MATERIAL COMPARISON: PROS AND CONS
Raw Steel
Powder - Coated Steel
Pros :
Pros : High corrosion resistance with protective coating Environmentally safer than galvanized ( no zinc runoff ) Field - repairable coating — touch - up paint available Damage is visible and easy to address before final installation
Cost - effective for budget - conscious projects Performs well in low - corrosion , pedestrian applications Cons : Moderate corrosion resistance — not ideal for high - moisture or coastal environments Note : While rust runoff can stain exposed surfaces , this system is typically buried and staining is not a concern .
Cons :
Susceptible to chipping / scratching during handling and install Not ideal for coastal or saturated environments
Stainless Steel
Galvanized Steel
Pros : Very high corrosion resistance , especially in wet conditions Protective zinc layer continues to resist rust even when scratched Well - suited for high - moisture and exposed environments Cons : Zinc runoff may impact soil and water , especially around plantings Not field - repairable — damage is difficult to touch up once installed
Pros : Greatest corrosion resistance , including in marine or high - salt environments No coatings to chip or leach — inherently maintenance - free
Lower total lifetime cost due to no maintenance or replacement needs
Cons :
Higher upfront material cost
Note : Brushed or polished finishes are typically unnecessary for buried systems and can be omitted .
Stainless Steel → Greatest Galvanized Steel → Very High Powder - Coated Steel → High Raw Steel → Moderate
Corrosion Resistance Ranking
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