In our investigation of the influence rules and mechanisms of the building orientation on the surface properties of 316L stainless steel created via selective laser melting, we used X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction to investigate the phases, microstructures, and textures of specimens. In addition, we employed a digital microhardness tester, friction, and wear-testing apparatus, along with an electrochemical workstation, to examine variations in the surface properties. The results indicated that the surface phase compositions of the specimens with different building orientations were similar; however, they displayed anisotropic behavior in grain size, orientation, and texture. Notably, the surface densification of the specimens at 0°, 30°, 45°, and 60° initially decreased before subsequently increasing. In contrast, the surface roughness showed a pattern of first increasing and then declining. Moreover, the microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance decreased with an increasing inclination angle.