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.

Don’t overbuy lengths and haul steel you won’t use. Our custom cutting service delivers precisely what you need, ready to build.

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!

Buy CDS Tube

Lots of different sizes of tubular steel

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.

Typical applications include building frames, gates, fencing, trailers, furniture, and machinery supports. Because they’re uniform in shape, SHS and RHS are easy to work with, especially for DIY projects that require clean joins and a professional finish.

SHS provides symmetrical strength, while RHS provides directional stiffness. The right profile choice can make all the difference in your build.

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).

The good news is Edcon Steel offers both types. Whether you need a heavy-duty round tube for a load-bearing column or a galvanised steel pipe for a fence or plumbing run, we have you covered.

At Edcon Steel, we supply CHS and steel pipe in both structural and nominal bore (NB) configurations, in black or galvanised finishes. Structural CHS conforms to AS/NZS 1163, while our NB pipe options are suited to plumbing, pressure and fencing projects.

Galvanised steel pipe is especially popular for outdoor use. Its zinc coating prevents corrosion, making it perfect for fencing, posts and outdoor frames. Need a specific size? Our team can custom-cut for your convenience.

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).

Edcon offers Cold-Drawn Seamless (CDS) mechanical tubing, which is made without any weld seam. The tube is formed by drawing solid steel over a mandrel. Our CDS tubing features uniform dimensions, enhanced machinability, and increased strength compared to standard hot-formed steel. The cold drawing process yields tighter tolerances and a nicer surface finish, which can be important for precision projects. In short, if you need a perfectly round, high-strength tube with no seam, we have it in stock.

Galvanised Tubing for Corrosion Resistance

When durability meets the elements, corrosion resistance becomes key. That’s why Edcon offers both galvanised and stainless steel tubing options.

Galvanised Tubing

Our pre-galvanised and hot-dip galvanised SHS, RHS and CHS are designed to withstand harsh Australian conditions.

Pre-galvanised (Pregal) tubes are zinc-coated during manufacturing for a smooth, uniform finish. They are great for fences, gates, and pergolas.
Hot-dip galvanised tubes are fully immersed in molten zinc after fabrication, coating both inside and out for maximum protection. They are ideal for marine and coastal projects.

Galvanised finishes from Edcon keep your steel looking sharp and rust-free, no matter the climate.

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.

Over 50 years of steel knowledge, helping customers across Sydney, the Central West, and across Australia build with confidence.

FAQs

What is the difference between steel tube (CHS) and pipe?

While CHS (Circular Hollow Section) is a structural steel tube sized by its outer diameter and wall thickness, “pipe” is often specified by internal diameter and pressure ratings. CHS is typically used for structural framing, whereas pipe is used for plumbing, fluid transport or mechanical systems.

Does Edcon supply galvanised and stainless tubular steel?

Yes! Edcon carries pre-galvanised, hot-dip galvanised, and stainless (grades 304 / 316) tubular steel across SHS, RHS and CHS profiles. These finishes are essential where corrosion protection is required, particularly in coastal or exposed sites.

Can I get my tubular steel segments cut to length?

Absolutely. Each Edcon store (Brookvale, Revesby, Blacktown, Bathurst, and Orange) is equipped with precision saws and cutting gear (bandsaws, cold saws) to deliver custom lengths. Just specify your required lengths when ordering; we’ll handle the cut so you receive ready-to-assemble pieces.

Can I buy tubular steel online and have it delivered?

Yes! You can purchase tubular steel from Edcon Steel online 24/7. Our website shows live stock levels and pricing, allowing you to order instantly and choose from pickup or nationwide delivery. Lead times will depend on your location and order size, but our team can confirm availability and delivery estimates at checkout or when you request a quote online. You can also order online for click & collect at any of our five New South Wales locations (Brookvale, Revesby, Blacktown, Bathurst, and Orange).

How do I choose between SHS and RHS for my project?

Consider load direction, aesthetics, fabrication ease and cost. Use SHS when loads might come from multiple directions, when symmetry matters or for architectural appeal. Choose RHS when you need directional stiffness in one axis (for long spans or beams). For any structural project, always consult with a licensed builder or structural engineer to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.