Choosing the wrong stainless steel welded mesh can lead to rust, higher maintenance costs, or project delays. Understanding the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel mesh is essential to ensure long-term durability, corrosion resistance, and cost efficiency. Whether your project involves construction, industrial processing, or marine environments, selecting the right grade can make a significant difference in performance and lifespan.
For a quick and accurate estimation of material weight and cost, try our Online Welded Mesh Weight and Price Calculator — a handy tool for planning your project efficiently.
Have you ever noticed two stainless steel welded meshes that look identical but behave very differently over time? Exposure to saltwater, chemicals, or high humidity can drastically affect performance, and choosing the wrong grade could compromise your project's durability and safety. In this guide, we break down the key differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel welded mesh, explaining not just the technical specs, but what they mean in practical, real-world applications.
If you want to better understand mesh selection before making a purchase, check out our Guide on How to Read Welded Wire Mesh Sizes — it’s a great companion to this article and helps you choose the right mesh for your project.
Table of Contents
304 stainless steel welded mesh is made by welding stainless steel wires primarily composed of iron, chromium (~18%), and nickel (~8%). It is one of the most widely used grades due to its excellent balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and cost-efficiency.
This mesh is suitable for indoor use and mildly corrosive environments, offering reliable performance with fresh water, moisture, and many common chemicals. Its weldability and precise openings make it ideal for applications that require consistent quality.
To understand mesh dimensions better, you can also see our Guide on How to Read Welded Wire Mesh Sizes.
316 stainless steel welded mesh contains chromium, nickel, and an additional element — molybdenum (2–3%) — which significantly improves corrosion resistance in harsh, coastal, or chemically aggressive environments.
Compared to 304, 316 provides superior protection against chlorides, saltwater, acids, and industrial chemicals, making it the preferred choice for marine, chemical, and high-hygiene applications. It also maintains strong mechanical durability at elevated temperatures.
For a deeper understanding of mesh types and selection tips, check our Types of Welded Mesh and How to Choose guide.
| Comparison Item | 304 Stainless Steel Welded Mesh | 316 Stainless Steel Welded Mesh |
|---|---|---|
| Main Alloy Composition | Chromium (~18%) and Nickel (~8%) | Chromium, Nickel, plus Molybdenum (2–3%) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good resistance in normal and mildly corrosive environments | Excellent resistance, especially to chlorides and chemicals |
| Resistance to Saltwater | Limited, not recommended for long-term marine exposure | Highly suitable for marine and coastal environments |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to many common chemicals | Superior resistance to acids, alkalis, and industrial chemicals |
| Typical Applications | Indoor, architectural, general industrial uses | Marine, chemical, pharmaceutical, and high-corrosion environments |
| Cost | More economical | Higher cost due to added molybdenum |
| Service Life in Harsh Environments | Moderate | Longer and more reliable |
The primary difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel welded mesh lies in their chemical composition. Both grades contain chromium and nickel, which provide corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. However, 316 stainless steel includes an additional alloying element—molybdenum.
The presence of molybdenum significantly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly in chloride-rich environments such as seawater or areas exposed to de-icing salts and industrial chemicals. This compositional difference is the key reason why 316 stainless steel performs better in aggressive conditions.
304 stainless steel welded mesh offers reliable corrosion resistance in most indoor environments and outdoor locations with low pollution and minimal salt exposure. It is well-suited for applications where contact with fresh water, moisture, or mild chemicals is expected.
In contrast, 316 stainless steel welded mesh is designed for environments where corrosion risk is significantly higher. It resists saltwater, acidic substances, and chemical vapors far more effectively, making it a preferred choice for coastal, marine, and industrial applications.
Because of its cost-effectiveness and good overall performance, 304 stainless steel welded mesh is commonly used in architectural fencing, machine guards, food processing equipment, and general-purpose filtration systems.
316 stainless steel welded mesh, on the other hand, is typically selected for critical applications where failure due to corrosion would be costly or dangerous. These include offshore platforms, chemical plants, pharmaceutical facilities, marine enclosures, and high-hygiene environments.
From a cost perspective, 304 stainless steel welded mesh is more affordable and sufficient for many standard applications. However, in harsh environments, the lower upfront cost may be offset by shorter service life and higher maintenance or replacement expenses.
