201 vs 304 vs 316: Which Stainless Steel Peg Is Right for You?

One of the most common questions we get is: what’s the difference between the grades? And which one do I actually need?

It’s a great question — because getting it wrong means either paying more than you need to, or ending up with pegs that rust when you didn’t expect them to.

Here’s a plain English guide to the three grades.

What is stainless steel, exactly?

Stainless steel is a family of steel alloys that contain chromium — an element that forms a protective layer on the surface of the metal, preventing rust. The more chromium (and other elements like nickel and molybdenum), the more corrosion resistant the steel.

The grade number refers to the specific composition of the alloy. Higher numbers don’t always mean better — they just mean different. But in the context of clothes pegs, 316 is genuinely the most durable option.

Grade 201 — Standard

Grade 201 is the entry level stainless steel. It contains less nickel than the higher grades, which makes it more affordable but less corrosion resistant.

Best for:

• Bringing pegs inside after each wash
• Indoor use (laundry rooms, inside the home)
• Areas more than 10km from the coast
• Budget-conscious households who will care for their pegs

Not suitable for:

• Leaving outside permanently
• Coastal or marine environments
• High humidity or chemical exposure

Grade 304 — Medium

Grade 304 is the most widely used stainless steel in the world. It contains roughly twice the nickel content of Grade 201, which significantly improves its corrosion resistance.

Best for:

• Leaving pegs outside on the line permanently
• Most Australian outdoor conditions
• Households more than 10km from the coast
• Anyone who wants a set-and-forget peg

Not suitable for:

• Coastal environments or near salt air
• Use on boats or waterfront properties

Grade 316 — Marine Grade

Grade 316 adds molybdenum to the mix — an element that dramatically improves resistance to salt, chlorine, and harsh weather. It’s the same steel used in boat fittings and marine construction.

Best for:

• Coastal homes and marine environments
• Leaving pegs outside permanently in any conditions
• Boats and waterfront properties
• Anyone who wants the absolute best and never wants to think about it again

The verdict: If you live near the coast, always choose 316. If you live inland and leave pegs outside, choose 304. If you bring your pegs inside after each wash, 201 is perfectly fine.

Still not sure? Use our Peg Finder to get a personalised recommendation in under a minute.