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MATERIAL SELECTION GUIDE

304 or 316 stainless steel cabinets: choose from the real environment.

316 is not an automatic upgrade for every project, and 304 is not suitable by default for every chemical or coastal exposure. Start with the cabinet location, cleaning regime, chloride exposure, temperature and the components covered by the grade.

Specify exposure first, then confirm grade and component coverage.

ASSDA describes 304 as a widely used general-purpose stainless grade and 316 as having better resistance to pitting in chloride environments. That difference does not replace application review. Weld condition, finish, maintenance, temperature and cleaning chemistry also matter, and the buyer must identify any mandatory project requirement.

Real stainless product and workshop photographs

These authorised manufacturing-partner photographs show relevant construction and configuration details. They do not prove the material, thickness, certification or specification of a future order.

Close view of a stainless steel sink and cabinet fabrication detail in a partner workshop
PRODUCTION REFERENCE

Material is only one part of the build

Finish, seams, corners and interfaces must be reviewed together with the nominated stainless grade.

Stainless steel cabinet interior photographed with doors open for component coverage reference
PRODUCTION REFERENCE

State which components the grade covers

The body, shelves, back, doors and internal fittings should not be assumed to share one grade or thickness.

What the buyer and supplier need to define

Use this table as a purchasing brief. Final values and inclusions are confirmed only in the approved drawing, written specification and accepted quotation.

304 starting pointGeneral indoor commercial use where the specified environment and cleaning regime are compatible
316 review triggerCoastal, marine or chloride-related exposure, or another requirement identified by the buyer or consultant
Cleaning chemistryChemical name, concentration, contact time, temperature, rinse practice and cleaning frequency
Component coverageBenchtop, cabinet body, back, shelves, doors, drawers, sink bowl and internal components
Finish and fabricationSurface finish, weld treatment, joints, corners, drainage and areas that may retain contamination
VerificationOrdered grade and any required material evidence are written into the approved scope

Questions to close before approval

These questions expose scope gaps that can change price, fabrication, packing or site responsibility.

01

Where will the cabinet operate?

Record indoor, coastal, wash-down, food-preparation, clinical or chemical-exposure conditions.

02

What touches the surface?

List food, salt, cleaners, sanitisers, acids, alkalis and any prolonged wet contact.

03

Which parts need the nominated grade?

Do not assume a 304 or 316 label automatically covers the entire assembly.

04

Who confirms the final selection?

The buyer and relevant project consultant should identify mandatory site or regulatory requirements before order approval.

Send this information for a useful quotation

Known information can be sent now. Mark unresolved items TBC instead of allowing the supplier to guess.

  1. Application, room and distance from marine or chloride sources if relevant
  2. Cleaning and sanitising chemicals, concentration and temperature if known
  3. Food-contact or other buyer-specified service requirement
  4. Requested grade and component-by-component coverage
  5. Finish, weld and cleanability expectations
  6. Dimensions, configuration and quantity
  7. Required material documentation or inspection scope
  8. Destination and any local consultant notes
Is 316 always better than 304 for a commercial cabinet?

316 generally offers better resistance to pitting in chloride environments, but the suitable choice depends on exposure, temperature, cleaning chemistry, fabrication, finish and maintenance. The project requirement must be reviewed.

Is 304 automatically food grade?

A grade name alone does not confirm the complete cabinet or its suitability. The buyer should identify food-contact use, cleanability and any applicable project requirement; material, component coverage and finish are then confirmed in writing.

Can different components use different grades?

A mixed material scope can be reviewed, but every component and interface must be clearly identified in the drawing, BOM or written specification.

How can the ordered grade be verified?

The required evidence should be agreed before order confirmation. It may include supplier documentation, material records or an agreed inspection method, subject to the actual scope and availability.

Does this page certify Tianze cabinets to an Australian standard?

No. It provides buyer-side selection questions and references. Product and destination requirements must be confirmed for the actual order.

Technical reference points 4 verified external sources

These sources frame buyer-side specification questions. They do not state that a Tianze product is certified or compliant; final requirements are confirmed for each order.

  1. ISO 15510:2014 — stainless steel chemical compositionsMaterial-grade reference used when the ordered stainless grade is specified and verified.
  2. ASSDA — stainless steel grade selectionAustralian industry guidance for selecting grade from corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and fabricability.
  3. ASSDA — 316: the first step upAustralian industry explanation of 316 and its improved pitting resistance in chloride environments compared with 304.
  4. FSANZ — Safe Food Australia and Standard 3.2.3 guidanceOfficial food-premises context for material suitability, cleanability and equipment design questions.
Sources checked 13 September 2026.

PROJECT REVIEW

Send the schedule, drawing or dimensions.

Tell us the application, known dimensions, quantity and destination. Email drawings or photographs separately if available.

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