A fundamental element in our solutions, steel assumes the role of structure, connection and stabilisation. It is the material that enables geometric precision, mechanical resistance and construction control in solutions exposed to intensive use and demanding environmental conditions. Its technical versatility allows the steel type to be adapted to the territory, function and degree of exposure, ensuring consistent structural performance and long-term durability.
Structural precision and construction control
Steel’s high mechanical resistance allows the use of reduced cross-sections without compromising stability, enabling light, discreet and technically efficient structures.
This characteristic is essential in signage systems, equipment and furniture, where the structure must support without visually dominating the space.
When articulated with materials such as recycled plastic or HPL, steel ensures construction continuity, precise connections and long-term dimensional stability.
Types of steel used
Technical protection with controlled chromatic integration
Metalised and painted steel
At Floema, metalised and painted steel is selected as a structural solution when high corrosion resistance, construction precision and long-term formal control are required. It is applied to S275JR structural steel or equivalent, ensuring mechanical performance suitable for exposed structures and intensive use.
The process begins with abrasive blast cleaning, achieving surface preparation grades SA 2.5 to SA 3, ensuring complete surface cleanliness and optimal adhesion conditions. This is followed by thermal spray metalisation, using zinc or a zinc/aluminium alloy (85% Zn – 15% Al), creating a continuous and durable anti-corrosion barrier, effective even in aggressive outdoor environments.
A paint system is then applied over the metalised layer, consisting of an adhesion primer and a finishing enamel, allowing chromatic control, architectural integration and additional protective performance.
This combined process ensures long-term structural durability, surface stability and controlled visual appearance, suitable for urban, natural or architectural contexts where both performance and formal expression are essential.
Planter with structure in metalized and painted steel and recycled plastic
Controlles oxidation as structural protection
Weathering steel
Weathering steel is specified using S355J2WP+AR grade plate or equivalent, a high-strength structural steel with enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance.
This steel naturally develops a stable oxidation patina that acts as a protective layer, significantly slowing corrosion progression and eliminating the need for additional surface protection systems. The patina forms in a controlled manner over time, ensuring long-term structural durability and material stability in outdoor environments.
The combination of high mechanical strength, predictable atmospheric behaviour and maintenance-free performance makes weathering steel particularly suitable for rustic, historical and landscape contexts, where material expression and ageing are integral to the project.
At Floema, weathering steel is used when time itself becomes part of the structural and aesthetic language.
Frame interpretive display with structure in weathering steel for literary urban route.
Structural performance in humid environments
Galvanised steel
Hot-dip galvanisation creates a uniform zinc coating that protects steel against corrosion through both barrier protection and sacrificial action. This type of protection is especially effective in environments with high humidity, maritime exposure or frequent contact with water.
Floema uses galvanised steel in technical structures and outdoor infrastructures where robustness, durability and structural reliability are critical.
Reuse bench without backrest with structure in galvanised steel
Chemical stability and functional precision
Stainless steel
The high chromium content in stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance and chemical stability, even in aggressive environments. It offers excellent performance in terms of hygiene, cleaning and maintenance, maintaining surface integrity over time.
At Floema, stainless steel is applied selectively in solutions that require maximum durability, construction precision and uncompromising technical performance.
Structure as a silent language
Within Floema’s construction logic, steel does not impose itself — it organises. It defines structure, supports information, articulates materials and ensures that each system maintains technical performance and legibility over time.
The choice between metalised and painted steel, weathering steel, galvanised steel or stainless steel always results from a technical reading of the territory, function and expected lifespan, ensuring reliable, discreet and durable structural solutions.