscape. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, it is also weather-resistant, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to more traditional materials.

• Integration ideas:

  • Garden edging to structure spaces with elegance.
  • Planters and pots to enhance the beauty of your plants.
  • Ponds or fountains for a touch of Zen.

2. Minimalism and functionality in design

Gone are the days of overcrowded gardens. Make way for uncluttered spaces, where every element has a purpose and a precise place. Minimalist design emphasises clean lines and versatile materials, and CorTen steel is the perfect candidate.

• In practice:
  • Stylish braziers for convivial evenings.
  • Privacy panels for intimacy and a decorative touch.
  • Firewood storage benches, to bring a unique, modern style to your simplest needs.

This minimalist style will particularly appeal to those looking for a balance between aesthetics and practicality.

3. Integrating natural elements into outdoor spaces

Nature is a major source of inspiration for trends in 2025. There is a real fusion between the garden and the natural environment. Materials such as CorTen steel help to intensify this connection.

• Combination of CorTen steel and vegetation:

  • CorTen planters, for example, highlight the plants thanks to the contrast between the rusty hue of the metal and the bright green of the foliage.
  • CorTen edging helps to structure flowerbeds while maintaining an organic look.

• Tip for 2025: Combine CorTen steel with local, hardy plants (grasses, succulents) for a more sustainable, easy-to-maintain garden.

4. Water as a central element in landscaping

Ponds, fountains and other water features are very much in vogue in 2025, bringing a touch of serenity and freshness to the outdoors. Here again, CorTen steel is at home thanks to its natural resistance to water and its unique patina.

• Why choose CorTen steel for water features?
  Its textured, rusted surface contrasts magnificently with the movement and transparency of the water. A CorTen steel pond becomes a work of art in your garden, while remaining functional.

• 2025 trend:
  CorTen steel fountains combined with LED lighting are perfect for creating a soothing atmosphere, day or night.

5. Sustainability, a must in outdoor design

People are seeking materials that not only respect the environment, but also last over time. CorTen steel, with its longevity and low maintenance requirements, is the perfect answer.

• An environmentally responsible choice:
  CorTen steel is entirely recyclable and requires no chemical treatment to preserve it. Its natural patina protects it from external aggression, extending its lifespan without any negative impact on the environment.

• Our advice:
  Opt for modular CorTen products, which can be reused or reorganised according to your needs, thus enhancing their durability.

A timeless material that is always on trend

With its unique aesthetic appeal, robustness and low environmental impact, CorTen steel continues to win over professionals and private customers alike. In 2025, it remains an essential part of outdoor design, capable of satisfying every desire: from modern, minimalist gardens to lush, natural spaces.

Ready to transform your garden with CorTen steel? Here at So-Corten, we're here to help you realise your outdoor landscaping projects. Discover our wide range of products at www.so-corten.com and be inspired by our creations.