More Than Just Metal

INTRODUCTION

Material selection plays a critical role in determining the durability, performance, and sustainability of tapware, yet it remains a complex and often misunderstood aspect of product specification. Industry professionals must balance the need for high-quality, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible materials to meet evolving expectations, particularly in plumbing and tapware applications where water efficiency and long-term reliability are paramount.

Despite the importance of informed material selection, significant knowledge gaps persist—particularly regarding the differences between stainless steel grades, such as 304 and 316L, and their varying levels of corrosion resistance. Many specifiers assume that all stainless steel performs equally, leading to choices that may compromise longevity, increase maintenance costs, and diminish overall project quality.

This whitepaper aims to clarify these misconceptions and provide industry professionals with a thorough understanding of material performance in tapware applications. By offering actionable insights and best practices, it seeks to empower architects, designers, and specifiers to make informed choices that enhance functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING MATERIAL FOR TAPWARE

Corrosion resistance

Since tapware is continuously exposed to water, selecting a material with excellent corrosion resistance is essential to prevent rust and degradation over time. Stainless steel, particularly 316-grade, is highly resistant to moisture, making it an excellent choice for humid environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. Brass also offers strong resistance to corrosion, but some lower-quality brass alloys may require protective coatings to maintain their appearance.

Durability

Tapware must withstand frequent use without showing significant signs of wear, deformation, or mechanical failure. Solid stainless steel and brass tapware are highly durable and suitable for heavy-use environments, such as commercial kitchens and high-end residential projects. In contrast, zinc alloys and plastic components may deteriorate more quickly, leading to cracks, leaks, and frequent replacements.

Aesthetic appeal

The visual impact of tapware is just as important as its functionality, as it serves as a design feature within the space. Materials with PVD coatings enable a wider range of finishes, including matte black, brushed gold, brushed bronze and gunmetal, allowing designers to achieve bespoke looks that complement various styles.

Hygiene and maintenance

In kitchens and bathrooms, hygiene is a top priority, making easy-to-clean materials an essential factor in tapware selection. Stainless steel is non-porous, meaning it resists bacteria buildup and is easy to clean. Brass, particularly when coated or polished, also offers good hygiene properties. Porous materials or textured surfaces may require more frequent cleaning to maintain their appearance and prevent contamination.

Cost and budget

Project budgets often dictate material selection, requiring a balance between affordability and long-term performance. While brass and stainless steel are premium materials with higher upfront costs, they offer superior longevity and lower maintenance requirements, making them a cost-effective investment over time.

Environmental considerations

Sustainability is increasingly a priority in material selection, and stainless steel and brass are among the most environmentally friendly choices due to their recyclability and long lifespan. Additionally, tapware made from lead-free or low-lead brass ensures compliance with health and environmental standards, improving water quality and safety. In contrast, lower-grade materials with non-recyclable components contribute to landfill waste and may pose health concerns.

IS ALL STAINLESS STEEL THE SAME?

While a variety of materials are available, stainless steel has emerged as a preferred choice due to its superior corrosion resistance, durability, and sustainability. Grades such as 304 stainless steel offer a good balance of strength and affordability while 316 stainless steel provides enhanced corrosion resistance, making it ideal for high-moisture environments. Brass is another popular option, valued for its durability and classic appeal, although its long-term performance depends on its composition, particularly regarding lead content. Other materials like zinc alloys and plastic composites are often used in budget tapware but lack the robustness and longevity of stainless steel or brass.

However, not all stainless steels are the same; they are a diverse family of alloys classified into grades based on their composition and properties. These grades determine key characteristics like corrosion resistance, strength, and suitability for specific applications. One of the most common types is austenitic stainless steel, which is widely used due to its excellent corrosion resistance and formability. With high levels of chromium (18–30%) and nickel (6–20%), austenitic stainless steel grades, such as 304, 316, and 316L, are particularly versatile. Its robust composition and unique face-centered cubic crystal structure make it indispensable in industries like construction, automotive, and aerospace, where durability and resistance to environmental factors are essential.

When comparing 304, 316, and 316L stainless steel, their differences lie in composition and performance under specific conditions. 304 stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance and is suitable for most applications. However, for harsher environments, 316 stainless steel is preferred due to its addition of molybdenum, which enhances its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in saltwater or chemical exposure. 316L, a low-carbon variant of 316, provides similar corrosion resistance but with improved weldability and reduced susceptibility to carbide precipitation.

