Stainless Steel vs Mild Steel Furniture: Which Is Best for Your Home and Garden?

At Ico Traders, our passion is designing wire furniture that’s handcrafted, stylish, and built to last. Made right here in Aotearoa, our pieces, (whether our standard powder‑coated mild steel range or our premium stainless steel options), stand the test of time. So which metal best suits your needs? Let’s explore:

Mild Steel Furniture: Stylish, Affordable, Versatile

• • • Affordability with form & function  -  Mild steel is highly workable and ideal for crafting clean, elegant wire pieces like our Devonport Chairs, Addington Stools, or Willowby Hardtops .

    • Flexible for indoor & sheltered outdoor living  - Powder‑coated mild steel, finished with a PVDF primer and tough powder coat, resists everyday wear and delivers on the minimalist aesthetic we love  .

    • Great for low‑humidity settings  - In central New Zealand areas, these pieces are durable with minimal care needed.

Stainless Steel Furniture: Premium Durability for Coastal Environments

• • Corrosion resistance  -  Our stainless steel collection is one of the best defences against sea spray, salt winds, humidity and high rainfall  .

  • Long‑lasting, low maintenance  -  Premium stainless steel needs minimal upkeep and won’t rust or degrade, making it the go‑to for coastal gardens or modern indoor/outdoor spaces.

  • • Choose mild steel wire furniture if you’re after smart, sculptural styling at a good price point and if your space isn’t exposed to salty air or humidity or rain. It’s perfect for indoor living zones, light outdoor use  & under shelter areas.

    • Choose stainless steel furniture if you live by the sea, in areas of rain or humidity, or want absolute peace of mind with minimal maintenance. The enduring finish and premium presence make it ideal for outdoor gardens, balconies, or coastal homes.

      Premium aesthetic & exclusive colours  - Mirroring Ico Traders’ design ethos, stainless steel pieces are available in exclusive shades and crafted to bring style that lasts .

      Which Should You Choose?

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    Why Ico Traders? Timeless design, Not mass produced, Sustainability

    • Every piece is handcrafted in wire, shaped and spot‑welded for strength and comfort, with styling that transcends trends  - they’re designed to last for generations  .

    • Low‑impact production: our furniture is made using recyclable steel, powder‑coating methods that minimise emissions, and sustainable materials wherever possible  .

    Side‑by‑Side Comparison

    Feature	Mild Steel (Powder‑coated)	Stainless Steel
    Price (NZD)	More affordable ($379 - $799 depending)	Higher investment ($429 - $1,120 and up)
    Best Environments	Indoor or sheltered outdoor	Coastal, high humidity or exposed outdoor areas
    Maintenance Needs	Occasional touch‑ups to coating, can be              repowdercoated.	Minimal & resists rust naturally
    Aesthetic & Feel	Clean, multifunctional, exclusive colours	Premium finish, multifunctional, exclusive colours
    Longevity	Durable, stripped and repowdercoated	Long‑lasting in harsh climates

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    Caring for Your Metal Furniture

    With mild steel pieces:

    • Rinse off salt and grime regularly.

    • Touch up any scratches or chips in the coating promptly to prevent rust.

    • Store indoors or cover during winter or wet seasons.

     

    For stainless steel:

    • Wipe clean with mild soap and water.

    • Touch up any scratches or chips in the coating promptly

    • Note: Just like a white Tshirt, where every mark shows, some T staining can still occur on lighter colours

     

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    Final Thoughts

    At Ico Traders, our mission is simple: design timeless furniture that’s beautiful, sustainable, and built to last. Whether you choose mild steel powder‑coated wire furniture or opt for our premium stainless steel range, your investment reflects our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and enduring style.

  • Mild steel delivers accessible designs for indoor and protected outdoor settings. Stainless steel is your go‑to for durability, ease, and coastal resilience.

    Explore our full furniture range online and find the perfect piece that matches your aesthetic, environment, and lifestyle.