304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Sheet: Which Do You Need?
Short answer: 316 contains about 2–3% molybdenum, which gives it better resistance to pitting from chlorides such as sea spray, road salt and swimming-pool air. 304 is the everyday grade and costs less. Neither grade is guaranteed to stay mark-free everywhere; cleaning and design matter too.
The differences
304 (1.4301): about 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Good indoors and in most inland outdoor use: kitchens, splashbacks, brackets and fittings.
316 (1.4401): about 17% chromium, 10% nickel and 2–3% molybdenum. Better near the coast, on salted roads and around pools: marine fittings, coastal balustrades, pool surrounds.
Weight: nearly the same. 3 mm 304 weighs 23.79 kg/m²; 316 weighs 23.94 kg/m².
Price: a 1000 × 1000 × 3 mm plate is £222.49 in 304 and £338.49 in 316 in our shop.
How to choose
If the part lives indoors or inland, 304 is usually enough. If it will see salt regularly, choose 316. If you're not sure, tell us where the part is going in the notes box when you order and we'll advise.
Order stainless cut to size: square, rectangle, strip or disc. Minimum charge £70 per piece, before delivery. For other thicknesses or profiles, ask for a quote.