Galvanized Steel VS Stainless Steel

The battle of galvanized steel vs stainless steel – who wins?

The first step to understanding the difference and figuring out which you prefer for your product, is learning how the steel is made. Galvanized steel is created when a sheet of regular carbon steel is coated with rust and corrosion resistant zinc. Stainless steel is created when molten steel mixes with chromium, creating a protective layer from rust.

Now that you know how they are made – you will have a better understanding of the application.

Let’s say the material will be outside, you will want galvanized steel. That way your product will be corrosion resistant along with rust resistant. You won’t necessarily need rust proof; rust resistant will be enough for your outdoor steel materials.

Let’s say you have a steel food service cart; you will want stainless steel as it is rust proof. Rust cannot get into food under any circumstance – for not only health but also legal reasons. That is why you would should stainless steel over galvanized. You will see stainless steel carts and cabinets in pharmaceuticals and kitchens.

When comparing prices stainless steel will almost always be the more expensive option as it is more of a process. Galvanized steel is very affordable. Remember galvanizing a sheet of steel only takes a zinc coat where as to create stainless steel you must mixed metals in the beginning stages. We understand the need for stainless steel so we have plenty of lower cost stainless as well.

So, which is better? Trick question! There is not a better one. We recommend examining your need and application to determine what type of steel you need. Our sales reps are here to help you determine what fits your needs. Though stainless steel is technically stronger, our galvanized pallet racks will reliably store 20,000 to 27,000 pounds, plenty strong enough for most applications.

For more information give us a call at 800 209 8798 text us at 781 592 7214 or email [email protected]