Stainless Steel Work
Premium SS grills, railings, and fabrication materials for coastal construction
Shop Stainless Steel Products →In a coastal environment like the Andaman Islands, stainless steel is the material of choice for grills, railings, balconies, and decorative fabrication. Its superior corrosion resistance — especially in Grade 304 — makes it far more durable than mild steel in the salt-laden sea air. Saran Traders stocks a full range of SS pipes, square tubes, and decorative fittings to help fabricators and homeowners create beautiful, long-lasting stainless steel work.
Materials You Will Need
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Step-by-Step Guide
How to approach your stainless steel work project
Plan Your Design & Take Measurements
Sketch the railing or grill layout with accurate dimensions. Account for picket spacing (typically 100mm max for safety), top and bottom rail height, and fixing points to the wall or floor.
Select the Right SS Grade
For most indoor & outdoor grills and decorative work, SS 304 is sufficient.
Cut Members to Length
Use an angle grinder with a stainless steel cutting disc or a cold saw. Always mark and cut precisely — stainless is harder to re-cut. Deburr all cut ends with a file or flap disc.
Weld & Assemble the Frame
TIG welding is preferred for stainless steel for clean, strong, porosity-free welds. Ensure back purging for larger diameter pipes. Tack-weld first to check alignment before full welds.
Attach Fittings & Decorative Elements
Thread decorative fittings (balls, base cups, washers, wheels) on to pipes and tubes. These are typically brazed or welded into position. Ensure all elements are level and plumb.
Polish & Protect the Surface
Use progressive grit flap discs (80 to 120 to 240 grit) followed by a buffing compound to achieve a mirror or satin finish. Apply a thin coat of stainless steel passivation solution to restore the passive layer after welding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to common questions about stainless steel work
QWhat grade of SS is best for Andaman's coastal environment?›
SS 316 (also called marine grade stainless) is strongly recommended for any application exposed to Andaman's sea air. It contains 2 to 3 percent molybdenum which significantly improves resistance to chloride (salt) corrosion. SS 304 is also acceptable for well-ventilated indoor areas, and outdoors but will eventually develop staining if used outdoors in coastal zones.
QWhat is the difference between SS 304 and SS 316?›
Both are austenitic stainless steel grades with similar appearance. SS 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. SS 316 adds 2 to 3% molybdenum, making it more resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion caused by chlorides (salt). SS 316 costs roughly 10 to 15% more than 304 but is worth it for outdoor coastal applications.
QWhat pipe sizes are standard for balcony railings?›
For balcony top rails, 38mm (1.5 inch) round pipe is most common. Intermediate pickets are typically 25mm (1 inch) round or square tube. Bottom rails: 38mm or 50mm round. Ensure the top railing height is at least 1.0m (100cm) as per NBC safety norms for habitable buildings.
QDoes stainless steel rust near the sea?›
SS 316 is highly resistant to sea air corrosion, but not completely immune. Without regular maintenance, salt deposits can accumulate in crevices and initiate pitting. Wash SS surfaces with fresh water and mild detergent every 3 to 6 months in coastal locations, and avoid prolonged contact with iron filings or mild steel tools which can cause tea staining.
QCan I weld stainless steel at my local fabrication workshop?›
Yes, most workshops in Port Blair that handle MS fabrication can weld SS using a MIG welder with SS wire (ER308L or ER316L). For a cleaner finish on railings and grills, TIG welding is preferred. Ensure the welder uses dedicated stainless steel consumables and brushes — contamination from MS equipment can cause rust spots.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Browse our full catalog of stainless steel work materials with current prices. Questions? Our team in Port Blair is here to help.