Lacus Pond

All ponds are made from 4mm thickness Corten steel for strength, have an overflow pipe (situated under the top edge in one corner), a drain plug (1' BST Thread) that can be used as an inlet/outlet if required. Corten steel ponds are lined with black, non-toxic, rubberised pond-liner paint. The Lacus corten steel ponds are available on backorder if not in stock. They will be at various stages of weathering depending upon the time from manufacture and storage conditions. They are stored outside to allow them to weather as fast and naturally as possible; this could mean that there is *'residue' on the inside of the pond or **'signs of animal life' on the surface -we will clean them the best we can (without removing the already weathered surface). However, there may be marks left that will dispear and weather-over in time with the natural weathering of the pond.

Corten Steel

Corten Steel, also known as weathering steel, is a special steel originally developed for bridge building and skyscraper construction due to its incredible strength. It starts out as a blue steel but on exposure to the elements, develops a protective, striking rust appearance, creating warm rich textures not always associated with metal. Due to the chemical composition of Corten Steel, a very dense oxidisation layer is formed during the weathering process which protects the blue steel inside. This natural fixed coating of rust provides protection against further corrosion. If this protective barrier is compromised, it will simply form a new skin to protect itself. Corten Steel is extremely durable and has a far higher resistance to atmospheric corrosion than other steels.

Run Off
During the weathering process the Corten Steel produces carbon run off or staining to adjacent materials such as stone or concrete. To reduce this possible staining, we recommend raising the product up off the ground by using a suitable stand, blocks of wood, slabs and such like; this will prevent any direct contact with the flooring material. After the initial reactive period Corten Steel will cure and self-seal with little to no carbon run off. The weathering process of Corten Steel is integral to this product and as such we will not accept any responsibility for damage caused to surrounding materials as a result of carbon run off from Corten Steel products. Please ensure you do not place your product on any surface that may be damaged during the weathering process.

Step-by-Step Weathering Guide

• Stage 1 – Freshly manufactured Corten Steel. At this stage the dark oily residue coats the Corten Steel.
• Stage 2 – The oily residue is beginning to break down, as the Corten Steel begins to weather.
• Stage 3 & 4 – The “Run-Off” stage – This can take around 3-9 months depending on weather and positioning.
• Stage 5 & 6 – The final stages of the weathering process. Some “Run-Off” may still occur as the Corten Steels patina develops to a striking, more consistent appearance.

Corten can be easily cleaned using water and a soft brush. it can be sealed using a metal specific varnish, please note this will make the steel appear ‘wet’ or darker for the rest of the item’s life.

If Corten Steel is scratched or the weathered surface is damaged, it will re-weather (heal) itself back to the original weathered state, making the damaged area nearly undisguisable from the rest of the planter.