Large-area ZnO nanorod arrays have been synthesized successfully on a stainless steel grid at a mild growth temperature of around 400 degreesC. The as-grown ZnO nanorods have uniform diameters of about 30-50 nm with similar to5 nm tips. Patterned growth can be realized by engineering the shape of the grid in the growth. Photoluminescence demonstrates a sharp strong UV peak and a broad green band. The growth method provides a promising way of producing nanorod arrays with good controllability in patterns and morphologies, which will be critical in potential application such as high-efficiency filtering and catalysts.