304 vs 316: when does it matter
A short note on stainless grades for non-spec-driven jobs — and when 316 is genuinely worth the upgrade.
by Tom Bradshaw, Technical
304 is fine for most indoor architectural and food-contact uses. 316 contains roughly 2% molybdenum which dramatically improves resistance to chloride pitting — meaning seawater, swimming-pool environments, and de-icing salt spray on coastal handrails. If you're inside a dry building, 304 is fine; if you can smell the sea, specify 316.