Choosing the Right Steel: A Practical Guide for Every Application

Introduction: Choosing the Right Steel on Site

Picture this, you’ve finally finished a big job on the coast. You’ve put in the fence, everything looks great, and you’re feeling really good about how the project went. Twelve months later though, you’re in the middle of another job when you get an angry call from your client complaining about how their fence and other steel structures are all coated in rust. Suddenly, you’re not only busy with your current project, but you have to go back and redo the hours of hard work to replace the rusted steel. This is a nightmare for any builder, but it’s also easy to avoid if you take the time to learn about the different types of steel and what makes them different. This article will go through the differences between mild, galvanised and stainless steel, as well as what projects are best for each type of steel.

Mild Steel

Mild steel is a low-carbon form of steel that is strong, versatile and easy to cut, making it a great choice for construction. Mild steel is not only very cost-effective, but it is also easy to find in a range of different shapes and sizes; however, there are some limitations to mild steel. Mild steel is best suited to indoor projects or any project that is protected from the elements. This is because mild steel rusts if left unprotected or exposed to any moisture. And so, overall, mild steel is a great, malleable option for protected projects, structural support and protected fencing components, etc. It is not only cost-effective but easy to cut and work with, as well as being strong and stable as long as it’s kept protected.

Galvanised Steel

Galvanised steel, unlike mild steel, is typically used for outdoor structures. This is due to galvanised steel being coated in zinc, enhancing it’s ability to deal with the elements without being damaged by corrosion or rust. Galvanised steel is often made by submerging the metal in molten zinc to create a protective barrier. This protective barrier makes galvanised steel better suited to outdoor projects, and so it’s commonly used in fence posts, roof supports, and exposed frames, amongst other things. There are downsides to galvanised steel though, as the protective zinc layer is only on the exterior, if you cut or mishandle it in any way, you risk the metal no longer being protected as the air and moisture can now reach the exposed steel below the zinc, making it very important that you are very careful when using or handling galvanised steel.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a very common form of steel, it is made from a blend of steel alloy and chromium, giving it long-term protection against corrosion and making it more resistant to rusting than mild and galvanised steel. Stainless steel in construction is commonly used in two grades, grade 304 and 316. Grade 304 is more suited to general applications with moderate corrosion exposure, whilst grade 316 offers a higher resistance to salt and moisture, making it better for marine or high-salt environments. Stainless steel is commonly used in both jewellery and cutlery, but in construction it is used for coastal fencing and handrails, as well as any food-handling environments such as kitchens, etc. Stainless steel is both very strong and durable whilst, of course, maintaining a clean finish; however, it has a higher upfront cost when compared with mild and galvanised steel.

How to Choose the Right Steel

Choosing the right steel for your project is an extremely important part of any construction or fencing project. There are some important things you should factor in before deciding on what steel you use. Is your project indoors or outdoors? Is it coastal or inland? Is the steel for structural or aesthetic purposes? Will it be covered or left exposed? If you can answer these questions, then you’re in a good place to choose what steel you need using the above information. But if you’re still unsure, you can always get a professional opinion from us at DTS.

A worker wearing safety gear with a digital tablet is inspecting steel building materials on a rack in a warehouse

Conclusion: Specify the Right Steel from the Start

Choosing the right steel for your project is vital, ensuring structural stability whilst preventing unnecessary delays and call-backs. The right steel can massively improve the long-term durability of a structure or fence and will also ensure compliance with the relevant standards and legal requirements. As mentioned throughout this article, you should always consider what the steel will be used for and what the steel will be exposed to. At DTS, we are able to help with everything, from establishing the best steel for your project to supplying it, whilst helping you understand the ins and outs of how to get the best out of the steel for your project. So, whether you’re fabricating structural components, installing fencing or managing a build, Direct Trades Supply can help source the right steel for you, delivered when you need it, so the job is completed properly the first time.