Cost: ACP wins clearly
Aluminium composite panels are substantially cheaper per square foot than stainless steel cladding, which is exactly why they're everywhere on Indian commercial facades. We won't pretend otherwise — if budget is the deciding constraint, ACP is the practical answer.
Longevity and failure modes
ACP panels can delaminate, fade, or warp over years of sun exposure; the coating is the finish, so once it degrades there's no recovering it. Stainless steel's appearance is the material itself (see our corrosion guide), which is why it holds up longer without a coating to fail.
Fire behaviour
This is a genuine, serious differentiator — some ACP grades have a combustible core, and fire safety regulations around composite cladding have tightened significantly worldwide. Stainless steel is non-combustible. If your project has fire-safety scrutiny, this deserves specific attention with your architect (see our fire safety guide).
Where each fits
ACP for large-area budget-driven facades; stainless steel for entrance features, column cladding (see our column cladding guide), lift lobbies and high-touch surfaces where longevity and premium feel justify the cost. Many buildings sensibly use both.