We are still chugging along on the patio and fire pit and almost hit the halfway point. I know you all are probably tired of seeing this project in process, but it’s consuming our lives right now – so suck it.
We did our first mortar job and discovered that we are not great masons. Oops. It is pretty solid even though our lameness tried to ruin it.
We also installed wood edging to help reign in the rock. We used 4 x 4″ pressure treated wood that was first sealed to resist the great outdoors. What I really want is COR-TEN steel edging like my fake boyfriend Blake Dollahite’s got going on.
The only fabricators I’ve been able to find that would understand what I want is Austin Outdoor Studio. Problem is, 1. They are in Austin and 2. I’m pretty sure they would be crazy cost prohibitive.
Where the hell do you buy cor-ten steel? I gotta learn to weld so that I can suck at that too.
13 Comments
Check out steel manufacturers (machiners) in the midwest. They could probably put these together for you for less.
I love what you're doing.
Kelly
just look up metal suppliers or metal fabricators in your area. we use it all the time on projects here in minnesota and we are 1/2 as cool as california. you might also have luck searching for a company that does metal cladding for buildings. i'm thinking of a similar group here that pretty much does whatever you want as long as it's out of metal and they got their start with copper cladding. just call around – i'm positive you'll be able to find someone.
oh, ask at a local landscape store too – now that i think about it more, there might be pre-made corten edging.
I've been asking around at our local nursery, building supply place, the big box stores and metal fabricators.
They all think I'm nuts! Stupid podunk town.
When you live in a dry area, away from moisture, (like the desert) you can use regular steel to fabricate outdoor projects. Regular steel will rust on its own or you can speed up the process by applying muriatic acid, but always use caution! We use regular steel for fences, gates etc. but maybe corten steel is more appropriate where there is more moisture? I am not familiar with it. I just discovered your blog. Fantastic!
I immediately recognized that image from Austin Outdoor Studio… no wonder, it's from Austin! I feel like I've seen their work either by driving around or through an AIA tour.
Have you checked out Big Red Sun? They're in Venice, but they've got some inspiring yards (their prices are not exactly reasonable).
http://bigredsun.com/cd_portfolio/index.html
Agree will Jill Smith. I am a steel buyer and cor-ten is difficult to source. You can buy premade steel edging from landscape suppliers,our Lowes sells it prefinished in green. The pre-made edging I've seen also has slots for the stakes that will keep it in place.
Let us know if you find it fo sho since I too have longed for Blake's edging…and house..and yard….
Hey Guys,
I just thought I'd chime in and offer a little advice if I could. We use regular hot rolled steel for our edging jobs. We prefer to do everything in 1/4" thick steel if not thicker. Corten is great for certain installations like commercial planter application to minimize the rusting. I don't believe it is necessary for landscaping steel. You'd be suprised how long it takes for 1/4" steel to rust through.
Here are some tips for having a local shop do it for you.
1.) You want to use steel that is atleast 1-2" wider than the height you want out of the ground. This will help any washout problems that could happen. Hot Rolled steel is available in widths ranging from 1-12" that are 20' long. If you want talled than 12" you will have to get full sheets fo steel sheared and then weld them together.
2.) The steel can be anchored to the ground in several ways. We use 5/8" rebar for most edging installations, but other means for taller structures to get the support. The rebar stakes need to be pounded into the ground at least 18" and then welded to steel edging. Tell the welder which side of the steel the stakes need to be welded on.(you shouldn't be able to see them. Sometimes it is necesarry to weld angle iron to the back to get perfectly straight edging.
3.) The most important things to communicate to the welder is it must be straight, plumb and installed level if that is the look you are going for. Otherwise, what's the point of paying the extra cost if it doesn't look right.
4.) Edging takes longer than you might think to install properly and welder's rates are not cheap, so keep that in mind if the shop wants to bill you by the hour.
Good luck and keep up the good work, its looking great!
Jonathan Duke
Owner
Austin Outdoor Studio
http://www.austinoutdoorstudio.com
Try Industrial Metal Supply! They have a location in Riverside. I've been to the LA location, it's totally huge and amazing.
My personal mantra… “when in doubt look source it via thomasnet”
I’ve found them to be a good starting point for sourcing manufacturers for any and everything….
http://www.thomasnet.com/prodsearch.html?cov=CS&which=prod&what=corten+steel
blake is also my fake boyfriend… his house is insane! ps. i just found your blog via hindsvik vintage and i’m in love.
ciao
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