Learning to be Architect

What grade of steel should be used for your railings? Carbon Steel Most affordable Low resistance to corrosion Coating is necessary to prevent corrosion; most popular method is powder coating, allowing for many different colours Requires regular maintenance to look its best, to fix scratches etc. Suitable for indoor use, where there is minimal exposure to the elements; not suitable for indoor environments where there is a lot of usage (e.g. hospitals, airports) Contains a small amount (~ <2%) of carbon to be stronger 304-Grade Stainless Steel Affordable Higher resistance to corrosion Coating is not necessary, but could have coating of paint or powder; non coating finish could be satin to finer finishes including mirror finish (satin finish is easier to maintain, mirror finish offers ultimate corrosion resistance) Suitable for indoor application, and outdoor environments that are not overly harsh or extreme; as long as not too much salt/chlorine, outdoor is fine Co...

There is a myraid of tiles available out there for wall tiles and floor tiles, and there are many different types of tiles. Here's a general overview for reference: Homogeneous Tiles Whole tile is made of the same material. A section of it will let you see the same material and colour as the surface Lower water absorption rate and higher density than ceramic tiles Stronger and tougher than ceramic tiles Could be polished to have a reflective shine like those of a mirror Suitable for both floor and wall Affordable Ceramic Tiles Made of clay with glazed surface. A section of it will let you see the clay below (Non-porcelain ceramic tiles) More interesting surface designs possible as compared to homogeneous tile Are glazed, and not polished More suitable for floor as it will not be able to withstand loading of high human traffic Affordable or expensive depending on design Porcelain Tiles Made of clay, newer form of ceramic tiles A type of ceramic tiles Lowe...