While the term “architectural metal” may sound quite specialized, most people will see architectural metals virtually every single day. The architecture and design industry relies on a wide variety of metals to complete projects, and these metals may be used on the interior or exterior of buildings—or even in areas you’d typically never see.
As a leader in the architectural metal polishing space, our team at Polished Metals regularly works with design and architecture firms to produce beautiful finished metal products. Our work can be seen throughout many buildings that dot the cityscapes around us. Today, we’re sharing a bit of information on architectural metals, including top metal choices and common products that fall under this category.
What Is Architectural Metal?
Architectural metal is a rather self-explanatory term, as it simply refers to any metals used in products that are part of architectural projects. A wide variety of metals are used in this industry, as we’ll discuss shortly, and similarly these metals are used for a plethora of different applications.
Some of the most common products that are made with architectural metals include:
- Railings and other safety features, such as bollards
- Window frames and door trim
- Elevators and escalators, including wall and ceiling panels, safety rails, doors, and more
- Protective and/or decorative exterior cladding
- Storefronts and signage frequently make use of architectural sheet metal
As you can see, each of these products go into the design and construction of virtually every modern building. There’s a good chance you’ve seen a couple or even all of these features in the last week.
Top Metals Used in Architectural Projects
Depending on the demands of the project—including budget, exposure to harsh conditions, and visual aesthetics—nearly any metal may be used in the architectural space. However, a few stand out as especially common staples, including the following:
- Stainless Steel – Polished stainless steel is a workhorse across many industries, and architecture and design is no exception. Its sheer strength is virtually unmatched by any other metal, it takes well to a wide variety of different metal finishes, and it stands up well to many types of corrosion. Of all architectural metal options, stainless steel may be the “king” overall.
- Architectural Bronze – Also known as 385 brass, architectural bronze is a copper alloy that is popularly used in architectural projects. Featuring a more reddish color compared to typical brass, this alloy, like other red metals, is highly corrosion resistant and surprisingly strong. It is often chosen for its unique appearance in addition to its durability.
- Aluminum – Lightweight yet highly corrosion resistant, aluminum is also extremely malleable and surprisingly strong. Its unique properties make it an ideal choice for specialized applications, particularly detail work and ornamentation.
- Copper – While copper is among the most expensive materials to use in large quantities, it also creates a unique and unmistakable appearance that some in the architecture and design space just can’t pass up. Whether coated to retain its original appearance or left to age naturally, the look of copper is iconic and adds an aesthetic unmatched by other metals, along with superior resistance to corrosion.
Deciding Which Is Best for Your Needs? Polished Metals Can Help
As seasoned professionals with many years of architectural metal polishing experience, our experts at Polished Metals are ready to help with your project. Our craftsmanship and commitment to quality is second to none, and our 50,000 square foot facility gives us the capacity and equipment to complete projects of any scale or specifications.
If you’re planning an architectural project, our team can help determine which metals will best suit your needs and vision. No matter what the demands of your project may be, our craftsmen can produce the right volume of high-quality finished metals to meet your needs, all within your timeline and budget.
Reach out to our team today to request a quote or to learn more about our architectural metal finishing capabilities.