The adoption of corten steel posts has transformed modern viticulture. They offer exceptional durability and seamless integration with the natural environment. As one of the first manufacturers to introduce corten steel for vineyards in Italy, Sika has helped establish it as the preferred material for vineyard trellising systems.
Why corten costs less than galvanised
At equal profile and thickness, corten posts cost on average 20% less than the galvanised equivalent. The reason is in the production process: corten requires no galvanising step after forming, so it skips an entire operation.
It is a figure that surprises growers approaching the material for the first time, who assume the aesthetic finish comes at a premium. It does not.
How the patina works
Corten does not resist corrosion by adding a coating. It forms a stable oxide layer that seals the surface and stops the process from going deeper. That patina regenerates after every abrasion, so the post has no weak point that degrades over time. A painted or galvanised surface, by contrast, is compromised once scratched during installation or mechanical operations.
The result is a corten trellis that requires no maintenance for the entire life of the vineyard, with a colour that blends into the landscape rather than standing out against it.
When galvanised is the better choice
Corten needs an environment where the patina can stabilise. In permanently saturated ground, or where the post sits in standing water, the oxide layer does not set correctly. In those conditions galvanised steel vineyard posts are the safer option, thanks to hot-dip galvanising that seals the steel completely.
Sections available in corten
Corten steel posts are available across the full Sika range:
- Line posts — Small 51 x 33, Medium 51 x 41 and Big 65 x 45 mm
- End posts — Mini Strong 56 x 46 and Strong 68 x 56 mm
- The tubular Orbit profile, 61 x 50 mm, and the Cortina J-slot profile
Vineyard accessories in corten steel
Corten is also used for several vineyard accessories:
- Corten trellis wire, which keeps the row visually consistent
- Anti-sink base plates for end posts
- Training stakes for young vines
- Wire tensioners and spring strainers
These components are designed to work with Sika posts, ensuring complete integration and reliability.
A long-term investment
Choosing Sika corten or galvanised posts means investing in a vineyard system that improves efficiency, productivity and operational costs over time. All posts are manufactured in Italy with steel certified to EU 10204 3.1 and are fully compatible with mechanical harvesters and pruning equipment.
