Perforated metal can be used for structural and decorative applications in architecture and design, including balustrades, facades, stairs and screens, and its characteristics allow for creativity with light, sound and visual depth. Perforated metal can be used to regulate light and ventilation within a space.

The most common method of perforating metal uses a rotary pinned perforation roller. This is a large cylinder with sharp, pointed needles on the outside to punch holes into the metal. As the sheet metal is run across the perforation roller, it rotates, continuously punching holes in the passing sheet.