316 Stainless Steel Sheet — Brushed Finish, Precision-Cut for Marine, Kitchen & Structural DIY
When a project demands a metal that holds up against moisture, salt air, and daily wear without surface treatment, most standard steel sheets fall short within months. Fabricators, marine builders, kitchen fitters, and serious DIYers who need a reliable flat stock turn to 316-grade stainless — and this brushed-finish sheet is stocked in the sizes and thicknesses that actually match real-world cutting lists.
Each 316 stainless steel sheet is cut from cold-rolled stock with a consistent brushed (No. 4) finish on the face. Sheet sizes range from 50 × 50 mm (approx. 2" × 2") up to 300 × 300 mm (approx. 11.8" × 11.8"), with thickness options spanning 0.5 mm through 10 mm. The alloy composition includes molybdenum, which elevates pitting and crevice corrosion resistance beyond standard 304 grade.
Typical applications include replacement splash-back panels and under-sink brackets in commercial kitchens, backing plates and through-hull reinforcement in boat building and marine fabrication, structural gussets and mounting plates in custom metalwork and machinery enclosures, and decorative cladding or signage blanks where a satin brushed surface is specified.
🔧 Compatible with standard metal-cutting tools including angle grinders, jigsaws with bi-metal blades, and waterjet or laser cutting services. Weldable using TIG or MIG with 316L filler wire.
✅ Key Features of These 316 Stainless Steel Sheets
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🛡️316 Grade with Molybdenum — Contains 2–3% Mo for superior resistance to chloride pitting and crevice corrosion compared to 304, making it suitable for coastal and marine environments.
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✨Brushed (No. 4) Finish — Consistent unidirectional satin surface finish reduces visible fingerprints and scratches, and integrates cleanly into architectural and kitchen applications.
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📐Square-Cut Edges — Sheets are cut to stated dimensions with square edges, reducing prep time when fitting into frames, channels, or welded assemblies.
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📦Multiple Size & Thickness Combinations — Six sheet sizes (50×50 mm to 300×300 mm) paired with eleven thickness options (0.5 mm to 10 mm) cover thin shim stock through structural plate in a single listing.
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⚖️Consistent Gauge Tolerance — Cold-rolled production process maintains tight thickness tolerance across the sheet face, important for stacked assemblies, gaskets, and precision brackets.
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🔩Weldable & Machinable — Drills, taps, and welds using standard stainless tooling. Compatible with TIG/MIG welding using 316L filler; can be passivated after fabrication to restore corrosion resistance.
📐 Technical Specifications — 316 Stainless Steel Sheet
| Material Grade |
316 Stainless Steel (UNS S31600) |
| Surface Finish |
Brushed / No. 4 (unidirectional satin) |
| Sheet Sizes Available |
50×50 mm, 100×100 mm, 150×100 mm, 150×150 mm, 200×200 mm, 300×300 mm |
| Thickness Options |
0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm |
| Edge Type |
Square cut |
| Alloy Composition (nominal) |
16–18% Cr, 10–14% Ni, 2–3% Mo |
| Corrosion Resistance |
Suitable for marine, coastal, and food-contact environments |
| Weldability |
TIG / MIG with 316L filler wire recommended |
| Quantity per Order |
See variant options |
| Weight per Sheet |
See variant options (varies by size and thickness) |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel sheet?
316 stainless steel contains 2–3% molybdenum, which 304 does not. This addition significantly improves resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion — the type of attack common in marine environments, coastal areas, and applications involving salt, acids, or cleaning chemicals. For indoor decorative use with no chemical exposure, 304 is often sufficient. For marine, kitchen, or outdoor coastal applications, 316 is the appropriate choice.
How do I choose the right sheet thickness for my project?
Thin sheets (0.5–1.5 mm) are suited for shims, gaskets, splash-backs, and decorative cladding where structural load is minimal. Mid-range thicknesses (2–3 mm) work well for brackets, mounting plates, and light structural gussets. Thicker sheets (4–10 mm) are appropriate for load-bearing plates, marine through-hull backing plates, and machinery components where rigidity and strength are required. When in doubt, calculate the expected load and consult a structural reference for the specific alloy.
Can I cut these sheets with standard workshop tools?
Yes. Thinner sheets (0.5–2 mm) can be cut with aviation snips, an angle grinder fitted with a stainless-rated cutting disc, or a jigsaw with a bi-metal blade. Thicker sheets (3 mm and above) are best cut with an angle grinder, cold saw, or sent to a waterjet or laser cutting service for clean edges. Always use cutting fluid or coolant when drilling to extend bit life and prevent work-hardening of the surface.
Is the brushed finish on both sides of the sheet?
The brushed (No. 4) finish is applied to the face side of the sheet. The reverse side typically has a mill finish. If a brushed finish is required on both faces — for example, in a visible architectural application — the reverse can be finished using a flap disc or abrasive belt after cutting to match the face grain direction.
Will 316 stainless steel rust or stain over time?
316 stainless steel is highly corrosion-resistant but not entirely immune. Surface contamination from carbon steel particles (e.g., from nearby grinding), prolonged contact with chloride solutions without rinsing, or damage to the passive oxide layer can cause surface staining or localised rust spots. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and rinsing with fresh water — particularly in marine environments — maintains the passive layer and prevents staining. Passivation treatment after fabrication is recommended for critical applications.
How do I select the correct size and quantity variant?
Use the Sheet Size selector to choose the flat dimensions that match your cutting list. Then select the Sheet Thickness that suits your structural or aesthetic requirement. Finally, choose the Amount (Pcs) option — some size/thickness combinations are available in packs of 1, 2, or 5 pieces, which can reduce per-piece cost for projects requiring multiple identical blanks. The price updates automatically when you change any option.
Can these sheets be welded, and what filler wire should I use?
Yes, 316 stainless steel is readily weldable using TIG or MIG processes. Use 316L filler wire (the low-carbon variant) to minimise carbide precipitation at the weld heat-affected zone, which can reduce corrosion resistance. After welding, remove any heat tint (oxidation discolouration) by pickling or mechanical finishing, then passivate the weld area to restore the protective oxide layer.
🛒 Select your Sheet Size, Sheet Thickness, and Amount above, then add to cart.