ELECTRO GALVANIZED: Zinc plating process in which a layer of zinc is bonded to steel to protect against corrosion; smooth, shiny finish, which is generally used in areas where minimal corrosion protection is needed.

GALVANIZED: Coated with a protective layer of zinc for corrosion resistance and weather exposure.

HOT DIPPED GALVANIZED: Most common method of galvanization where iron, steel or aluminum are coated with a thin zinc layer, by passing the metal through a molten bath of zinc that results in very high corrosion resistance suitable for some acidic and treated lumber; will corrode over time as the coating wears, but generally good for the lifetime of the application; typically used in outdoor applications—meets ASTM A153.

STAINLESS STEEL: Used where both the properties of steel and corrosion resistance are required; although stainless steel does not readily corrode, it isn’t fully stain proof—certain conditions can and do affect it such as low oxygen, high salinity, or poor circulation environments; 300 series stainless makes up 70% of all stainless used, and is the most corrosion resistant, ductile, and weldable type of stainless steel; these alloys are subject to crevice corrosion and pitting corrosion.

304 / 305 grade alloys are the most versatile and widely used of stainless steels contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel; recommended for exterior applications where a higher level of corrosion resistance is desired.

316 (also called marine grade) has superior corrosion resistance versus other chromium-nickel steels when exposed to chemical corrodents such as sea water; slightly more nickel and the addition of 2% molybdenum is what makes 316 considerably more resistant to corrosion than the 304 family; recommended for marine environments.

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