Choose 304 or 316 stainless steel? Do you really know the difference between the two?

In the purchase of many industrial projects, construction projects, home decoration and even daily necessities, a key question is often encountered: should we choose 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel?

 

In the purchase of many industrial projects, construction projects, home decoration and even daily necessities, a key question is often encountered: should we choose 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel?

 

Many people mistakenly think that this is a simple "cost issue". In fact, it involves comprehensive consideration of corrosion resistance, use environment, life cycle, maintenance cost and even safety risks.

 

1. Basic knowledge of 304 and 316

 

✅  304 stainless steel - the king of universal stainless steel

 

304 is one of the most widely used stainless steel grades on the market. It is an austenitic stainless steel containing about 18% chromium and 8% nickel, with good corrosion resistance, formability and weldability. Whether it is kitchen utensils, tableware, home decoration or industrial light structure, 304 is almost everywhere.

 

 

✅ 316 stainless steel - an upgraded version of the corrosion-resistant strongman

 

Based on 304, 316 adds 2%~3% molybdenum. This small addition makes it more resistant to chloride ion corrosion (such as seawater, salt spray, bleach environment). Therefore, 316 is often used in high-corrosion and high-risk fields such as marine engineering, pharmaceutical manufacturing, petrochemical equipment, and heavy industrial components.

 

 

2. What are the core differences?

 

 

As can be seen from the table, although 316 has a higher cost, its "durability" and "risk resistance" are also greatly improved. When choosing between initial investment and long-term maintenance, 316 is often a more valuable investment.

 

 

3. Why is 316 recommended for projects with high corrosion risk?

 

In an environment containing chloride ions, strong acids, strong alkalis or long-term humidity, although 304 has a certain corrosion resistance, it is more prone to corrosion pitting, crack corrosion and other hidden dangers. In contrast, the molybdenum element in 316 can significantly enhance its "defense ability" against chloride ions.

 

Examples of applicable scenarios:

 

Seaside building exterior walls/handrails → Recommend 316 (anti-salt spray corrosion)

 

Chemical plant pipelines, storage tanks → Recommend 316 (acid and alkali corrosion resistance)

 

Medical and pharmaceutical equipment → Recommend 316 (meets hygiene standards, easy to clean)

 

Home kitchen and bathroom hardware → Recommend 304 (cost-effective, sufficient for daily use)

 

✅ In short: facing harsh environments or high safety requirements, 316 is a safer choice.

 

 

4. From cost to value: Don’t just focus on the unit price

 

When many purchasers choose materials, their first reaction is to look at the quotation - the quotation of 316 is indeed 20%~30% more expensive than 304, but they ignore its longer service life, less maintenance frequency, and lower risk cost.

 

For example:

For a railing installed at the seaside, 304 may have rust spots in 2 years and need to be replaced in 5 years, while 316 can be used for 10 years or even longer. Considering the replacement cost, construction labor and potential accident risks, the "total cost" of 316 is lower.

 

 

5. My suggestion: choose materials rationally according to the scene

 

As practitioners in the stainless steel industry, we recommend that purchasers or designers make comprehensive judgments based on the actual use environment, project life cycle, and safety requirements, rather than simply based on price.

 

If you are facing:

 

High humidity, high salt, chemically corrosive environments: 316 is preferred

 

Indoor, dry, normal load environments: 304 is more cost-effective

 

 

Conclusion: Expensive is not necessarily excessive, but using it wrong is definitely a waste

 

In the world of stainless steel, there is no "best", only "most suitable". 304 and 316 have their own advantages and disadvantages. The key is to match the material with the application scenario. If you have any questions about the steel used in your project, please consult us. We will provide you with the most professional and matching material selection suggestions and processing services.