Stainless steel refers to a type of steel. Brushed stainless steel sheet refers to the surface treatment of steel - so stainless steel can have a brushed finish on it to form a brushed stainless steel sheet.

Steel is a metal. It is an alloy of the elements iron and carbon. It usually contains less than 2 percent carbon and may contain some manganese and other elements. The main alloying element of stainless steel is chromium. It contains 12 to 30 percent chromium and may contain some nickel. Stainless steel is used in the manufacture of many items such as dinnerware, utensils, automotive parts, jewelry, and restaurant and hospital equipment.

Some brushed stainless steel sheets undergo a fine grinding and polishing process. Coatings may also be applied, such as electroplating and galvanized coatings. Stainless steel can have a very shiny mirror finish. Some stainless steel sheets can be brushed to give the surface a non-reflective, non-glossy finish, as if brushed with a fine bristle brush. Brushed steel finishes are created by applying friction to the surface of the metal. Thus it can be used in some decorative architectural beautification.