Materials We Work With
At Fabrication Specialists, the materials we choose are just as important as the craftsmanship behind every project. From residential to commercial builds, each metal and finish offers unique benefits — ensuring your piece not only looks great but performs for years to come.
Whether it’s a structural steel staircase, a sleek aluminium pergola or a corten steel feature screen, we’ll guide you through the options to achieve the perfect balance of durability, function, and style.
Explore: Metals | Finishes & Integrations
Metals
Our core metals combine strength, versatility, and visual appeal — giving us the flexibility to deliver everything from robust light structural steelwork to elegant furniture details.
Mild Steel
Versatile and cost-effective
Stainless Steel
Sleek, durable, low-maintenance
Aluminium
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant
Brass
Warm tones, refined style
Copper
Timeless, with natural character
Corten Steel
Weathered, industrial character
A Closer Look At The Metals We Work With
Every metal has its strengths — whether for structural builds or striking design details. Explore below to see how we use each one in residential and commercial projects.
Mild steel is one of the most versatile and cost-effective materials in fabrication. It’s strong, easy to work with and can be cut, welded or shaped to suit almost any project. When combined with protective finishes like powder coating, paint or galvanising, mild steel offers both durability and a refined look for structural and decorative applications.
Mild Steel
Known for its sleek appearance and resistance to rust, stainless steel is ideal for both residential and commercial projects that need durability with minimal maintenance. It’s often used for balustrades, handrails, feature doors and kitchen or hospitality fit-outs where hygiene and style go hand in hand.
Stainless Steel
Lightweight yet strong, aluminium is naturally resistant to corrosion, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications such as pergolas, gates and vehicle fit-outs. Its adaptability means it can be anodised, powder-coated or left raw for a clean, modern finish.
Aluminium
Brass offers a warm, golden tone that immediately adds refinement and character to a space. Popular in bespoke furniture, feature screens or interior details, it brings a sense of luxury while still being practical and durable.
Brass
Timeless and full of natural character, copper develops a unique patina as it ages, shifting from bright tones to rich, earthy hues. It’s an excellent material for feature accents, interiors and architectural details where individuality and organic beauty are key.
Copper
Corten steel is designed to develop a stable rust-like patina that protects the material beneath. It’s popular in modern architecture and landscaping for its raw, industrial feel and ability to blend with natural surroundings. Pergolas, screens and exterior features are where corten really shines.
Corten Steel
Choosing The Right Material
Selecting the right material depends on where your project will live, how it will be used, and the look you want to achieve. For example, outdoor structures like pergolas and gates often benefit from galvanised or corten steel, while aluminium is a go-to choice for vehicle fit-outs thanks to its strength-to-weight ratio. Inside the home, stainless steel, brass or copper can create elegant feature pieces that combine durability with design flair.
Finishes & Integrations
Powder-Coating
Tough, colourful protection
Custom Paints
Endless colour possibilities
Aged Finishes
Unique patina effects
Galvanising
Long-lasting rust protection
Laser-Cutting
Precision detail and patterns
Timber & Glass
Natural warmth and light
A Closer Look At The Finishes & Integrations We Work With
Finishes and integrations transform good metalwork into standout pieces. Scroll down to see how we use coatings, textures and detailing to elevate residential and commercial projects.
Powder coating provides a durable, uniform finish available in a huge range of colours and textures. It protects steel and aluminium from the elements while giving a sharp, modern appearance — perfect for architectural steelwork, gates and outdoor furniture.
Powder-Coating
When you want something tailored, custom paint finishes offer endless colour possibilities and effects. From bold feature colours to subtle tones that complement a space, custom paint adds both protection and personality to your project.
Custom Paints
For designs that call for character and authenticity, we can apply aged finishes to any material. These techniques create rich textures and patinas — from industrial-style weathering to vintage-inspired detailing — so your project looks timeless from day one.
Aged Finishes
A galvanised finish gives steel maximum protection against rust and corrosion, making it a top choice for outdoor or exposed structures. It’s especially well-suited for gates, fencing and commercial projects where strength and longevity are essential.
Galvanising
Laser-cutting allows for incredible precision in patterns, screens and decorative features. Whether it’s intricate geometric designs or customised branding, this process delivers fine detail while maintaining strength and durability.
Laser-Cutting
Adding timber or glass integrations creates a unique balance of natural warmth and modern design. Timber softens the look of steel and aluminium, while glass brings in light and transparency — together, they elevate both function and style in architectural and interior applications.
Timber & Glass
Why Our Materials Matter
Our focus is always on durability, design and detail. By working with a broad palette of metals and finishes, we’re able to customise each project to suit both residential and commercial needs across Auckland. From bold architectural statements to practical trade solutions, the right material ensures your project is truly built to spec — and designed to last.
FAQs
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We work with mild steel, stainless steel and corten steel, each suited to different needs — from cost-effective solutions to high-performance finishes or striking architectural features.
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Steel is stronger and more rigid, making it ideal for structural or heavy-duty applications. Aluminium is lighter, easier to handle, and naturally resistant to corrosion, making it a great choice for vehicles and architectural elements.
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Mild steel is affordable and versatile but needs protective coatings to prevent rust. Stainless steel costs more but naturally resists corrosion and offers a polished, modern finish.
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Aluminium is lighter and naturally rust-resistant, making it a great option for pergolas, gates and vehicle fit-outs. Steel, however, is stronger and better for heavy-duty structural projects.
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Corten steel weathers naturally, developing a protective patina that eliminates the need for painting. It’s ideal if you want a natural, earthy look with long-term durability.
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Yes — the right finish not only enhances appearance but also protects the material from Auckland’s weather conditions. Powder coating, galvanising or custom paint finishes all extend the life of your steel or aluminium work.
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We use a range of protective finishes depending on the project, including hot-dip galvanising, powder coating and custom paints. For projects that embrace a natural weathered look, corten steel is designed to patina while staying strong.
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Absolutely. Many of our designs incorporate steel frames with timber or glass elements, or decorative screens paired with powder-coated finishes, to achieve the perfect balance of strength and style.
Built To Last - Made With The Right Materials
Every project deserves the right foundation. Whether it’s steel, aluminium, corten or a custom finish, we’ll guide you on the best choice for strength, style and longevity.
Ready To Bring Your Vision To Life?
Let’s talk materials and solutions that are designed to last.
Contact Dean today for a free consultation on 021 183 1504 or dean@fabspec.co.nz
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