In recent years, textured stainless steel has become one of the most preferred materials in architectural decoration and commercial interior design. Compared with traditional flat stainless steel sheets, textured surfaces offer stronger visual depth, richer light reflection, and improved durability, making them ideal for modern projects that require both aesthetics and performance.
From luxury hotels and shopping malls to elevators, wall cladding, and feature panels, textured stainless steel sheets are now widely used across global markets, especially in the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
This article provides a complete and practical guide to textured stainless steel sheets, focusing on the most popular product categories: 5WL stainless steel sheets, 6WL stainless steel sheets, water ripple stainless steel sheets, and embossed & 3D design stainless steel sheets.
Creates strong 3D visual effects with light and shadow
Hides fingerprints and scratches better than flat sheets
Suitable for high-traffic public areas
Compatible with PVD color coating for premium finishes
Ideal for architectural and decorative applications
Textured stainless steel refers to stainless steel sheets processed with special surface treatments such as embossing, stamping, rolling, or 3D forming. These processes create raised or recessed patterns on the surface, transforming plain stainless steel into a decorative architectural material.
Compared to smooth stainless steel, textured sheets offer:
Enhanced decorative appeal
Better wear and scratch resistance
Improved tactile and visual experience
Common material grades include 304 stainless steel for indoor use and 316 stainless steel for outdoor or humid environments.
5WL stainless steel sheets are a type of medium wave textured stainless steel panel characterized by a repeating pattern that resembles subtle water ripples or raindrops. The “5WL” designation comes from industry-standard pattern naming conventions and identifies a specific embossed texture that balances visual elegance with practical functionality.
In architectural and decorative applications, 5WL sheets provide a refined three-dimensional surface that enhances light reflection and shadow effects without being overly pronounced. This makes them ideal for spaces where a sophisticated yet understated texture is desired.
Manufactured from high-quality 304 or 316 stainless steel, 5WL sheets offer excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and long-term performance. They are available in mirror or hairline finishes, and can also be coated with PVD colors such as gold, bronze, champagne, or black for premium decorative applications.
Material: 304 / 316 Stainless Steel
Thickness: 0.3 – 2.0 mm
Surface: Mirror or hairline finish + 5WL texture
Color options: Silver, Gold, Champagne, Bronze, Black (PVD)
Interior wall cladding
Elevator cabin panels
Hotel corridors and commercial spaces
6WL stainless steel sheets are a type of textured or embossed stainless steel sheets distinguished by a repeating geometric pattern. This pattern is often described as resembling raindrops, hexagons, or honeycomb shapes. The designation “6WL” originates from industry pattern naming standards (similar to 5WL) and identifies a specific raised surface design that enhances both aesthetic appeal and functional performance.
In architectural and decorative metal applications, 6WL is part of a larger family of textured finishes. The repeating embossing across the sheet surface creates a uniform three-dimensional effect, adding visual depth while maintaining the inherent strength, durability, and corrosion resistance of stainless steel.
Typical Specifications
Material: 201 / 304 / 316 Stainless Steel
Thickness: 0.5 – 2.0 mm
Surface: textured or embossed stainless steel sheets
PVD color coating available
Hotel and shopping mall lobbies
Architectural wall decoration
High-end commercial interiors
Water ripple stainless steel sheets are inspired by the natural movement of water. This category includes 5WL, 6WL, and customized ripple patterns, making it one of the most visually striking textured stainless steel products.
Dynamic light reflection under different lighting conditions
Strong three-dimensional appearance
Effectively hides fingerprints and minor surface scratches
Small ripple, medium ripple (5WL), large ripple (6WL)
Mirror water ripple stainless steel
Hairline water ripple stainless steel
PVD colored water ripple sheets
Decorative wall panels
Elevator doors and cabins
Ceilings and artistic feature walls
Embossed stainless steel sheets are manufactured using stamping molds to create regular patterns on the surface. This category also includes 3D design stainless steel sheets, which feature deeper textures and artistic designs.
Linen pattern
Diamond pattern
Leather texture
Geometric designs
Hammered and honeycomb patterns
Stable quality and consistency for large projects
Excellent wear resistance
Cost-effective for engineering applications
Customizable patterns for high-end design projects
Elevator panels and doors
Public space wall cladding
Columns, handrails, and decorative panels
Luxury interior and architectural design projects
| Item | Standard Options |
|---|---|
| Material | 304 / 316 Stainless Steel |
| Thickness | 0.3 – 3.0 mm |
| Standard Size | 1219 × 2438 mm |
| Custom Size | Available |
| Surface Types | 5WL, 6WL, Water Ripple, Embossed, 3D |
| Colors | Silver, Gold, Champagne, Bronze, Black |
| Processing | Cutting, Bending, Laser Cutting, PVD |
Large-area projects → Embossed stainless steel sheets
Luxury interiors → Water ripple or 3D design stainless steel
Modern commercial spaces → 6WL stainless steel sheets
Public areas → 5WL textured stainless steel
Material selection:
Indoor use → 304 stainless steel
Outdoor or humid environments → 316 stainless steel
A: 5WL has medium wave spacing with a balanced look, while 6WL features wider and deeper waves, offering stronger visual impact.
A: Yes. Textured surfaces hide fingerprints and scratches better than flat sheets, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
A: Absolutely. PVD coating can be applied to 5WL, 6WL, water ripple, and embossed stainless steel sheets.
A: Yes, especially when using 316 stainless steel, which provides better corrosion resistance.
A: Yes. Custom sizes, thicknesses, patterns, and finishes are available for project-based requirements.
As a professional textured stainless steel sheet manufacturer and supplier, Ferosteel offers:
Complete textured stainless steel product categories
Stable quality control and inspection
Custom sizes, patterns, and PVD colors
Rich export experience for global markets
Reliable delivery for architectural and commercial projects
From 5WL and 6WL stainless steel sheets to water ripple and embossed 3D design stainless steel, textured stainless steel plays a vital role in modern architectural decoration.
By choosing the right texture, finish, and material grade, designers and contractors can achieve both visual excellence and long-term durability.
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