Why Stainless Steel Tapware is Popular in Australia

There has been a growing trend with homeowners choosing stainless steel tapware, fittings and appliances for their kitchens, bathrooms and laundries in recent years. While there may be many reasons to renovate your bathroom, kitchen or laundry, upgrading your tapware with long-lasting stainless steel finishes could be your best long-term investment.

Our Design Consultants wanted to know more about some of reasons for the rising popularity in stainless steel finishes. We asked Linkware Australia to share their insights about the benefits of stainless steel products to find out why they are trending in new builds and renovation projects:

Why is stainless steel so popular in Australia?
Stainless steel is widely used in residential and commercial projects because it is durable, hygienic, recyclable, non-toxic and resistant to corrosion. This means that stainless steel finishes are ideal for many domestic and industry uses, including food processors, medical equipment, construction, public amenities, and household appliances.

What is the difference between Stainless Steel and Chrome tapware?
Stainless steel is a solid metal alloy which mostly comprises of iron, at least 10.5% chromium and other elements, such as carbon or nickel and contains NO lead. Chrome tapware and bathroom products are electroplated with chromium, adding a shiny coating to the surface of products which are usually made from a combination of materials, including steel, ABS plastic or brass. Stainless steel tapware is available in highly polished or brushed satin finishes and does not require any additional coatings to maintain it's appearance or durability. 

How durable are Stainless Steel products?
Stainless steel products are extremely tough, can withstand wear and tear over time, and are made to last. Compared to other materials and finishes, they are less prone to rust, corrosion, flaking or damage. This means that your stainless steel tapware, fixtures and appliances will require less maintenance and you won't need to replace the products for a long time.

Is stainless steel suitable for outdoor use?
The resilience of stainless steel makes it ideal for exterior applications, such as alfresco kitchens, outdoor showers, and barbeque areas. Specific grades of stainless steel can endure harsh weather conditions and extreme temperature conditions so it is ideal for external use in your outdoor design projects. It is also a great choice with consideration of fire resistance and fire prevention in regional areas prone to bushfire.  

Are stainless steel taps more hygienic?
Stainless steel products are easier to clean and disinfect since it has a smooth, non-porous surface. This makes it the preferred choice in commercial designs where hygiene is crucial, including medical environments, hospitals, laboratories, factories, public bathrooms, professional kitchens, and food processing facilities.

Is stainless steel safe for humans and pets?
Stainless steel is an inert material that is non-toxic and does not leach chemicals into food or water. Tapware, fittings and appliances that are made from stainless steel are a safe, healthy choice for humans, pets and the environment.

Are stainless steel products more expensive?
Stainless steel products are becoming more economical and they retain their value over time better than most other materials, like plastic or chrome. The manufacturing process is quite difficult so there are usually higher costs involved, but with greater ranges now, the costs are coming down. Investing in stainless steel products which have a longer life span will save you money in the long run.

Can you recycle stainless steel products?
Stainless steel can be melted down and reused indefinitely without compromising it's strength or quality. This recyclable material is a valuable resource and is more environmentally-friendly than many other materials which are not sustainable and will eventually end up in landfills.

What are the disadvantages of stainless steel?
There are very few disadvantages with stainless steel products. One possible disadvantage is that dirt, grime and fingerprints may be more visible. While they are easy to wipe clean and sanitise, the real challenge is keeping on top of your cleaning duties!

"Stainless steel products offer many benefits that make them a better option for both humans and the environment", says Greg von Einem, National Marketing Manager for Linkware Australia.

Linkware manufacture a great selection of stainless steel tapware and accessories under their Bianka brand, with their Stainless Steel collections a popular choice for many residential and commercial design projects. The broad range of stainless steel products they offer are not only practical, functional and economical, but they are also aesthetically appealing and add a modern look to your space.