В чем разница между перилами SS и MS?

On too many projects, teams mix up SS and MS. The wrong choice can lead to rails that rust in the first year, expensive maintenance, or even safety claims. I want to help you avoid these headaches with clear, practical answers based on my experience in railing supply and site support.

SS railings are made from stainless steel, which resists corrosion due to chromium content. MS railings are made from mild steel, which needs painting or powder coating for protection. The difference affects lifespan, maintenance, strength, price, and appearance.

сравнение перил из нержавеющей стали и низкоуглеродистой стали

Understanding these differences early will save you time, money, and avoid disputes with clients or inspectors. Let’s break down what each term means, when to use each, and how to identify the right material on site.

what is the meaning of SS and MS?

If you look at any railing specification, you will find SS and MS everywhere. But many teams still ask what these mean. Mistakes here cause problems that cost much more to fix than to avoid.

SS stands for нержавеющая сталь, which contains chromium that forms a rust-blocking film. MS means mild steel, a low-carbon steel that is prone to rust unless protected by paint or coating.

Why Chromium Changes Everything

The big difference between SS and MS is the addition of chromium in stainless steel—usually at least 10.5%. This makes stainless “passivate” itself, forming a thin, invisible layer that blocks water and oxygen. That’s why stainless can last decades with only simple cleaning. Mild steel, by contrast, is made with a very low carbon content and no alloying to resist rust. It’s easy to form and weld, but exposed surfaces will rust without a protective layer.

When to Use Each Material

I use SS in any area exposed to weather, moisture, or chemicals, and in public projects where finish and hygiene are important. MS works in budget-sensitive projects, usually indoors and away from water or harsh cleaners, and where repainting can be planned into regular maintenance. In my experience, once owners see a real cost breakdown, most choose SS for any high-traffic or outdoor space.

For every job, I also set clear cleaning and maintenance instructions up front to avoid disputes down the road.

What If You Choose Wrong?

I have replaced many MS rails at seaside resorts where orange rust stains appeared within months, costing owners double. On public projects, a failed inspection due to rust or coating issues often leads to claims. A small investment in the right material avoids these risks and keeps projects on schedule.

Which is better MS or SS?

Every project has a budget. Every client wants long life, easy care, and a great look. Picking the wrong material often costs more in the end.

Выберите SS for any exterior or high-use project where you want long life, low maintenance, and a modern appearance. Choose MS for low-cost interiors where you can control painting and regular inspection.

My Project Evaluation Checklist

I always start with the following questions for clients:

• Will the railing be exposed to rain, humidity, salt air, or chemicals?
• How important is finish, color, and long-term appearance?
• Who will maintain the railing, and how often?
• Is the project public-facing, or in a high-traffic zone?

If the answer to any is yes, I always recommend SS, especially 316 or 2205 near water or pools. I have learned that while MS might look cheaper upfront, painting and repairs (plus shutdowns for safety) quickly add up. SS, by contrast, only needs periodic washing with mild detergent. There’s no peeling, flaking, or dust. If the owner wants the cheapest rail for a dry, private stairway, a powder-coated MS rail may be enough—but I make sure they know about future repaint costs.

Cost Breakdown: Short-Term vs Long-Term

A painted MS handrail in a public place might need full repaint every year or two. SS may cost 30% more to buy, but can be cheaper after only three years. When I explain this to clients, they usually switch to SS for any important project.

Case Example

On a large school project, the contractor wanted to save money with painted MS rails. By year two, the stairs had visible rust, the paint was flaking, and safety reports triggered urgent repairs. We replaced everything with 316 SS. That cost more up front, but ten years later, the rails still look new. The owner tells every new architect to use only SS now.

How to identify SS and MS?

Surface paint, powder, or polish can hide what’s underneath. Relying on guesses can ruin a project—especially if inspections or warranty claims come up.

Use a magnet, spark test, and surface wipe as quick checks. Confirm grade with certificates, PMI (Positive Material Identification), or portable XRF on important jobs.

