Tubular Steel 101: SHS, RHS, Pipes & More

Tubular steel solutions are the backbone of countless projects, from sturdy structural frames to DIY garden builds. At Edcon Steel, we’ve spent over 50 years delivering quality steel to Australians, and our range of tubular steel products is second to none.

Whether you’re an industry professional or a weekend DIY enthusiast, we offer a comprehensive selection of steel tubing to suit your project needs. From square hollow sections (SHS) to rectangular hollow sections (RHS), circular steel pipes (CHS) to specialty tubes, we cut to size and pack them, ready for pickup or delivery nationwide.

Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about tubular steel and how Edcon’s friendly experts and convenient services put customers first in Sydney, the Central West, and across Australia.

What is tubular steel?

Tubular steel refers to hollow steel sections shaped as squares, rectangles, or circles. Its design delivers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for projects that need durability without excessive bulk.

At Edcon Steel, we stock a full range of Square Hollow Sections (SHS), Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS), Circular Hollow Sections (CHS) and steel pipes, along with ERW and seamless tubing, in mild or galvanised finishes.

Whether you’re fabricating a warehouse frame, building handrails, or constructing a DIY pergola, you’ll find the perfect size, grade, and finish in our range. We can even cut it to your specs before delivery!

Square & Rectangular Hollow Sections (SHS & RHS)

SHS (Square Hollow Section) and RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) are two of the most versatile profiles in steel fabrication. Their flat faces, clean edges and balanced strength make them ideal for structural and decorative use.

At Edcon Steel, our SHS and RHS sections are available in mild steel, pre-galvanised and structural grades. We stock various thicknesses and sizes, which are all compliant with AS/NZS 1163 (Grade C350L0) standards for structural hollow sections.

SHS and RHS are often the first choice because of their superior strength-to-weight ratio, which makes them strong, lightweight, and efficient. The smooth surfaces and rounder edges make them safer to handle and ideal for modern designs, while the flat sides make welding, bolting, and joining simple.

Circular Hollow Sections (CHS)

CHS (Circular Hollow Sections) are round, hollow steel sections widely used in structural and fluid-handling applications. They are commonly chosen for structural work where aesthetic or geometric uniformity is desired.

CHS are also inherently strong in all directions (there’s no weak axis), which is helpful in trusses and frameworks that may face multidirectional forces. For applications requiring strength in all directions, CHS is the go-to choice. These round tubes are used in everything from handrails and balustrades to load-bearing frameworks and structural supports.

It’s important to note the distinction between structural CHS and standard pipes for fluid transport. While they might look the same, structural CHS is typically manufactured to structural-grade specs, whereas pressure ratings and internal diameter specify piping (like water pipes).

ERW vs. Seamless Tubing

Different projects have different requirements, which is why Edcon Steel carries both ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) tubing and seamless steel tubing. If you’re not sure what that means, here’s a quick overview:

ERW Tubing: Most structural hollow sections (SHS, RHS, CHS) are made by electric-resistance welding. In ERW, a steel strip is formed into a tube, and the edges are welded along the seam. This process is precise and efficient, producing strong tubing with a smooth finish. In fact, the external weld seam on our RHS/SHS is removed, so the tube looks seamless on the outside. ERW tubes are excellent for structural purposes – they ensure enduring structural integrity for buildings, frames, and supports. They are also cost-effective for general use and come in a wide range of sizes.

Seamless Tubing: Seamless tubes are often preferred for applications requiring extra precision or pressure handling (such as hydraulic cylinders, automotive components, or certain engineering parts).

Build with Confidence with Australia’s Trusted Steel Supplier

For over 50 years, Edcon Steel has been the name Australians trust for quality tubular steel and exceptional service. Whether you’re a builder in Sydney’s Brookvale, Revesby, or Blacktown, or working on a project in Bathurst, Orange or anywhere across Australia, we’ve got the steel and expertise you need.

Shop our tubular steel range online 24/7, or visit one of our NSW stores to speak with our friendly team. Explore our range, request a custom quote, or order online today—because with Edcon Steel, you get quality steel solutions, no matter the project.