Corten Steel Planters: The Ultimate UK Buying Guide (Sizes, Prices & Styles)

The right Corten steel planter comes down to three decisions: shape (cube, cylinder or trough), size (matched to your space and the plants you want to grow), and whether you want a single statement piece or a modular, build-your-own layout. Below is a straight-talking guide to help you choose, with real UK prices and sizes.

Which shape should you choose?

• Cube planters — the most versatile shape, equally at home framing a doorway in pairs or anchoring a border. See the Corten Cube Planters (from £174).
• Cylinder planters — softer, sculptural lines that suit contemporary and cottage gardens alike. See the Corten Cylinder Planters (from £260).
• Trough planters — long, low planters ideal for hedging, screening or a run of seasonal colour along a wall or fence. See the Corten Trough Planters (from £325).
• Modular CortenGrid system — build a bespoke raised bed of any size or shape from straight and corner sections. See the modular range (from £70 per section).

What size planter do I need?

As a rule of thumb: 400mm planters suit patios, balconies and pairs either side of a door; 600–800mm planters work as single statement pieces or informal screening; anything over 1000mm (troughs, modular runs) is built for hedging, kitchen gardens or dividing a larger space. If in doubt, go one size up — Corten planters read as a focal point, and undersized planters get visually lost outdoors.

What can you plant in a Corten steel planter?

Almost anything, from architectural grasses and box balls to seasonal bedding and vegetables (see our guide on growing vegetables in Corten steel). The warm rust tone is a natural complement to greens, purples and silvers, which is why designers reach for it again and again.

Corten vs classic steel — which finish is right for you?

If you want the ever-changing rust patina and the lowest lifetime cost, choose Corten. If you prefer a raw, dark industrial finish at a lower upfront price, our Classic steel planters use the same 2mm construction without the weathering process. We compare both in detail in Corten vs galvanised vs mild steel planters.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Corten steel planter cost?

Edensteel's range starts from £70 for a single modular section, with standalone cube and cylinder planters typically £174–£450 depending on size.

Do Corten planters need drainage holes?

Yes — ensure your planter has drainage and consider a layer of gravel at the base so roots aren't sitting in water, which matters most over winter.

Can I use one large planter instead of several small ones?

Often, yes — one well-proportioned large planter usually has more visual impact than several small ones, and needs less watering in summer.

Are Corten planters frost-proof?

Steel itself is unaffected by frost. Just avoid glazed ceramic-style bases that can crack — Edensteel planters are welded steel throughout, so this isn't a concern.

Find your planter

Browse the full Corten Steel Planters collection, all hand-fabricated in Britain and ready to transform your garden.