Application of Stainless Steel in Interior and Exterior Decoration

Let’s explore the applications of stainless steel in interior and exterior decoration with Alumax and understand why stainless steel is widely preferred and highly applied. As society develops, the demand for renovating and beautifying homes, apartments, and rooms is gaining attention. Therefore, the use of stainless steel in interior and exterior decoration is becoming increasingly widespread. With its shiny, glossy appearance, high durability, ease of movement, and hygiene, stainless steel is applied to produce interior and exterior products for homes.

In today’s world, stainless steel is applied not only in manufacturing industries but also in interior and exterior decoration. Along with the development of society, the desire to enhance the beauty of homes, rooms, and gardens is growing. With its shiny, aesthetic properties, and high durability, stainless steel is increasingly favored and chosen by designers, projects both indoors and outdoors, and households.

For the field of interior and exterior decoration, strict criteria and demands are set. Aesthetics, durability, flexibility, and shaping ability, as well as easy mechanical processing, all have to be feasible and applicable in various ways. Therefore, stainless steel is applied to this industry not only because of its special physical properties but also because it can meet the artistic needs and even adhere to the specific themes that designers and investors desire.

Moreover, stainless steel used for this industry comes in various forms such as stainless steel pipes, bars, sheets, gold-plated stainless steel, mirrored stainless steel, etc., or other exquisitely processed decorative items, ranging from simple to complex. Manufacturers can purchase stainless steel blanks in sheet form and then process them into everyday items or embellish them with intricate patterns, laser-cut borders, embossing, engraving, etc., to enhance the decorative aspect.

Decorating the interior with stainless steel objects makes the space more eye-catching, cool, clean, and extremely elegant. Stainless steel decorative items not only contribute to making other objects in the space stand out but also highlight their own beauty without overshadowing the overall aesthetics.

1. What is Stainless Steel (Inox)?

Stainless steel is a recyclable alloy that retains its inherent qualities during recycling. The materials used to create stainless steel are reused indefinitely to produce new products.

Particularly, Inox 304 is a standard “18/8” stainless steel, the most flexible and widely used. It is available in a much broader range than other types of stainless steel, with superior formability and weldability.

1.1. Common Types of Stainless Steel Today

The common types of stainless steel on the market include Inox 304, Inox 430, Inox 202, Inox 201, and Inox 316. The three most popular types are Inox 304, Inox 430, and Inox 201, each with its characteristics.

• Inox 304: Contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. It is non-corrosive and can be used in any environment, especially safe for contact with food. The product cost is relatively high.
• Inox 201: Contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This type is non-corrosive and durable over time. However, it should avoid direct contact with acid or salt during use. The product cost is not excessively high.
• Inox 403: Contains 18% chromium and no nickel. This type is prone to corrosion and easily affected by the surrounding environment, losing its shine. The advantage is that the product is relatively inexpensive.

Other less common types include Inox 202, which has characteristics similar to Inox 403. Inox 316 is non-corrosive and can be used in any situation, suitable for industries with strict cleanliness requirements. The drawback is its relatively high cost, making it suitable for special fields.

1.2. Distinguishing Different Types of Stainless Steel

Major manufacturers label their stainless steel products with tags that specify the type of stainless steel. Consumers can confidently choose the right type of stainless steel based on these labels. To ensure accuracy or when the brands do not clearly specify, alternative methods can be used.

• Check for labels or engravings on the product’s body.
• Use an Inox test solution available at specialized stores. To distinguish Inox 403, a magnet can be used as it has a very high attraction.
• For Inox 304 and 201, an acid or specialized test solution can be used. Inox 304 does not react, while Inox 201 reacts and changes color. A magnet test is another option, as Inox 201 will have a strong attraction.

2. Applications of Stainless Steel in Interior and Exterior Decoration

2.1. Application of Stainless Steel as Stainless Steel Cable (Inox Cable)

Stainless steel cables are extensively used in various designs such as staircases, partitions, and railings. Designed with simplicity yet sturdy and safe, stainless steel cables are suitable for homes with limited space or small courtyards. They are also employed in larger houses aiming to create a sense of spaciousness and minimalistic style. Inox cables bring a unique and robust feel, making it the first application of stainless steel that Alumax wants to highlight.

