Luxury Corten steel furniture
Corten steel water basins
Corten steel water bowls and basins.
Still water in a courtyard: choosing a Corten water bowl or basin
From a low bowl to a long mirror
Sélène suits a compact terrace or a small patio. This low Corten water bowl, only 87 to 205 mm tall and 600 to 1500 mm in diameter, weighs between 4.8 and 29.9 kg empty and rests directly on paving or gravel. Ondine changes the scale with a 500 mm-high circle of 3 mm Corten steel, 1000 to 2500 mm across, enough to hold the centre of a lawn. Narcisse, also made in 3 mm steel, is the long format: a rectangular reflecting pool from 1000 × 1000 mm up to 4000 mm in length, with a height of 500 or 600 mm, which can run beside a façade or line an entrance path.
Placed for the view, not the socket
The three basins come without pump or lighting, and since nothing needs plugging in, the spot can be chosen for the view alone. Movement can still be added later: Ondine can be fitted with a pump and the water display you prefer, and Narcisse can receive the falling curtain of a Corten water wall. If you want moving water from the very first evening, our fountains are supplied with pump and LEDs. In every case, keep the water clear and change it often enough that it never stagnates against the steel.
Close to the swimming pool
A Corten steel water basin near the swimming pool works well as long as splashes cannot reach it, because chlorinated water attacks the patina, and saltwater pools are harsher still. Choose the protective varnish there, offered on all three models: it fixes the Cortenys signature patina and strongly reduces run-off on pale coping, without ruling it out, so keep spacers or a drip tray beneath the piece. Where pool water would actually touch the piece, change material: our aluminium water basins include a round and a rectangular model matching Ondine and Narcisse. Each basin arrives ready to set in place; Cortenys does not carry out installation on site.
FAQ
What should be checked before a basin goes up on a roof terrace?
The structure, first of all. The weights on the product pages are for the empty piece, from 4.8 kg for the smallest Sélène to 319.8 kg for the 3000 × 2000 mm Narcisse, and the water comes on top. Have a professional confirm the load capacity before ordering; where it is limited, the aluminium versions of the round and rectangular basins are a lighter option.
Can a Corten basin be lit at night?
Not on its own: Sélène, Ondine and Narcisse come without pump or lighting. Paired with Narcisse, a water wall brings its own LED, which lights the falling sheet once night falls, and our fountains have LEDs built in. Otherwise, a flame lantern or a Luminus bollard set close by lets the still surface catch the light.
Which Corten basin takes up the least room?
Sélène, from 600 mm across, which needs nothing more than a level spot on paving or gravel. Narcisse starts at 1000 × 1000 mm and also comes in a slimmer 1250 × 800 mm format for a narrow strip, while Ondine begins at 1000 mm in diameter. Leave enough space around the basin to reach it for cleaning.
Corten steel water basins / The models
Our selection of Corten steel water basins
Discover pieces designed to live outdoors beautifully for years.
Luxury Corten steel furniture
The spirit of the collection
Discover Narcisse, Ondine and Sélène to create a still-water feature in your garden.
Installing a Corten steel fountain or water featureCortenys
Advice and design: Corten steel water basins
01 / Advice
Corten steel water basins
Corten steel water bowls and basins. Discover Narcisse, Ondine and Sélène to create a still-water feature in your garden.
02 / Advice
Sizes and placement
Compare the footprint, height and weight listed on each product page. Leave room for use and maintenance. Bespoke dimensions need to be assessed before ordering.
03 / Advice
A natural patina
Weathering steel develops a warm patina that changes with exposure. Runoff may mark pale surfaces. A protective clear varnish is optional on selected models; even varnished, Corten steel can still leave rust run-off and stain pale floors and terraces.
04 / Advice
Care and delivery
Follow the care instructions for the piece and avoid trapped moisture at its base. Check the stated lead time, delivery terms for your country and access to the intended position.
05 / Cortenys
A round basin on the lawn
Ondine sets a circle of calm water in the middle of the grass, a few steps from the swimming pool.
06 / Cortenys
A bowl that gathers the sky
Wide and low, Sélène turns still water into a mirror resting on the paving.
Corten steel water basins / Perspectives
In their setting.
Made to order
The time each piece deserves.
From your order to your space, every stage is carried through without shortcuts, with the rigour of true workshop craft.
6 to 12 weeks
Preparation
Included in the total lead time
Your order is checked down to the smallest detail, then prepared for the workshop.
Making
Included in the total lead time
Your piece is made for you by a partner manufacturer in Europe, with no finished goods held in stock.
Cortenys signature patina
5 days
One day of application on the Corten steel in the workshop, then four days for the patina to set and be inspected, piece by piece.
Delivery
Included in the total lead time
After a final inspection, transport is arranged to the agreed destination.
We deliver standard pieces, including Cortenys Editions, in 6 to 12 weeks after order confirmation. For bespoke pieces, we allow 8 to 13 weeks, with the schedule stated in the quotation.
Cortenys
Corten steel water basins: frequently asked questions
How should a Corten steel water basin be maintained?
Remove leaves and debris regularly, top up the water level in hot weather and renew the water when necessary. Before hard frosts, follow the model’s recommendations for draining and winter protection.
Which sizes are available?
Each product page lists the available dimensions and options. Bespoke sizes require an assessment.
Can Corten steel stain paving?
Runoff can carry patina residue. Protect pale paving and check whether the model offers an optional protective varnish, which greatly reduces runoff without ruling it out.
How should I prepare for delivery?
Check the terms for your address, access routes and the handling equipment needed for your chosen piece.
Is Corten steel painted?
Cortenys keeps the natural patina of Corten steel. An optional protective clear varnish is available on selected pieces; even varnished, Corten steel can still leave run-off and stain floors and terraces, so we recommend protecting pale surfaces.
A particular project in mind?
A dimension, a finish, a word of advice. The House is by your side, with the care it brings to every one of its pieces.
Cortenys collections