Stainless steel vs. galvanised steel
Stainless steel and galvanised steel are both commonly used materials in construction. While they are similar in appearance they differ in terms of composition, weight, strength and application, although there is a certain amount of crossover between them.
Stainless steel is manufactured by a process that involves a mixture of at least 10% chromium and regular carbon steel in a molten state. Once it is cooled and hardened, the steel is acid-treated to remove any impurities from the surface. It is the addition of chromium that protects stainless steel from corrosion.
Galvanised steel is manufactured by a process that involves dipping steel into molten zinc which hardens to form a protective, anti-corrosive coating through the formation of zinc oxide.
The zinc coating on galvanised steel eventually wears off, and if is scratched or damaged in any way, it can become susceptible to rust. However, The zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, meaning that the remaining zinc will still protect the exposed steel.
For more information, see Galvanzing.
It's use is typically restricted to applications where there is minimal risk of damage. Galvanised steel is significantly less expensive than stainless steel, and is commonly used, for example, to make; nuts, bolts, fasteners and other fixings (although some components may be too large or too small to be hot-dipped), as well as being used in many common appliances.
For more information see: Galvanised steel.
In contrast, stainless steel retains its anti-corrosive qualities for longer, as the chromium forms an inextricable part of the steel material itself. As a result, stainless steel is more durable than galvanised steel, and is preferred for some uses in the construction of buildings, such as the construction of high-rise buildings. It does not rust even when scratched, so is commonly used for the working parts of hand tools such as saw blades. It is also more resistant to salt than zinc oxide, and so is more commonly used for applications in marine and coastal environments.
For more information see: Stainless steel.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.