2.2. Application of Stainless Steel in Stainless Steel Staircases

Stainless steel staircases are highly popular today due to their practicality and aesthetic appeal. Sturdy, easy to clean, and bright thanks to their distinctive color, stainless steel staircases provide a sense of openness to the living space. Using stainless steel for railings further enhances the attractiveness of your home. They stand out when viewed from the outside while ensuring high safety standards and cost-effectiveness.

2.3. Application in Stainless Steel Cabinets and Kitchen Countertops for Residential and Industrial Kitchens

Currently, households prefer the design and construction of kitchen spaces using stainless steel due to their environmental friendliness. In addition to creating a luxurious and modern kitchen space, stainless steel is reliable in terms of safety, as it does not contain harmful substances and is easy to clean. A kitchen designed with stainless steel is not only aesthetically pleasing but also saves time in cleaning and increases the product’s lifespan. This is particularly crucial in the industrial catering sector.

2.4. Application in Stainless Steel Cabinets and Decorative Molding

Stainless steel cabinets or storage units made of stainless steel boast high durability and longevity. There are no concerns about issues such as termites, mold, or decay, which can affect wooden cabinets. Even after years of use, stainless steel products maintain their brightness, appearing almost as new as when first acquired.

2.5. Application as Decorative Molding

Choosing stainless steel molding for interior decoration is a smart decision to enhance the distinctive beauty of your home. It brings a modern and luxurious touch to any space. Stainless steel stands out as a prominent material for molding products, adding a contemporary and elegant feel to various environments.

Stainless steel trim, specifically the 304 variant, is a highly flexible trim made of corrosion-resistant steel. Widely used not only in industries such as oil and gas and maritime but also embraced in interior design.

Stainless steel trim (Nẹp Inox 304) contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, providing durability, sturdiness, excellent resistance, and easy processing. Additionally, it adds a high aesthetic value to products crafted from this material. Due to its lightweight nature, stainless steel trim is suitable for various applications, including wall trim, ceiling trim, and external corner trim.

2.5. Stainless Steel in Office Buildings

Modern office buildings are adopting the trend of using stainless steel decorative panels to create a strong, contemporary design. The presence of stainless steel can be observed in various elements, including doors, elevators, stainless steel tables and chairs, and even stainless steel logos. Alongside the modern appearance, this choice also leads to significant cost savings while maintaining a luxurious ambiance.

3. Why Stainless Steel is Preferred and Widely Applied?

High Oxidation Resistance: Stainless steel exhibits high resistance to oxidation, enhancing the longevity and durability of products. Its application in manufacturing ensures users are free from concerns about rusting, damage, and makes it suitable for harsh conditions. Cleaning becomes more straightforward and efficient compared to other materials.

These features contribute to the widespread use and preference for stainless steel across various industries and applications.

4. Benefits and Characteristics of Stainless Steel (Inox)

4.1. Lasting Shine and Aesthetic Appeal

Stainless steel possesses a bright and non-fading appearance, ensuring aesthetic appeal even after extended use. Its polished surface retains its visual allure, contributing to the material’s popularity in various applications.

4.2. Health and Environmental Safety

Stainless steel is a standard material recognized for its safety in human use, devoid of harmful chemicals and meticulously purified before the final product. Its recyclability and environmental friendliness make stainless steel an eco-conscious choice, preserving natural resources and offering the potential for reuse.

4.3. Strength and High Heat Resistance

Stainless steel exhibits robust strength and high heat resistance, making it suitable for diverse purposes ranging from cladding high-rise buildings to crafting smaller items like chairs and kitchen utensils. Its structural integrity, resilience, and formability, attributed to elements such as chromium and nickel, enable the creation of a wide array of products that meet the demands of interior and exterior decoration. Stainless steel’s mechanical processing capabilities, including cutting, punching, laser cutting, thin sheet stamping, bending, contribute to the diversity of products. Items like lining sheets and decorative panels, crafted through intricate laser cutting, enhance the overall artistic and elegant appearance of constructions according to the owner’s style.

4.4. Varied Grades and Cost Considerations

The cost of stainless steel varies with different grades such as Inox 201, 303, 316, aligning with the financial capabilities of consumers and the specific features of the steel. This versatility ensures that stainless steel is accessible to a broad range of users with different budget considerations, catering to both affordability and performance preferences.

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ALUMAX VIETNAM JOINT STOCK COMPANY

Headquater: No.70 Nam Duong str, Thuong Thanh ward, Long Bien distric, Hanoi city.

Hotline: 0961 362 362

Website: www.alux.com.vn