Step-by-Step Field Tests

I always start with these tests:

1. Magnet Test: 304/316 SS shows weak or no pull. MS pulls strongly. Duplex SS or ferritic grades can pull, so this is not final.
2. Spark Test: Use a grinder on a hidden spot. MS produces long, bright, branching sparks. SS makes shorter, dull red sparks with fewer branches. Always wear PPE.
3. Wet Wipe Test: Wipe the bare metal, then leave it wet and dry overnight. MS will show brown/orange stains. SS stays clean.
4. Surface and Welds: Look for orange marks, especially at welds. Properly finished SS will not rust quickly.

Certificates and Lab Tests

For public or coastal jobs, I always request the Mill Test Certificate (MTC) with the heat number. For large projects or when clients are strict, I arrange a PMI/XRF test. These methods confirm the grade and provide proof for inspectors and warranty.

Why You Can’t Trust Paint or Polish

I have seen painted mild steel rails delivered to poolside projects labeled as “stainless.” When the first wet season came, every joint rusted, and we had to strip and replace everything. Always confirm before installation. I photograph each delivery batch and log the results for my clients.

Is SS stronger than steel?

This is a common question with a tricky answer. Stainless steel is a type of steel, so “stronger” depends on the specific grades being compared.

Some stainless grades are stronger than mild steel. High-carbon steels can exceed stainless. For railings, check yield and tensile strengths to match your needs.

is stainless steel stronger than steel railing

Strength in Real Numbers

I always use published yield (when bending starts) and tensile (when breaking starts) strengths, not just names. For most railings:

• 304 and 316 SS are slightly less strong than high-grade MS like S355, but close enough for common spans.
• Duplex SS (like 2205) is much stronger than either and allows longer, thinner rails without loss of strength.

What Matters Most On Site

For almost every railing, strength is important—but corrosion is the bigger threat. In practice, I choose grade by where the rail is used, then size the rail to meet strength needs. On some large public stairs, I use duplex SS for slim, strong rails with no risk of rust. On tight-budget interiors, S355 MS can be used, but only with a very good coating system.

Structural Safety and Building Codes

Never size rails based on guesswork. Local codes specify minimum loads and spacing. I always match tube size and wall thickness to both material strength and local rules. Most inspectors now demand proof of grade and certificates for safety.

What is the advantage of SS?

Facility managers, architects, and owners all want railings that last, look good, and are easy to maintain. Stainless steel offers all of these benefits.

Stainless steel resists corrosion, is easy to clean, keeps its color and grain, and is easy to repair or recycle. It delivers lower life cycle cost in most harsh or public sites.

advantages of stainless steel railing systems 

Key Benefits I See in Every Project

• Устойчивость к коррозии: 304/316 SS stand up to years of water, salt, cleaning chemicals, and busy hands. 316 and 2205 are my go-to for outdoor or poolside use.
• Не требует особого ухода: Just wash with soap and water. No need for repainting, sanding, or messy prep.
• Stable Finish: Brushed or satin SS keeps its look for years. No fading, flaking, or mismatched color patches.
• Hygienic: SS does not trap dirt or bacteria. This is why it’s required in hospitals, food factories, and many public spaces.
• Repairable: Scratches on brushed SS can often be re-grained in minutes using pads and a simple kit. This avoids shutdowns and costly repairs.
• Устойчивое развитие: Most SS contains a high recycled content and is itself fully recyclable.

| Advantage | On-site Benefit | My Advice |
|—|—|—|—|
| Rust resistance | No stains, longer life | Choose 316/2205 outdoors |
| Cleaning | Easy, no harsh chemicals | Give cleaning guide at handover |
| Finish | Lasts for years, looks new | Use brushed for high-traffic |
| Repairs | Fast, on-site with kit | Keep a kit on site |
| Environment | Recyclable, lower footprint | Ask for recycled content |

Real Project Impact

In busy hotels and malls, SS rails avoid shutdowns, complaints, and expensive repairs. For my clients, the small extra investment always pays off. Once, I replaced all MS rails in a busy transit station with SS after years of repainting and complaints. Maintenance costs dropped, and the owner told me the difference was “night and day.”

What About Initial Price?

The only real drawback is the higher initial cost of SS compared to MS. But when clients compare five-year or ten-year cost, SS nearly always comes out ahead—especially when you add in staff time, repainting, and lost access during repairs.

Заключение

Always match your railing material to the site, usage, and expected care. Stainless steel costs more up front but gives peace of mind, long life, and fewer headaches. Check every batch, confirm the grade, and build it right from the start.