The adoption of corten steel posts has transformed modern viticulture. They offer exceptional durability and blend seamlessly with the natural environment. Sika was one of the first manufacturers in Italy to introduce corten steel for vineyards. Since then, Sika has helped make it the preferred material for vineyard trellising systems. In the US, corten is also known as weathering steel.
Why corten costs less than galvanised
At equal profile and thickness, corten posts cost on average 20% less than the galvanised equivalent. The reason lies in the production process. Corten needs no galvanising after forming, so it skips an entire step.
This figure often surprises growers who approach the material for the first time. Many assume the aesthetic finish comes at a premium. In fact, it does not.
How the patina works
Corten does not resist corrosion through a coating. Instead, it forms a stable oxide layer that seals the surface and stops corrosion from going deeper. That patina regenerates after every abrasion, so the post has no weak point that degrades over time. By contrast, a single scratch during installation or mechanical work compromises a painted or galvanised surface.
As a result, a corten trellis needs no maintenance for the entire life of the vineyard. Moreover, its colour 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. Under those conditions, galvanised steel vineyard posts are the safer option. Hot-dip galvanising, in fact, seals the steel completely.
Sections available in corten
Sika offers corten steel posts across its full 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
Accessories for a complete corten trellis
Several vineyard accessories complete the corten trellis:
- 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
We design these components to work with Sika posts, for complete integration and reliability.
A long-term investment
Sika corten and galvanised posts are a long-term investment. Over time, they improve efficiency and productivity and cut operational costs. We manufacture all posts in Italy with steel certified to EN 10204 type 3.1. They are also fully compatible with mechanical harvesters and pruning equipment.
