201 Stainless Steel Sheet for Indoor Cabinets and Wardrobes

What Is 201 Stainless Steel Sheet

201 is an austenitic stainless steel in which part of the nickel is replaced by manganese and nitrogen. It belongs to the 200-series family defined in JIS G4304 and G4305 as SUS201 and in similar national standards. Because nickel is the most expensive alloying element, 201 is noticeably cheaper than 304 while keeping a similar silvery appearance and most of the everyday corrosion resistance needed indoors. This makes it one of the most common materials for indoor cabinet doors, wardrobe frames, kitchen backsplashes, and furniture trim in price-sensitive markets.

Chemical Composition per JIS G4304 (SUS201)

Element	Content (%)
Chromium (Cr)	16.0 - 18.0
Nickel (Ni)	3.5 - 5.5
Manganese (Mn)	5.5 - 7.5
Carbon (C)	0.15 max
Silicon (Si)	1.00 max
Phosphorus (P)	0.060 max
Sulfur (S)	0.030 max
Nitrogen (N)	0.25 max

Mechanical Properties and Formability

Typical minimum mechanical properties for SUS201 sheet per JIS G4305 are tensile strength 520 N/mm², yield strength 245 N/mm², and elongation 40%. The austenitic structure gives 201 good ductility, so it can be deep drawn, bent, and roll formed into cabinet panels and drawer components without cracking. Sheet for furniture is normally supplied in thicknesses of 0.4-3.0 mm, with 0.6-1.0 mm typical for doors and panels. Use a bending radius of about one to two times the sheet thickness, and control heat input during TIG or spot welding of thin panels to avoid distortion. Hardness is slightly higher than 304 at the same temper, which modestly increases tool wear during punching but also improves dent resistance in thin panels.

Property	Value
Tensile strength (N/mm²)	520 min
Yield strength (N/mm²)	245 min
Elongation (%)	40 min
Density (g/cm³)	7.93

Corrosion and Moisture Performance Indoors

In normal indoor humidity, 201 resists rusting and tarnishing, and moisture does not penetrate the metal. It can be used in kitchens and bathrooms as long as surfaces are wiped dry periodically. Two situations need attention: standing water and chlorides. Continuous contact with pooled water, or with detergent residue containing chloride, can cause superficial pitting and tea-staining. For outdoor cabinets, coastal areas, or commercial kitchens with heavy steam and salt, 304 is the safer choice. The decision rule is simple: for dry to normal indoor furniture, 201 gives the best cost balance; for wet, salty, or outdoor exposure, upgrade to 304.

Surface Finishes for Cabinets and Wardrobes

The most common finishes for indoor furniture are brushed, mirror, and hairline. A brushed finish hides fingerprints and light scratches, which suits wardrobe doors and cabinet fronts in daily use. Mirror finishes are used for accent panels and modern furniture. Both finishes can be protected with a transparent lacquer or a protective film during transport. When matching panels, order all pieces from the same production batch, because brushing direction and gloss can differ slightly between batches.

FAQ

Q1: Is 201 stainless steel waterproof?
A: The metal itself does not absorb water and will not rot, but in conditions of standing water or chloride exposure it can develop superficial corrosion; for normal indoor humidity it performs well.

Q2: Can 201 be used in a bathroom cabinet?
A: Yes, in a ventilated bathroom with normal humidity, 201 is acceptable; wipe off pooled water regularly. For constant steam and direct water spray, 304 is recommended.

Q3: Does 201 rust like carbon steel?
A: No. The 16-18% chromium content forms a passive oxide film that protects the surface in indoor environments; rust appears only after sustained chloride or abrasive exposure damages the film.

Q4: Is 201 as good as 304 for cabinets?
A: 201 matches 304 in appearance and formability at lower cost, but 304 has higher nickel content and better corrosion resistance in wet, salty, or acidic conditions. For dry indoor furniture, 201 is the more economical choice.

Q5: What thickness should I use for cabinet doors?
A: 0.6-1.0 mm is common for doors and panels, with 0.8 mm the most popular balance of rigidity and weight; larger doors may need a frame or thicker sheet to prevent flexing.

Q6: Can 201 be bent and welded easily?
A: Yes, 201 has good formability; use a bending radius of about one to two times the sheet thickness and control heat input during welding to limit distortion.