Steel Products Guide South Africa

How Do You Read a Steel Size?

A steel size states the section dimensions, nominal thickness and supplied length. For hollow sections, width, height or diameter normally describe outside dimensions; the opening is smaller by twice the wall thickness. Keep millimetres for section dimensions and metres for length.

76 × 76 × 1.5 mm × 6 m square tube means 76 mm outside width and height, 1.5 mm nominal wall and 6 m length. 100 × 50 × 1.9 mm RHS has unequal outside dimensions. 50 × 50 × 5 mm angle describes two 50 mm legs and 5 mm thickness50 × 6 mm flat bar describes width and thickness.

A 75 / 50 / 1.9 lipped-channel description commonly states nominal web depth, flange width and material thickness. It does not specify the lip size: confirm the full drawing. CQ is a listing label, not proof of a structural steel grade. A grade, standard, tolerance or coating is confirmed from the actual product specification.

What Does Theoretical Steel Weight Mean?

Theoretical mass is calculated from nominal dimensions, section geometry and an approximate mild-steel density of 7,850 kg/m³. With cross-sectional area A in mm², kg/m = A × 0.00785. Multiply kg/m by length in metres for mass per piece.

Actual scale mass may differ because of wall tolerances, radii, weld seams, grade, geometry and coatings. Formula-derived tube and angle values in this guide are labelled approximate theoretical mass. Where the actual section has a confirmed published kg/m, use that value instead of recreating complex geometry.

The inspected shop records include stored weights that differ from simplified formula estimates. Neither those stored fields nor these estimates constitute a scale-weight guarantee. The existing product data has been retained

What Is Square Tube / SHS?

Square hollow section has equal outside width and height. It is commonly used in gates, frames, fence posts, furniture, security fencing and fabrication. Structural or roofing use requires an approved design; wall thickness and steel grade matter as well as outside size.

WFSA’s broader range includes outside sizes 10, 12, 16, 19, 25, 32, 38, 50, 60, 76, 100 and 120 mm square, with selected walls from 1.0 to 6.0 mm. Typical lengths are 6 m, with selected 7.2 m products. Selected galvanized 60 and 76 mm sizes may be available by enquiry

The broader WFSA range described here is available by enquiry; sizes, thicknesses, finishes and lengths vary by branch and stock. A range list is not a matrix of every possible combination. Only the linked rows below were verified as current online products.

Square tube: current online combinations

Each row is an inspected WFSA listing. Formula-derived values are approximate theoretical masses, not guaranteed scale weights. Stored shop weights are shown separately for comparison.

What Is Rectangular Tube / RHS?

Rectangular hollow section has unequal outside width and height. Common uses include frames, gates, trailers, supports and fabrication. Section orientation can matter structurally; equal weight does not establish equal strength.

The broader range includes 25 × 13, 32 × 19, 38 × 19, 38 × 25, 50 × 25, 50 × 38, 60 × 38, 76 × 25, 76 × 38, 76 × 50, 90 × 30, 100 × 50, 120 × 80 and 160 × 80 mm, in selected walls from 1.0 to 6.0 mm. Common length is 6 m.

Rectangular tube: current online combinations

Each row is an inspected WFSA listing. Formula-derived values are approximate theoretical masses, not guaranteed scale weights. Stored shop weights are shown separately for comparison.

What Is Round Steel Tube / CHS?

Circular hollow section is a hollow tube specified by outside diameter and wall thickness. It differs from solid round bar and from pipe described by a nominal bore. It can be used for rails, posts, frames, handrails and fabrication where the specified product suits the application.

The broader enquiry range includes outside diameters 12, 13, 15, 19, 25, 32, 34, 38, 42, 48, 50, 57, 60, 63, 76, 88, 101, 114, 127, 140, 152, 165, 177 and 219 mm, with selected walls from 1.0 to 6.0 mm. Common lengths include 6 m and selected 7.2 m. No direct CHS tube listing was confirmed in the current steel category; confirm availability and galvanized variants with a branch.

What Is Square Steel Bar?

Square bar is solid steel, unlike hollow square tube. It is used for decorative gates, fabrication, components, supports and general engineering. A solid and hollow section of equal outside size have different masses and structural properties.

Broader enquiry sizes include 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mm square, generally 6 m lengths.

Square bar: current online combinations

Each row is an inspected WFSA listing. Formula-derived values are approximate theoretical masses, not guaranteed scale weights. Stored shop weights are shown separately for comparison.

What Is Round Bar?

