3 Reasons to Use Stainless Steel in Architecture

For many years, the standard for most architectural and construction projects has been the traditional carbon steel. While there’s nothing wrong with this material in and of itself, it seems more and more that that decision was motivated by cheapness and availability more so than benefits. Sure, carbon steel probably won’t be going anywhere for things like supports, but beyond that, stainless steel really does seem to be the way to go. These three reasons to use stainless steel in architecture should give you a good idea as to why.

1. Durability

It’s generally no secret that stainless steel is generally more durable than carbon steel in most situations. It has a higher resistance to heat, it doesn’t corrode when exposed to the elements, and its natural pliability means it’s less likely to buckle under stress. The latter point also plays into another factor in stainless’ versatility, that being the ability to cut down on the amount of material needed to achieve the same results. In short, there’s a reason the designation of surgical grade stainless steel exists.

2. Flexibility

Both the flexibility with which stainless steel can be used in design to the literal flexibility of the material are pluses. From accents to major support structures, stainless steel can do it all thanks to the number of shapes it can easily form without losing its trademark resiliency. It also takes to various coatings well, too.

3. Environmental Friendliness

Another big plus when it comes to using stainless steel is the environmental friendliness of the material. Unlike carbon steel or other metals, stainless steel is nearly 100% recyclable. Both the construction and manufacturing processes with stainless steel produce little waste when it comes to materials. Many stainless steel structures also find their origins in recycled steel themselves, furthering the sustainability inherent in the material.

While it might not be everyone’s go-to material just yet, stainless steel certainly deserves a chance. These three reasons should explain exactly why stainless steel is such a boon in architecture and construction.