Choosing the Right Mantova Real Tuff Shelving for Australian Businesses
When selecting commercial shelving, most businesses focus on load capacity and layout. However, one of the most important, and often misunderstood decisions is the choice of post and frame material.
Mantova Real Tuff Shelving is available with stainless steel or galvanised steel posts and framing, both engineered for strength, hygiene, and long-term performance. While they may appear similar at first glance, each option offers distinct advantages depending on the environment, industry, and budget.
In this guide, we break down the key differences between stainless steel and galvanised steel framing, explain where each performs best in Australian conditions, and help you choose the right solution for your operation.
As a trusted supplier of Mantova shelving systems, Commercial Shelving Innovations works with businesses nationwide to match the right materials to real-world storage demands.
Understanding the Two Frame Options
Mantova Real Tuff Shelving uses the same high-performance ABS shelf mats across its range. The primary difference lies in the posts and frame material.
Stainless Steel Posts & Framing
Stainless steel shelving frames are manufactured from corrosion-resistant steel alloys designed to withstand moisture, chemicals, and frequent cleaning.
They are commonly used in environments where hygiene, wash-down cleaning, or constant moisture exposure is unavoidable.
Galvanised Steel Posts & Framing
Galvanised steel frames are manufactured from structural steel coated in zinc, creating a protective barrier against rust and environmental exposure.
This option delivers exceptional strength and durability at a more cost-effective price point, making it ideal for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.
Corrosion Resistance: How They Compare
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel offers the highest level of corrosion resistance available for shelving frames. It does not rely on coatings, meaning there is no surface layer to wear away.
Best suited for:
- Constant wet areas
- Wash-down zones
- High-humidity food processing spaces
- Chemical exposure environments
Galvanised Steel
Galvanised steel provides excellent corrosion protection through its zinc coating, which prevents oxidation and rust formation.
Well suited for:
- Coolrooms and freezers
- Dry food storage
- Warehouses and stockrooms
- Coastal and humid Australian climates
For most Australian businesses, galvanised framing offers more than enough protection without the higher cost of stainless steel.
Hygiene & Cleaning Requirements
Stainless Steel Framing
- Non-porous and extremely smooth
- Ideal for strict hygiene regulations
- Handles aggressive cleaning chemicals
- Preferred in medical, pharmaceutical, and food-processing environments
Galvanised Steel Framing
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Suitable for food storage and hospitality back-of-house areas
- Not intended for repeated chemical wash-downs
- Excellent for dry, chilled, and general storage zones
Strength & Load Performance
Both frame options are engineered for commercial use and deliver outstanding load capacity when paired with Mantova Real Tuff shelves.
- Stainless steel frames maintain structural integrity under frequent cleaning and temperature changes
- Galvanised steel frames offer exceptional rigidity and impact resistance for heavy stock
From a strength perspective, both options perform exceptionally well; the decision is driven more by environment than load.
Cost & Value Considerations
Stainless Steel
- Higher upfront investment
- Long service life in extreme conditions
- Best used where corrosion risk is constant
Galvanised Steel
- More cost-effective
- Lower total cost of ownership
- Ideal for most commercial and industrial settings
For businesses balancing performance and budget, galvanised steel framing delivers outstanding long-term value.
Where Each Option Works Best
Choose Stainless Steel Framing If You Operate In:
- Food processing facilities
- Commercial kitchens with wash-down zones
- Pharmaceutical or medical storage
- High-chemical or sterile environments
Choose Galvanised Steel Framing If You Operate In:
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Coolrooms and freezer rooms
- Hospitality storage areas
- Retail stockrooms
- Workshops and trade facilities
- Agricultural and light industrial sites
Australian Conditions Matter
Australia’s climate presents unique challenges; humidity, coastal air, temperature swings, and condensation are common across many regions.
Both stainless steel and galvanised steel framing options offered by Mantova are designed specifically to perform in Australian conditions, ensuring long service life and consistent performance nationwide.
Making the Right Choice
When selecting your Mantova Real Tuff Shelving frame material, consider:
- Moisture exposure levels
- Cleaning methods and chemicals used
- Industry compliance requirements
- Budget and scale of installation
- Long-term maintenance expectations
Choosing the correct frame material from the outset ensures better performance, compliance, and return on investment.
Final Thoughts
Both stainless steel and galvanised steel posts and framing offer exceptional durability within the Mantova Real Tuff Shelving range. The key difference lies in where and how the shelving will be used.
- Stainless steel excels in high-hygiene, high-moisture environments
- Galvanised steel delivers unbeatable value and durability for most commercial applications
By selecting the right framing option, Australian businesses can maximise storage efficiency while ensuring compliance, safety, and longevity.
For expert advice on selecting the right Mantova shelving configuration for your space, Commercial Shelving Innovations supplies tailored solutions backed by industry knowledge and local support.
Shop our range of Mantova Real Tuff Shelving Now
- 3 Tier Stainless Steel
- 3 Tier Galvanised Steel
- 4 Tier Stainless Steel
- 4 Tier Galvanised Steel
- 5 Tier Stainless Steel
- 5 Tier Galvanised Steel
0 comments