The difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel

Stainless steel comes in several grades and with different properties. 2 of the most common types of steel are called 304 and 316 respectively.

The main difference between the steel grades is the presence of molybdenum in 316 stainless steel, which is not present in 304. Molybdenum is a chemical element used to strengthen and harden steel. Its main function in stainless 316 is to help fight corrosion from chlorides found in salt water from the sea. Stainless 316 contains more nickel than stainless 304, while 304 contains more chromium than 316. Stainless 304 usually consists of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Stainless 316 consists of 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum.

304 and 316 stainless steel are comparable in terms of appearance, chemical composition and properties. Both steels are durable and provide excellent resistance to corrosion and rust. 304 stainless steel is the most versatile and widely used austenitic stainless steel in the world due to its corrosion resistance. 304 stainless is also cheaper compared to 316, another reason for its popularity and widespread use.

Stainless steel 316 is more expensive because it offers a higher corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and chlorinated solutions. This makes 316 stainless steel more desirable where salt exposure is an issue. If you expose your steel shower to chlorides (salt in salt water), the extra cost of 316 stainless showers is recommended. In such environments, 316 stainless lasts longer than 304, giving you extra years of life and use. If your shower is not exposed to salt exposure, stainless 304 is perfect.

Placing showers closer than 700 meters from the coast and harbor is considered coastal, which means that salt is present in the air and affects showers installed outside. Therefore, installing showers made of 304 steel is not recommended in houses/summer homes closer to the coast than this.