Round bar is a solid circular steel section. Diameter is the full solid section size, not a hollow-tube bore. It is used for fabrication, pins, shafts and components where the selected grade and design are suitable.

Broader enquiry diameters include 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25 and 32 mm. The inspected online examples are 6 m. Longer mill lengths must be confirmed; this guide does not advertise 9 m or 13 m round bar as current online stock.

Round bar: current online combinations

Each row is an inspected WFSA listing. Formula-derived values are approximate theoretical masses, not guaranteed scale weights. Stored shop weights are shown separately for comparison.

What Is Flat Bar?

Flat bar is a solid rectangular steel section described by width × thickness × length. Common uses include straps, brackets, clamps, gate details and fabrication. A thin flat bar should not be assigned structural capacity from its width alone.

Broader enquiry widths include 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120 and 130 mm; selected thicknesses include 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0 and 12.0 mm. Lengths include 6 m and selected 13 m. Not every combination is supplied.

Flat bar: current online combinations

Each row is an inspected WFSA listing. Formula-derived values are approximate theoretical masses, not guaranteed scale weights. Stored shop weights are shown separately for comparison.

What Is Angle Iron?

Angle iron is an L-shaped section with two legs. Equal angle has equal nominal leg sizes. It is commonly used for frames, brackets, shelving, supports, gates and specified security-fence details. Light angle is not automatically suitable for a load-bearing application.

Broader enquiry equal-leg sizes include 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 mm, in selected thicknesses from 2 to 12 mm. Depending on the section, lengths may include 5.4, 6, 7.2, 9 and 13 m; confirm each combination. The online rows below are 6 m.

Equal angle: current online combinations

Each row is an inspected WFSA listing. Formula-derived values are approximate theoretical masses, not guaranteed scale weights. Stored shop weights are shown separately for comparison.

What Is Lipped Channel?

Lipped channel is a cold-formed section with a web, flanges and return lips. It is commonly used for purlins, girts, cladding supports and light frames, subject to design. It is different from a hot-rolled structural channel.

Broader enquiry sizes include 75 × 50; 100 × 50 / 75; 125 × 50 / 65 / 75; 150 × 50 / 65 / 75; 175 × 50 / 65 / 75; 200 × 50 / 65 / 75; and 250 × 50 / 65 / 75 mm. Selected walls include 1.50, 1.90 and 2.50 mm, in 6 m and approximately 9.14 m lengths. No direct lipped-channel listing was confirmed in the inspected online category.

150 / 50 / 1.9 commonly means 150 mm nominal web depth, 50 mm flange and 1.9 mm material thickness. It does not reveal the return-lip dimension or establish purlin spacing.

What Is Structural Channel Steel?

A traditional hot-rolled channel has a web and two flanges. Section series and variants differ in flange geometry and mass. SPL, LIGHT and STD labels identify different variants; do not substitute them solely because nominal depth and width match.

Broader enquiry sizes include 76 × 38, 100 × 50, 120 × 55, 127 × 64, 152 × 76, 160 × 65 and 200 × 75 mm. Use the exact section drawing and nominal kg/m for the selected variant. The verified online mass labels below give 5.1 and 8.87 kg/m.

Structural channel: current online combinations

Each row is an inspected WFSA listing. Formula-derived values are approximate theoretical masses, not guaranteed scale weights. Stored shop weights are shown separately for comparison.

What Is a Universal Beam?

A universal beam is a hot-rolled I-shaped structural section with a relatively deep web. It is commonly used in bending applications, but its load capacity depends on the exact section, grade, supports, connections and design.

Broader enquiry nominal sizes include 203 × 133, 254 × 146, 305 × 102, 305 × 165, 356 × 171, 406 × 140, 406 × 178, 457 × 191 and 533 × 210 mm, with different kg/m variants and selected lengths of 6, 6.5, 9 or 13 m. No current direct UB listing was confirmed in the steel category. A branch quotation must identify the complete designation; this guide does not select beam spans.

What Is a Universal Column?

A universal column is a hot-rolled structural section commonly used in column applications. Its proportions and section properties differ from many universal beams. Compression, buckling, bending, restraint and connection design must all be assessed professionally.

Broader enquiry sizes include 152 × 152 and 203 × 203 mm in multiple mass variants. No current direct UC listing was confirmed in the inspected steel category.

What Is an IPE Section?

IPE is a parallel-flange I-section designation. AA and STD variants have different geometry and nominal masses; neither should be replaced by the other solely on nominal depth. Actual measured depth can differ from the nominal series designation.

