In the evolving world of landscape design and outdoor living trends, materials that are both durable and visually striking are leading the way. One material rising to the top in 2025 is Corten steel—a weathering steel that develops a rich, rust-like patina over time, offering both resilience and rustic charm. But beyond its beauty, the true appeal of corten lies in its versatility. Today’s outdoor spaces are not just decorative—they’re designed to be multi-functional outdoor spaces, and corten steel plays a starring role.
The Appeal of Corten Steel in Landscaping
Corten steel landscaping has become a go-to choice for designers because it naturally forms a protective oxide layer that resists corrosion, making it ideal for outdoor use. Its warm, evolving tones blend seamlessly with natural landscapes, offering a perfect balance between industrial edge and organic beauty. As outdoor living design continues to expand beyond patios and decks, homeowners and designers are leaning into corten’s ability to deliver both form and function.
At National Planter Supply, we’ve seen firsthand how corten steel’s durability and design potential make it one of the most sought-after materials for modern outdoor spaces. From planters and edging to fire and water features, corten is redefining how homeowners and professionals approach outdoor design.
Multi-Functional Corten Steel Elements in Outdoor Design
1. Corten Steel Planters with Integrated Features
Corten steel planters aren’t just for plants anymore. Designers are integrating privacy screens, trellises, and even built-in lighting into planter designs. This transforms a simple garden accent into a multi-purpose feature that provides greenery, privacy, and ambiance all in one. National Planter Supply offers customizable corten planters that can easily be adapted to your project needs.
2. Corten Steel Fire Pits and Water Features
Few materials handle elemental contrasts like corten steel. Fire pits, bowls, and water features are being designed to work together, allowing homeowners to switch between serene fountains and cozy flames depending on the occasion. The steel’s patina enhances both experiences, reflecting flickering firelight or shimmering water. Our corten fire and water features are built to last while adding a focal point to any outdoor design.
3. Outdoor Seating with Storage Solutions
Corten steel benches are evolving to serve more than one role. Many modern designs incorporate hidden storage for firewood, outdoor cushions, or garden tools. The result is streamlined seating that adds utility while maintaining a sleek, minimalist look. National Planter Supply has the ability to design and build custom orders that combine beauty with everyday functionality.
4. Outdoor Kitchens and Cooking Stations
Durability is key in outdoor cooking, and corten steel excels here. Designers are creating corten steel outdoor kitchens that integrate prep counters, grills, and even built-in wood storage. These spaces combine the aesthetic appeal of the steel’s natural weathering with practical use for entertaining and cooking outdoors. With corten steel, outdoor kitchens can be built to withstand the elements without sacrificing style.
5. Decorative Laser-Cut Panels with Purpose
Corten steel panels are not just decorative. These elements often serve as windbreaks, privacy screens, or trellises for climbing plants. At night, backlighting these panels creates an artful ambiance while still delivering function. National Planter Supply can provide laser-cut corten panels that double as both functional and decorative features for any landscape design.
Why This Landscaping Trend Matters
The growing popularity of corten steel in multi-functional landscape design reflects a larger movement in outdoor living trends: the merging of beauty and purpose. Homeowners are no longer satisfied with outdoor features that only look good—they want investments that elevate everyday living. Corten steel, with its durability, sustainability, and design flexibility, is uniquely positioned to meet this demand.
At National Planter Supply, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement by designing and building high-quality corten steel products for homeowners, landscapers, and contractors alike.
Final Thoughts
From planters that double as privacy screens to benches that store firewood, corten steel is shaping outdoor living spaces that work harder and look better than ever. In 2025, multi-functional outdoor design isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a new standard. And corten steel, with its timeless patina and enduring strength, will continue to be at the forefront of modern landscaping and hardscaping design.
Ready to bring the beauty and functionality of corten steel into your next project? Contact National Planter Supply today to explore our range of corten planters, edging, water features, and more.