Difference Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel

Choosing the Right Stainless Steel for Floor Drains and Shower Channels

304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions when choosing floor drains, shower channels, bathroom drains, and wet-area drainage systems. The stainless steel grade directly affects corrosion resistance, service life, and product cost.

In this article, we clearly explain the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel and state which grade we use in our production.

What Is 304 Stainless Steel?

304 stainless steel is the most commonly used grade in floor drain and shower channel manufacturing. It contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, offering strong corrosion resistance.

Key features of 304 stainless steel:

Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
Ideal for bathrooms and indoor wet areas
Excellent price–performance ratio
Long-lasting and durable
Widely used in shower channels and floor drains

???? We use 304 stainless steel as our standard production material.
It provides the best balance of quality, durability, and cost for bathroom drainage products.

What Is 316 Stainless Steel?

316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which significantly increases resistance to saltwater, chlorine, and chemicals.

Key features of 316 stainless steel:

Superior corrosion resistance
Suitable for marine and chemical environments
Higher durability in harsh conditions
Higher cost compared to 304 stainless steel

???? Upon request, we can manufacture our products using 316 stainless steel, especially for project-based and special applications.

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel – Key Differences

Corrosion Resistance: 316 > 304
Cost: 304 is more economical
Application:
- Standard bathrooms → 304 stainless steel
- Marine, pool, spa areas → 316 stainless steel

Conclusion

For cost-effective and long-lasting solutions: 304 stainless steel
For maximum resistance in aggressive environments: 316 stainless steel

Our policy is clear:
Standard production uses 304 stainless steel, and 316 stainless steel is available upon request.