Steel Angles Explained: Equal vs Unequal, Applications, Benefits & Buying Guide

Steel angles (sometimes referred to as angle irons or L-brackets) are the hidden figures of many construction projects, from large-scale construction jobs to weekend DIY projects. If you’ve ever bolted together a shelf or reinforced a frame, chances are you’ve used a steel angle.

In this article, we explain what steel angles are, the differences between equal and unequal angles, the benefits of these handy steel products, and how to get the perfect steel angle for your needs from Edcon Steel.

What are steel angles?

A steel angle is a piece of steel that has been manufactured at a 90-degree angle, forming an L-shape with two perpendicular legs. In other words, it’s an L-shaped beam that provides support and reinforcement. This simple shape is one of the most basic and widely used structural steel profiles in construction and engineering. Steel angles typically come in lengths of steel (often sold in sections 6m or longer) with a right-angle cross-section. They are made by hot-rolling or bending steel, resulting in a strong, rigid angle that resists bending when used as a support or bracket.

Because of their right-angle shape, steel angles have an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and can support loads along both axes. One leg can be fastened to a surface (like a wall or beam) while the other leg provides horizontal or vertical support. This makes angles incredibly useful for bracing corners, building frames, or acting as supports and brackets.

Equal vs Unequal Angles

Steel angles come in two primary types: equal and unequal. The difference is straightforward: Equal angles are symmetrical, with the same length “legs” (i.e., each side of the L shape is the same length), whereas unequal angles have two legs of different lengths, which gives an asymmetric shape that can be useful in specific situations.

Why does this matter? In practical terms, an equal angle is used for balanced corner support or symmetrical framing, where each side of the angle shares the load equally. Unequal angles are used when one side of the angle is attached to a surface (such as a wall, floor, or beam), and the other leg projects out as a support ledge or bracket.

Applications & Industries for Steel Angles

Steel angles show up in almost every corner of construction, fabrication, and DIY because they’re such a reliable, adaptable shape. In building and residential work, they’re used as bracing in wall frames, corner reinforcement in timber or steel structures, and as lintels over doors and windows.

Equal angles provide balanced strength for framing sheds, connecting roof beams, or stiffening doorways. In contrast, unequal angles work beautifully as shelf brackets, ledge supports, and awning frames, where one side is fixed to a surface, and the other carries the load.

Benefits of Steel Angles

So why are steel angles so popular among builders and DIYers? Here are some of the advantages that make steel angles a go-to material:

High strength-to-weight ratio: Steel angles have excellent strength relative to their weight. The L-shape is inherently strong and resistant to bending, especially once fixed in place. This means a lightweight piece of steel angle can support a considerable load. They are often used for extra rigidity and support without adding excess weight to a structure.

Versatile: Few building materials are as versatile as the humble steel angle. Because they come in a wide range of sizes (from small brackets to massive structural pieces) and can be easily cut or drilled, angles find applications in almost every sector. From DIY projects to large-scale infrastructure, angles are used in construction, manufacturing, transportation (trailers and truck bodies often use angle frames), agricultural equipment, and more. If you need to join two components at a 90° angle or reinforce a corner, there’s probably a steel angle that fits the bill.

Got a project in mind for 2026?

If you have a project in mind for 2026, we have the materials, tools, and expertise to help you do it right. Visit one of our NSW stores or shop online 24/7 with live stock updates, instant quotes, and custom cutting. Feel free to contact us for your steel or metal solution today.

We look forward to continuing to work with you in 2026!