Although 316 stainless steel welded mesh has a higher initial cost, its extended durability and reduced risk of corrosion-related failure often provide better long-term value in demanding conditions.
| Specification | 304 Stainless Steel Welded Mesh (USD/m²) | 316 Stainless Steel Welded Mesh (USD/m²) | Price Difference (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire Diameter: 1.2 mm | Opening: 25 × 25 mm | 10.00 – 12.00 | 12.50 – 16.00 | ~15% – 33% higher |
| Wire Diameter: 1.6 mm | Opening: 50 × 50 mm | 12.50 – 14.50 | 15.50 – 19.00 | ~22% – 31% higher |
| Wire Diameter: 2.0 mm | Opening: 100 × 100 mm | 15.00 – 18.00 | 18.50 – 23.00 | ~23% – 28% higher |
| Wire Diameter: 2.5 mm | Opening: 50 × 50 mm | 18.00 – 21.00 | 22.00 – 27.00 | ~22% – 29% higher |
| Wire Diameter: 3.0 mm | Opening: 25 × 25 mm | 20.00 – 24.00 | 24.50 – 30.00 | ~20% – 25% higher |
The price ranges shown above are approximate and for the same mesh specifications, with differences mainly due to material costs. The prices are expressed in USD per square meter (USD/m²) for welded mesh panels with standard sizes (e.g., 1.8 m × 3.0 m or similar sheet sizes). Actual prices may vary based on:
For the same physical specifications, 316 stainless steel welded mesh generally costs more because it contains molybdenum, which increases raw material expenses. Molybdenum enhances corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-rich or chemically aggressive environments, but it also significantly increases production cost compared to 304 stainless steel.
Therefore, although the prices of 304 and 316 welded mesh may sometimes overlap at the low and high ends of the ranges, 316 stainless steel welded mesh consistently shows a higher price range due to the cost of alloying elements and increased processing costs.
When choosing between 304 and 316 welded mesh, consider not just the initial purchase price but also long-term performance, especially in corrosive environments where 316 may deliver better value over time despite the higher upfront cost.
304 stainless steel welded mesh is widely used in applications where good corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and cost efficiency are required. It performs well in indoor and mildly corrosive environments, making it one of the most commonly selected stainless steel mesh materials.
Overall, 304 stainless steel welded mesh is an economical and versatile solution for general-purpose applications that do not involve high salt exposure or aggressive chemical environments.
316 stainless steel welded mesh is designed for demanding environments where superior corrosion resistance and long-term reliability are essential. The addition of molybdenum significantly improves its performance in chloride-rich and chemically aggressive conditions.
In summary, 316 stainless steel welded mesh is the preferred choice for applications involving salt, chemicals, moisture, or harsh environmental conditions where long-term performance outweighs higher initial material cost.
For additional FAQs and practical tips on welded mesh, you may find Is Welded Wire Mesh Worth It? A Deep Dive into Its Advantages helpful.
The main difference lies in chemical composition and corrosion resistance.
316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which significantly improves resistance to chlorides, saltwater, and harsh chemicals, while 304 stainless steel does not.
In many general applications, yes.
However, for corrosive, marine, or chemical environments, 316 stainless steel welded mesh is recommended to ensure long-term performance and durability.
316 stainless steel welded mesh offers superior corrosion resistance, especially in salt-rich or chemically aggressive environments.
It is better suited for marine, coastal, chemical, pharmaceutical, and high-hygiene applications where long service life is critical.
304 stainless steel welded mesh is more cost-effective and provides sufficient corrosion resistance for indoor and mild outdoor environments.
It is widely used for architectural, industrial, food processing, and general-purpose applications where extreme corrosion resistance is not required.
Yes. 316 stainless steel welded mesh is generally more expensive, typically about 10%–30% higher than 304 of the same specifications, due to the added molybdenum content and higher material cost.
No major differences in basic dimensions or mechanical strength under normal conditions.
Both can be manufactured to the same wire diameter, mesh opening, and panel size. The key difference is corrosion resistance rather than physical size or structure.
Choosing between 304 and 316 stainless steel welded mesh is more than a simple material comparison — it’s about selecting the right balance of performance, durability, and cost for your specific application. From corrosion resistance and service environment to budget considerations and long-term value, each grade offers distinct advantages that can significantly impact both performance and lifecycle cost.
At yangze, we understand how critical the right material choice is to the success of your project. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of 304 and 316 stainless steel welded mesh products, supported by technical expertise, consistent quality, and reliable supply. No matter your application requirements, yangze is committed to helping you make the right decision from the start. Ready to choose the ideal welded mesh solution? Contact us today and let’s build strength and reliability together.
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