Frequently Asked Questions

Auswide Totalwest Fabricators has been in business for over 30 years. Australian owned, operated and made — based in Henderson WA. Gavin founded the business with a commitment to quality craftsmanship and fair pricing that remains unchanged today.

Our workshop is located at 1/18 Egmont Street, Henderson WA 6166 — south of Fremantle. We service all metropolitan suburbs and can travel throughout Western Australia for larger commercial and industrial projects.

Yes. Quotes are fast and straightforward. For detailed or time-consuming estimates — such as complex commercial tender work — a small fee applies. However, this fee is fully deducted from your final invoice if you proceed, so in practice it costs you nothing.

Yes. Auswide works directly with builders, architects and project managers on commercial and industrial projects of all sizes. We provide tender estimates and can work to engineered drawings or assist with design development.

Yes. After-hours call-outs are available when the job can't wait. These are charged accordingly. Contact Gavin directly on 0417 777 775 to arrange.

Auswide works with stainless steel, mild steel, aluminium, brass, copper and sheet metal. We can incorporate glass, timber and other materials into fabrications to suit your design. For marine applications we use 316-grade marine stainless steel as standard.

Our workshop handles the full fabrication process including forming, shearing, punching, bending, MIG welding, TIG welding, spot welding, powder coating, polishing and finishing. We also provide complete onsite installation services.

Yes. We provide design services for all projects. You can come with detailed engineering drawings, a rough sketch, or simply an idea — Gavin will work with you to develop the right solution. Detailed design work for complex projects may attract a fee, which is deducted from your final invoice if you proceed.

Auswide works across residential, marine, commercial, hospitality, retail, industrial, mining and government sectors. Our client list includes some of Perth's leading residential builders, marine operators, architects and commercial contractors.

Yes. We work to engineered drawings, architectural plans and shop drawings of all formats. For commercial and structural projects, engineered drawings are preferred as they allow accurate tendering and ensure the fabricated work meets specification exactly.

Stainless steel can corrode, but it is far more resistant than ordinary steel. The chromium in stainless steel forms a passive oxide layer that resists rust. However, in harsh coastal or pool environments, surface deposits can break down this layer over time — which is why regular maintenance matters.

Tea staining is a brown surface discolouration caused by iron oxide deposits settling on stainless steel — common in coastal and pool environments. Prevention involves regular cleaning with mild detergent and water, followed by rinsing. Auswide's professional treatment service applies a protective coating that significantly slows tea staining.

304 is the most common grade — suitable for general indoor use and low-exposure outdoor applications. 316 (marine grade) contains molybdenum, which significantly improves resistance to salt, chloride and harsh environments. For anything near the ocean, around pools, or in marine applications, 316 is the correct choice. Auswide uses 316 grade as standard for all outdoor and marine work.

For regular cleaning, use warm water with a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly with clean cold water and wipe dry. Avoid abrasive cleaners, stainless steel wool, bleach-based products or anything highly acidic or alkaline. Wipe in the direction of the grain where visible.

The three-year guarantee covers workmanship — the quality of the fabrication and installation. It applies provided you use our recommended finishes and follow the maintenance guidelines we provide. Material degradation due to improper cleaning, environmental neglect or physical damage is not covered.

Stainless steel has a higher initial cost than mild steel, aluminium or timber alternatives. However, when you factor in longevity, low maintenance, corrosion resistance and appearance, it typically delivers better value over the life of the product — especially in Perth's coastal climate.

Timelines depend on project complexity and current workload. Simple residential jobs such as a gate or letterbox can often be turned around quickly. Larger commercial or structural projects require more lead time. Gavin will give you a realistic timeframe at quote stage and we commit to that schedule.