The three in brief
See our full grades guide for detail. Quick summary: 201 is the cheapest with the lowest corrosion margin, 304 is the standard mid-range choice, 316 is the premium option for harsh exposure.
Where to save on a tight budget
- Non-structural, indoor, low-handling elements can reasonably use 201 if budget is the deciding factor.
- Simple finishes over decorative ones — standard mill/hairline finish costs less than PVD colour.
Where not to compromise
- Anything structural or safety-relevant — handrails, load-bearing posts — grade shouldn't be the first cost lever here.
- Outdoor or high-humidity exposure — 201's weaker corrosion resistance will show up as real problems (staining, pitting) within a few years, costing more in eventual replacement than the initial saving.
A practical approach
Use 304 as your default and only step down to 201 for genuinely low-risk indoor, non-structural elements after discussing it explicitly with your fabricator — not as an unstated substitution.