Why Do Unpainted Pillars and Cabinets Cost More Than Powder Coated Pillars & Cabinets?

All Standard Powder Coated Cabinets & Feeder Pillars are manufactured from 4003 Grade of Stainless Steel.

While 4003 is highly resistant to atmospheric corrosion, it is not recommended for use as a decorative stainless steel (e.g. unpainted and polished). This is because in more aggressively corrosive environments it can discolour producing a tarnished look to its surface. 

To avoid this staining in more corrosive environments, 4003 grade of stainless steel products are always powder coated for external use.

For a Natural Finish we manufacture using higher grades of steel, using 304 and 316 grade.

Unlike 4003, 304 and stainless steel does not have a tendency to form a surface patina.  This means that it can be used, unpainted, for external surfaces, within urban and inland locations as well as coastal locations (<1 mile from the coastline). For harsher locations, we recommend going for an even higher grade of stainless steel, 316 marine grade. 

The only downside to a 304 and 316 stainless steel is that they command a higher price for a better quality material.