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Reasons to use structural steel

With an infinite number of decisions to make before starting a new project, the last thing you want to do is choose the wrong material.

The type of material you select will affect factors such as budget, time constraints, building specifications, and structural capabilities.

At Edcon Steel, we are your structural steel fabrication specialists.

We have the stock, the equipment, and the know-how to complete your next structural steel project with minimum fuss.

Here, we outline the key reasons to use structural steel and break down some of the advantages that structural steel offers.

What is structural steel?

A regulated category of steel, known in Australia as 300plus, structural steel must meet industry standards for dimensional tolerances and composition. Due to its versatile nature and huge size range, structural steel can be seen every day—and everywhere! Typically used for trailers, storage tanks, and bridges, structural steel is also commonly used as supporting beams and columns—from home dwellings to high-rise towers.

The steel you use in buildings is governed by many national and local standards and codes. Your builder or designer will need to consider all this when choosing the right steel for your next project. We are here to help you to make your journey as easy as possible and to explain the many benefits of this versatile building solution.

Curved steel framework of a modern building under construction against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds

Aesthetically pleasing

Structural steel frames provide designers with a wide range of options for addressing a project’s aesthetic requirements. Structural steel can be rolled, curved and integrated into irregular building shapes.

One of the reasons structural steel is one of the most chosen materials is its aesthetic appeal.

Its flexibility allows it to be crafted into many shapes and sizes, giving designers a wide range of options for addressing a project’s aesthetic requirements.

Structural steel can be rolled, curved, and integrated into irregular building shapes.

Painting of steel structures will add to the visual appeal of your building and highlight your structure, as well as provide much-needed protection for your investment. Selection of your painted surface is not as simple as “I would like my steel painted”. For more information about painting steel, our friends at Dulux have provided a guide.

Structural steel is also both strong and lightweight. This is favoured within the construction industry as it allows for bigger open spaces without being hindered by support columns or reducing the natural light giving architects greater flexibility in the design phase of the structure.

Room to Grow

One of the major benefits of structural steel over other building products is it has a high strength-to-weight ratio. This means smaller beams and posts can span further and hold more weight than other popular building materials.

What does that mean? It means you can open up your building using steel.

In larger rooms, window or door openings are possible using steel beams or lintels than other building materials. For more information about Builders steel

Future adaptability

Structural steel can be fabricated into different shapes while still maintaining its strength. The use of steel allows for creative and innovative designs. Architects and other designers use this capability to create structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound.

Structural steel also allows for the creation of large-span buildings such as indoor arenas and aircraft hangars, as well as the capability to build very high skyscrapers, bridges and other structures.

It is also easy to future-proof steel frames because they are more conducive to structural addition or modification, such as renovations or expanding the size of an existing building.

Quality and predictability

Steel can last longer than timber or concrete. Unlike timber, steel does not split, crack or creep as it ages. It is not vulnerable to insect attack and lacks porosity, so mould and mildew cannot grow. It does not warp, rot or expand when there is an increase in moisture. However, contact with water must be prevented as corrosion may result and the importance of steel protection.

Australian Steel is made right here, to strict quality standards, supports local communities, and can withstand Australian conditions.

All your structural steel requirements under one roof

We are proud of our humble beginnings more than 50 years ago. We are firmly focused on continuing to provide structural steel with our customers’ needs in mind. We have the equipment and stock to help fulfil most steel requirements… and we are always happy to help wherever possible.

Edcon is your one-stop shop for steel. You can buy steel online and, in most cases, have it cut to size and shipped to your door. Alternatively, you can shop in one of our steel stores located across NSW.

Why Builders, Engineers & Makers Choose Edcon

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Steel profiles, plus stainless, aluminium, brass, bronze & copper.

10,000+

Tools & accessories for cutting, welding & drilling.

50+ years

Supplying Australian projects - big and small.

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Trusted and standards-compliant since day one.

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