How to Choose a Decorative Screen Material

The pattern is what people notice first. The material decides whether the screen still looks right in ten years. Choose it on weight, weather exposure, finish and budget, and the rest follows.

What are the main materials for decorative screens?

Mild steel. Strong, rigid and cost-effective. It can corrode if left unprotected, so prime or powder coat it for outdoor use. A good option for gates and larger screens where strength matters.

Stainless steel. Resists corrosion well, so it is worth considering near the coast, around pools and in damp areas. It generally costs more than mild steel.

Aluminium. Lightweight and naturally corrosion resistant. It suits large panels, pergolas and facades where weight matters, and it is easier to handle on site.

Grades and thicknesses affect performance, so confirm both for your application.

What about interiors?

Indoor panels, room dividers and feature walls can also be made from MDF or acrylic, usually cut by CNC routing or laser. They suit controlled environments, not exposed outdoor use. For more, see when to use CNC routing for MDF, acrylic and plastics.

How should you choose?

• Where will it be installed? Indoors, outdoors, coastal, poolside?
• How big is the panel? Large panels favour lighter materials.
• Gate or fixed screen? Moving parts need strength and good fixings.
• What finish do you want?
• What is the budget?

Does finish change the answer?

Often. The same material can be supplied raw, primed or powder coated, and the finish changes both appearance and protection. Specify material and finish together at the start.

How precise do the panels need to be?

When screens are installed in repeating modules or alongside architectural elements, accuracy matters. RhinoWorks manufactures in-house and supplies architectural-grade specification sheets with tolerances, so the panels you specify are the panels you install.

Where can you see what is possible?

Browse the patterns and applications on this site: garden screens, gate panels, feature walls, room dividers and facades. For custom fabrication, RhinoWorks can manufacture to your drawing.

Ready to choose? Tell us where the screen will go, roughly how large it is and the look you want. We’ll recommend materials and finishes and quote on your idea.

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Get in touch with us to speak with our design team
+27 83 263 6337 today and let us assist you with any CNC, laser,
or custom engraving projects. Orders can also be placed via
Email: info@rhinoworks.co.za.
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