If you’re working on a project that requires the use of stainless steel, you may need expert advice to know exactly which type of material you require. The team at Mid Pacific Steel, based in Honolulu, HI, knows that there are different varieties of stainless steel available, and each one offers different benefits depending on your needs and goals. Equipping contractors throughout Oahu with every metal product they might need, from bronze to brass, they can help you decide which material is best for the job at hand.

For example, if you are installing a new sink, you’ll likely be selecting from the 300 series of stainless steel alloys, which have been designed with these types of fixtures in mind. However, you may not be sure which popular option you should select—Type 304 or Type 301?

The key difference between these two materials comes down to the percentage of chromium, nickel, and carbon that they possess. Although all stainless steel is high-quality, in this particular case Type 304 is of a better quality than Type 301. This is because Type 301 is engineered to be less expensive than Type 304, which contains a higher percentage of chromium and nickel.

On the one hand, if you’re working on a budget, it makes sense that you would opt for Type 301 stainless steel. On the other hand, Type 304 tends to outlast it, making it potentially a better long-term investment.