Galvanised Steel vs Stainless Steel: What Lasts Longer?

Picking the right steel for your project can be difficult. You need to look at strength, aesthetic, costs, and - most importantly - if it’ll last long enough to fulfil its purpose.

Galvanised and stainless steel are two of the most durable steels out there, making both perfect for when durability is your main priority… but which one is the real champion? And is there ever a time to choose the other?

The Clickmetal team have over 70 years of experience under our belts, so we know steel inside and out. Below, we break down the lifespan of each type of steel and explain which might be the better fit for your project.

How Long Does Galvanised Steel Last?

Galvanised steel is regular steel that has been given a zinc coating to make it more resistant to corrosion. The zinc layer acts as a sacrificial barrier, protecting the steel underneath from rust when it comes into contact with oxygen and moisture.

Generally, galvanised steel lasts between 25 to 50 years before it starts losing its integrity. The exact lifespan depends on a few factors:

  • Type of galvanisation: There are four main methods of steel galvanisation, and which one you choose has a big impact on the metal’s lifespan. Hot-dip galvanising lasts the longest, while electrogalvanising lasts the shortest. Sherardising and thermal spraying fall somewhere in the middle.
  • Environment: Galvanised steel will last longer in drier, less polluted environments. Sea air and road salts will wear down the zinc coating and accelerate corrosion, shortening the metal’s lifespan.
  • Coat thickness: Thicker, more uniform coatings will last longer as the zinc will take more time to wear down.

How Long Does Stainless Steel Last?

Stainless steel is a metal alloy, meaning it's a mixture of several elements. The main components of stainless steel are iron and chromium, with chromium making up at least 10.5% of the alloy. Chromium is what gives stainless steel its trademark corrosion resistance. When chromium comes into contact with oxygen, it forms a thin layer of chromium oxide on the surface of the steel. This layer is invisible and very thin, but it's incredibly effective at protecting the steel from rust and corrosion.

In general, you can expect stainless steel to retain its integrity for over 50 years, though it can take much longer to break down completely.

Like galvanised steel, its exact lifespan depends on several factors:

  • Grade of stainless steel: There are various types of stainless steel, each with different chromium and nickel content. Higher chromium and nickel content generally lead to better corrosion resistance and a longer lifespan.
  • Environment: Stainless steel lasts longer in drier, inland areas with minimal pollution. Harsh environments like marine areas with salt spray or industrial settings with high chemical exposure can reduce its lifespan.
  • Maintenance: Regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris that can trap moisture and promote corrosion can extend the lifespan.

Should You Choose Galvanised or Stainless Steel for Your Project?

Stainless steel may last longer, but that doesn’t mean you should rule out galvanised steel altogether. It has its own advantages over stainless that make it a better option in some situations.

Galvanised steel is cheaper and easier to work with than stainless. Choose it if you’re working on a smaller budget, need easy workability, or the project won’t be exposed to too much corrosion (e.g. roofing sheets and gutters in moderate climates).

Go with stainless steel if you need an extra long lifespan, superior corrosion resistance (e.g. marine components or outdoor appliances), a sleek look, or high strength. However, be prepared for a higher cost.

Buy Premium Galvanised Steel and Stainless Steel Online

Whether you decide on stainless steel or galvanised steel, you want a trusted supplier that delivers exactly what you need - and that's where we come in.

Clickmetal is one of the UK’s leading names in high-quality metal supply. We offer premium metal in a wide range of thicknesses and dimensions, each custom cut to your exact requirements and delivered via next day courier.

Whatever you're building, from a small repair job to a major construction project, you can count on Clickmetal to provide steel that lasts.

Browse our selection of stainless steel and galvanised steel and find the perfect fit for your project!