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When it comes to furniture design, especially bespoke, high-end pieces like our custom U-shaped coffee tables, the materials used are just as important as the craftsmanship. Steel is a cornerstone material in the modern design world, but not all steel is created equal. Two common options—Corten steel and rolled steel—offer distinct advantages, challenges, and aesthetic outcomes. In this in-depth exploration, we’ll uncover the nuances of these materials, explain how they impact design, fabrication, and pricing, and show why the choice of steel matters.
Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, was originally developed for industrial and architectural applications. Its claim to fame is a unique property: when exposed to the elements, it forms a protective rust-like patina that stabilizes the surface, preventing further corrosion. This dynamic transformation gives Corten steel its iconic weathered aesthetic, often seen in outdoor sculptures and architectural landmarks.
Why Corten Steel?
Durability: The patina acts as a shield, protecting the underlying steel from further rusting. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor applications.
Aesthetic Appeal: The natural evolution of the surface creates a warm, textured, earthy finish that evolves over time.
Cultural Prestige: Corten steel is often associated with large-scale art installations and high-end architectural projects, giving it an air of exclusivity and sophistication.
However, while Corten steel is undeniably stunning, it comes with its own set of challenges.
Rolled steel, by contrast, is a more straightforward and versatile material. It’s commonly used in furniture and industrial design due to its affordability, ease of fabrication, and ability to take on various finishes. While it doesn’t have the same self-weathering properties as Corten steel, skilled artisans can apply finishes that mimic its aesthetic.
Why Rolled Steel?
Cost-Effectiveness: Rolled steel is less expensive to source and work with, making it accessible for creating luxurious designs without inflated costs.
Workability: Its relative flexibility makes it easier to roll, bend, and weld, which translates to fewer fabrication challenges and faster production times.
Lightweight Advantage: Rolled steel is lighter than Corten steel, making it more practical for pieces like coffee tables that clients may need to move.
Our coffee tables are designed with an elegant U-shape: 8 feet of steel bent to form a 4-foot-long, 36-inch-wide table with seamless curves and a natural, raw steel finish. This sophisticated design requires both precision and an understanding of material behavior.
For Rolled Steel: Fabricating this table is relatively straightforward. The steel’s pliability at 3/8-inch thickness allows for precise bending and welding without excessive strain on tools or labor.
For Corten Steel: The same design poses additional challenges. Corten steel is stronger and less pliable, requiring specialized equipment and techniques for bending and shaping. Welding Corten also demands specific filler materials to maintain the integrity of its weathering properties. All of this results in significantly higher labor costs.
When considering whether to choose Corten steel or rolled steel, pricing becomes a key factor. Here’s a breakdown of how costs scale:
Raw Material Cost:
Rolled steel is cost-effective and widely available.
Corten steel is 30%-50% more expensive per pound.
Fabrication Cost:
Rolled steel is easy to work with, keeping labor costs low.
Corten steel requires specialized tools, longer production times, and higher labor costs, increasing fabrication costs by 50%-100%.
Finishing Cost:
Rolled steel is finished to achieve its signature raw or patinated look.
Corten steel, for indoor use, requires sealing to prevent the patina from transferring, adding to the cost.
Final Price Impact:
A rolled steel U-shaped coffee table retails for $7,000, with a production cost of approximately $4,667.
A Corten steel version of the same table, factoring in material and fabrication challenges, would retail for $12,000, with a production cost of approximately $8,000.
The price jump reflects not just the premium material but also the added complexity of working with Corten steel.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this material comparison is how similar the two can appear—when expertly finished. Our artisans can achieve a natural, mottled finish on rolled steel that closely resembles the patina of Corten steel, particularly for indoor furniture.
For clients who appreciate the story and authenticity of Corten steel, the premium is worth it. However, for those who prioritize the aesthetic over the material’s technical properties, rolled steel offers a nearly indistinguishable alternative at a more accessible price point.
The decision between Corten steel and rolled steel ultimately depends on your priorities:
Corten Steel: Choose this if you want a truly premium material with a storied background, particularly for outdoor or highly curated environments. Be prepared for the increased cost and weight, knowing the material adds prestige and uniqueness to your piece.
Rolled Steel: Opt for this if you value efficiency, practicality, and a cost-effective way to achieve a stunning, high-end look. It’s the perfect choice for most clients who want beauty without the added expense of exclusivity.
At ROOM, we believe in transparency—not just in pricing but in helping our clients understand the thought process behind every design decision. Choosing Corten steel over rolled steel is not simply a matter of aesthetics; it reflects a deeper commitment to material innovation and design philosophy. We want our clients to know exactly why a Corten steel table costs $12,000, and why we offer rolled steel as a beautiful, practical alternative at $7,000.
Whether you choose the understated elegance of rolled steel or the iconic prestige of Corten, you’re investing in a piece that embodies meticulous craftsmanship and timeless design.
This exploration into Corten and rolled steel isn’t just a material deep dive—it’s a testament to the artistry behind every ROOM creation. We invite you to explore the options and find the piece that resonates with your personal style and vision.
This editorial is part of The ROOM Discovery Experience™. © ROOM. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.