Does Corten steel rot?

What is Weathering Steel?
COR-TEN® steel is a weathering steel typically used in outdoor applications. While Corten steel and weathering steel are often interchangeable, COR-TEN® is a branded, trademarked, proprietary steel. COR denotes corrosion resistance and TEN denotes tensile strength. Because of its name recognition, weathering steel is often referred to as COR-TEN steel. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) also has specifications that reflect equivalent Corten steel types.

corten staircase

Generally, Corten steel will patina or rust within six months of exposure to the atmosphere. Most weathering steels require dry/wet weather cycling to form and oxidize. With a protective patina that resists corrosion, Corten steel can last from decades to over 100 years.

Corten Steel Stairs