We have a small retaining wall to construct, from a patio area to a higher area where we have retained a concrete slab, and will landscape over it.

The original plan was recycled timber railway sleepers for the robust industrial look...and because we have them.

It is about 500mm high plus 200mm as edging. Length about 13m.

But we are being persuaded that corten would be attractive.

It's easy to draw as an impression.

I can't think of a tidy way to affix steel sheeting to a traditional wall.

I've seen premade panels with lips which fix to posts behind, so no fixings show.... but the price!!

Similarly raised beds in rectangular and round format, where 200mm is the minimum that would look sensible.

It's easy to get lawn edging in 100mm of thin material. But 200mm?

I've seen somewhere that Corten is only self protecting on the air side, and the back has to be painted, presumably in blackjack.

Any and all experience, advice, suggestions and theories welcomed.

I know designers love Corten, but it WILL stain anything below it. So unless its grass or soil, it will make an unsightly mess.

As for fixing, is it acceptable to have an air gap behind? Solves the need to paint it, and makes fixing easy. You can just weld some tabs on the back and hang it over some threaed studs at the top and some brackets at the bottom, and just tightn up with nuts.

Im midway through building a substantial sleeper wall. Not the new ones (which must be for minature railways) but reclaimed ones. However, most of those are creasoted, so not pleasant to be near when warm and sunny. I have now found a good supply of reclained Jarrah sleeprs. These are NOT treated and are a truly lovely timber, and as close to rot proof as you can get without treatment.

Ive got carried away and planed and sanded the faces, as they are around what will be a patio.

A place near me has Corten cladding, roof and fencing. I know some of the guys that did the cladding. Apparently it was a bit of a pain. https://granddesignsforsale.co.uk/the-rusty-metal-house/

Gabions can work well for retaining structures and the gaps can be good for planting and wildlife.