Stainless Steel or Black Powder Coated Aluminum?

I was all set to purchase a set of stainless steel side tubes because of their resistance to rust, etc. But then someone suggested black powder coated aluminum tubes since my truck is gray. They said powder coated will not rust or chip.

Any opinions on the durability of the two different materials? Would the black look better than the polished stainless steel? I can get the OEM ones. Anyone have an opinion on those vs. aftermarket?

OEM: http://www.toyotaparts4u.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=329810

Thanks!

 

Me personally, I would go for the black. I don't like the chrome look. As for the powder coat, it can definitely chip. Little more durable, but isn't chip proof. If the steps are aluminum, then you don't have to worry about rusting. They will oxidize slightly where exposed, but won't rust and rot like steel.

 

Aluminum still oxidizes, and it will still corrode up under the powder coat, bubbling it like rust and flaking it off. It just won't perforate as quickly as regular steel will. Get stainless, if you're set on black, you can that powder coated. Do the stainless steps have stainless brackets and hardware too? If not, I'd get some replacement hardware and treat the brackets with something like BoeShield.