Black powder coated steel is the least expensive material. However where you are located will have a huge impact on the life of your bull bar or grill guard. As you move north into the snow areas stainless steel or aluminum is the best option. Bull bars are available in black powder coated steel, polished stainless steel (chrome like), black stainless steel and black aluminum finishes. Unfortunately grill guards only come in polished stainless and black steel finishes. For northern climate regions you can prolong the life of a black grill guard by having it sprayed with a truck box liner material or spray a stainless steel grill guard and you will have a black grill guard that will outlast your truck.