These distinctions make 316 and 316L particularly advantageous for high-moisture or chemically aggressive environments, such as marine applications or tapware exposed to constant water flow.

When tapware and other fixtures are designed to withstand daily wear and environmental stressors, the overall lifecycle impact of a project is significantly reduced.

RISKS OF USING LOW-GRADE ALLOYS

Low-grade alloys pose significant risks in tapware applications, particularly in environments with high humidity or coastal exposure. Their poor corrosion resistance makes them prone to rust and deterioration, compromising both aesthetics and functionality over time. Additionally, their reduced durability means they are more likely to crack, deform, or fail under regular use or high water pressure, leading to costly repairs or frequent replacements.

Beyond performance issues, health risks are a major concern with low-quality alloys, as they may leach harmful metals like lead or nickel into the water supply. Recognising these risks, the 2022 National Construction Code (NCC) has introduced stricter lead limits for plumbing products. By 1 May 2026, copper alloy plumbing products used for drinking water must contain no more than 0.25% lead, making it essential to specify tapware that is certified lead-free to ensure compliance and safety.

Poor-quality materials also result in higher maintenance requirements due to frequent tarnishing, mechanical failure, and aesthetic degradation, such as discoloration or loss of finish. These issues not only diminish the overall design appeal but also contribute to environmental waste, as products with shorter lifespans must be replaced more frequently. Additionally, low-grade materials are often non-recyclable, further increasing their environmental footprint and making them an unsustainable choice for modern projects.

LINK BETWEEN MATERIAL QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Prioritising quality ensures that products incorporate advanced engineering and superior materials, which enhance both performance and efficiency. For instance, tapware made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel maintains its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal over time, reducing the likelihood of failure and unnecessary replacements. By investing in high-quality products, designers and specifiers can create more resilient, low-maintenance environments, ultimately supporting long-term sustainability.

Beyond longevity, high-quality materials are often developed with environmental considerations in mind, such as recyclability and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Stainless steel and lead-free brass, for example, are highly recyclable, aligning with circular economy principles and reducing landfill waste. Additionally, superior materials often meet or exceed regulatory standards, supporting sustainability certifications.

Not all stainless steels are the same; they are a diverse family of alloys classified into grades based on their composition and properties.

HOW NERO HELPS DESIGNERS DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY PROJECTS

Nero Tapware is redefining luxury by seamlessly integrating high-quality materials, innovative technology, and sustainable practices into its tapware collections. With a strong commitment to durability, Nero prioritises lead-free 316L stainless steel, a marine-grade material known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, strength, and environmental adaptability. This ensures that their products maintain both aesthetic and functional integrity over time, making them an excellent choice for high-end residential and commercial projects. Additionally, Nero tapware meets and exceeds Australia’s lead-free regulations, positioning the brand as a leader in health-conscious, high-performance design solutions.

The Zen Collection exemplifies Nero's approach to eco-luxury, offering designers a refined, minimalist aesthetic paired with environmentally responsible engineering. Crafted from 100% recyclable, low-carbon 316L stainless steel, this collection is built for longevity and sustainability. Its PVD-coated finishes — including graphite, brushed nickel, brushed gold, and brushed bronze — not only enhance the visual appeal but also improve durability, preventing tarnishing and corrosion. Additionally, the Zen Collection incorporates Laminar flow technology, which delivers a crystal-clear, splash-free water stream, elevating both functionality and user experience. By blending premium materials, precision engineering, and timeless design, the Zen Collection allows designers to create sophisticated interiors that meet the highest standards of sustainability and performance. The Zen-Collection is suitable for both indoor and outdoor and comes with a 25-year warranty on the finish.

Beyond material excellence, Nero is leading the way in eco-conscious manufacturing by reducing its carbon footprint, recycling raw materials, and eliminating plastic packaging. The company has adopted solar-powered warehouses and water-efficient production methods, aligning its processes with Green Star and LEED sustainability certifications. By investing in long-lasting, recyclable materials and high-efficiency WELS-rated tapware, Nero empowers designers to create future-proof spaces that balance luxury, sustainability, and innovation.