| Author |
Message |
Nathan Woods, RA, CSI, CCCA, LEED AP
Senior Member
Username: nwoods
Post Number: 936
Registered: 08-2005
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2024 - 06:28 pm: |    |
We are specifying Type 304 stainless steel tubing for handrails, with #4 brushed finish. I was asked a question by the fabricator that I don't understand how to answer. I'm hoping you can help:
Do I want directional stainless steel tubing or circumference stainless steel tubing?
I can't visualize the difference and don't really understand the ramifications. |
Ronald L. Geren, FCSI Distinguished Member, AIA, CCS, CCCA, CSC, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: specman
Post Number: 1645
Registered: 03-2003
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2024 - 06:58 pm: | |
To venture a guess, I would say they want to know which direction you want the No. 4 directional finish: Do you want the brush markings running the length of the tubing, or do you want them running perpendicular to the length, which would be around the circumference of the tubing.
Ron Geren, FCSI Distinguished Member, AIA, CCS, CCCA, CSC, SCIP
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Ronald J. Ray, RA, CCS, CCCA, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: rjray
Post Number: 231
Registered: 04-2004
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2024 - 08:00 pm: | |
A No. 4 finish is not applicable to stainless steel tubing. The numerical designations, from ASTM A480/A480M, are for sheet metal and plate. See https://www.constructionspecifier.com/get-a-grip-on-stainless-steel-railing-finishes/
Most stainless steel tubing has the directional polish running the length of the tubing. |
Nathan Woods, RA, CSI, CCCA, LEED AP
Senior Member
Username: nwoods
Post Number: 937
Registered: 08-2005
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2024 - 09:13 pm: | |
That makes sense! Thanks guys |
Nathan Woods, RA, CSI, CCCA, LEED AP
Senior Member
Username: nwoods
Post Number: 938
Registered: 08-2005
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2024 - 10:06 pm: | |
Mr. Ray, that is a super helpful article, thanks for writing it and for the link! |
Alex Sperfeld
Senior Member
Username: alexsperfeldhdrinccom
Post Number: 10
Registered: 11-2022
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 10:45 am: | |
@RonaldRay - how would a No. 4 finish on sheet and plate compare to the finishes for tubes? Is a 180-grit polish similar to a No. 4?
No. 4 finish is the "Kleenex" of stainless steel finishes. Most architects are not aware that it doesn't apply to every type of fabrication.
To make our specs better, what do we put in when we want something like a No. 4 finish on our railings? |
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg
Post Number: 1652
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 10:58 am: | |
In the past I have overstepped/painted outside the lines and specified that the tube handrail polished finish match No. 4 sheet finish. It has yet to be an issue that I know of.
After all, if the industry isn't helping us communicate, we need to find a way around it.
It's not like they're going to say that they don't know what a No. 4 finish looks like. I guess you can always ask for a 6 inch long finished tube sample or even a mockup if it is critical. |
Ronald J. Ray, RA, CCS, CCCA, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: rjray
Post Number: 232
Registered: 04-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 12:24 pm: | |
Hi Alex.
An 180-grit polished finish on stainless steel tubing, or pipe, would closely match a ASTM A480/A480M No. 4 finish on stainless steel sheet metal or plate.
If the appearance must match other stainless steel finishes on a project, or if the application is aesthetically crucial, the submission of samples should be specified. |
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