When an environment is too aggressive for standard steel or aluminum — think chemical exposure, constant washdown, or high humidity — stainless steel is usually the answer. Here’s the history behind this material, what gives it such exceptional resistance, and where it earns its place in metal stair fabrication.
A Brief History of Stainless Steel in Industry
Stainless steel’s discovery is often credited to English metallurgist Harry Brearley, who in 1913 was experimenting with chromium-steel alloys in Sheffield, England, while trying to develop a more erosion-resistant material for gun barrels. He noticed that a sample containing roughly 12.8% chromium resisted the acid etching he used to examine steel samples under a microscope — and, more importantly, resisted rust even after being left out for weeks. That chromium content turned out to be the key: it forms a thin, invisible, self-repairing layer of chromium oxide on the surface of the steel, which is what gives stainless steel its corrosion resistance.
Brearley’s discovery moved quickly from cutlery (where “stainless” first made its commercial name) into heavier industrial use through the early and mid-20th century, as manufacturers in food processing, chemical handling, marine equipment, and pharmaceuticals needed materials that could stand up to constant moisture, cleaning chemicals, and corrosive byproducts without degrading. Different stainless grades were developed over the decades to address specific challenges — most notably 316 stainless, which adds molybdenum for significantly better resistance to chlorides and saltwater environments than standard 304 grade.
Features of Stainless Steel
- Chromium oxide passive layer. This microscopically thin, self-healing layer is what makes stainless steel resistant to rust and corrosion, even when scratched.
- Multiple grades for different environments. 304 stainless handles general corrosive exposure well, while 316 stainless offers superior resistance to chlorides, making it the standard choice for coastal, marine, and heavy-chemical environments.
- Hygienic, non-porous surface. Stainless steel doesn’t harbor bacteria or trap contaminants the way more porous materials can, which is why it’s the standard in food and pharmaceutical facilities.
- High strength and durability. Despite its corrosion resistance, stainless steel retains excellent structural strength, comparable to standard carbon steel.
- Temperature and chemical resistance. Stainless steel holds up well under both extreme temperatures and exposure to a wide range of industrial chemicals.
Benefits for Metal Stair Applications
Unmatched performance in aggressive environments. Facilities dealing with constant moisture, washdown cycles, or chemical exposure get the longest service life and lowest long-term degradation from stainless steel.
Meets strict hygiene standards. Food and beverage processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing often require non-porous, easy-to-sanitize surfaces — stainless steel is built for exactly that requirement.
Strong return on investment in the right setting. While stainless carries a higher upfront material cost, it can outlast galvanized or powder-coated alternatives significantly in corrosive environments, often justifying the investment over the life of the facility.
Low maintenance in demanding conditions. Where other finishes would need recoating, patching, or replacement, stainless steel typically holds up with minimal upkeep even under constant chemical or moisture exposure.
Where Stainless Steel Makes the Most Sense
Stainless steel is the right choice for food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, marine and coastal facilities, wastewater treatment, and chemical processing environments — anywhere corrosion resistance, hygiene, or extreme exposure outweigh the higher material cost. For less aggressive environments, galvanized steel, powder-coated carbon steel, or aluminum typically deliver comparable performance at a lower price point.
Lapeyre Stair manufactures pre-engineered metal stairs, platforms, and crossover systems in stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum — built to your specifications and ready to install. Talk to a stair expert about the right material for your application.
