Galvanized vs Non-Galvanized Timber Plates: What’s the Difference?

When selecting timber connector plates, one of the key decisions is whether to use galvanized or non-galvanized steel.

Galvanized plates are coated with a layer of zinc, which protects the steel from rust and corrosion. This makes them suitable for outdoor use, high humidity environments, and long-term applications.

Non-galvanized plates, on the other hand, are typically used in dry indoor environments where corrosion is not a major concern. They are usually more cost-effective but offer less durability in harsh conditions.

For most structural applications, especially those exposed to weather, galvanized plates are the safer and more reliable choice.