Broader enquiry sizes include nominal 100 × 55, 120 × 64, 140 × 73, 160 × 82, 180 × 91 and 200 × 100 mm in selected variants, commonly 6 m. The actual online AA examples below are 6.7 and 8.4 kg/m.

IPE sections: current online combinations

Each row is an inspected WFSA listing. Formula-derived values are approximate theoretical masses, not guaranteed scale weights. Stored shop weights are shown separately for comparison.

What Is Expanded Metal?

Expanded metal is made by slitting and stretching sheet into an open mesh. Its pattern, strand width, strand thickness, opening dimensions and raised or flattened form determine its mass and suitability.

Common applications include screens, guards, ventilation panels and specified platforms or walkways. A walkway requires a design-rated product and supports; an open pattern alone does not establish safe loading. Broader WFSA enquiry patterns include 1200 × 2400 mm sheets. Do not calculate its weight as a solid sheet.

What Is Hot Rolled Steel Sheet?

Hot rolled sheet is rolled at elevated temperature and is commonly used for fabrication, covers and panels. Surface condition and dimensional tolerances differ from cold rolled products

Broader enquiry dimensions include 2450 × 1225 mm in selected 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 mm thicknesses, plus selected 3000 × 1500 × 6 mm material. No direct sheet listing was confirmed in the current steel category. These are enquiry combinations, not a live-stock promise.

What Is Cold Rolled Steel Sheet?

Cold rolled sheet receives further rolling at lower temperature, commonly providing a smoother finish and closer dimensional control than ordinary hot rolled sheet. The actual supplied grade and finish still need confirmation.

Broader enquiry dimensions include 2450 × 1225 mm in selected 0.50, 0.60, 0.80, 1.00, 1.20 and 1.60 mm thicknesses. Confirm current availability and intended fabrication use. Cold rolled does not automatically mean galvanized or corrosion-resistant.

What Is Mild Steel Plate?

Steel plate describes thicker flat material used for heavier fabrication and specified structural details. Sheet/plate terminology varies by market; the order must state dimensions, thickness and actual grade rather than rely on a label.

Broader enquiry combinations include 2500 × 1200 mm in 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm thicknesses. No direct plate listing was confirmed in the current category.

What Are Steel Window Sections?

Window sections are shaped profiles used in steel window and frame fabrication. Broader enquiry codes include F4B, LF7, LFX7, LT13, T6 and F7 variants, commonly in 6 m lengths.

A profile code is not a dimensional drawing. No direct window-section listing was confirmed in the current online range; do not infer the shape from the code.

What Is Galvanized Steel Tube?

For the complete explanation of zinc, alloy and outer coating systems, read the WFSA Corrosion, Galvanizing & Protective Coatings Guide.

Galvanized tube has a zinc-based protective coating that improves corrosion resistance. Selected square and round tubing may be available in galvanized finishes; not all tubing is galvanized.

A product being called galvanized does not establish zinc mass, coating class or guaranteed service life. Coastal, humid and aggressive exposure requires an appropriate complete corrosion-protection system, including cuts, welds, connections and supports. Read the galvanizing and corrosion guidance and

What Is Pre-Galvanized Lipped Channel?

PG / pre-galvanized channel is formed from pre-coated material. It differs from raw section and from hot-dip galvanizing after fabrication. Selected broader-range lipped channels may be available as PG; the current online category did not

Do not describe PG as galvanized after fabrication unless that process is specifically confirmed.

How Do You Calculate Steel Weight?

For a constant section: approximate theoretical kg/m = steel cross-sectional area in mm² × 0.00785. Mass per piece = kg/m × length in m. Total kg = mass per piece × whole-piece quantity; tonnes = kg ÷ 1,000.

Solid square bar area is side²; round bar area is πd² / 4; flat bar area is width × thickness. For CHS use π[D² − (D − 2t)²] / 4. The approximate SHS / RHS model uses BH − (B − 2t)(H − 2t), excluding formed-corner and seam details. Approximate angle area is (a + b − t)t; rolled root and toe radii are omitted.

For a sheet or plate with all dimensions in mm, kg/piece = length × width × thickness × 0.00000785. Do not apply this solid-sheet formula to expanded metal. Complex rolled or cold-formed sections should use confirmed nominal kg/m.

WFSA Steel Weight Calculator

Choose the section type, enter dimensions in mm, length in metres and a whole-piece quantity. For sheet and plate, width, thickness and length are all in mm; the height field is ignored. In section mode, select the actual listed channel or IPE. The calculator estimates mass only, never beam capacity or safe loading.

Tube Weight Calculator: Square, Rectangular and Round

Use the Steel Weight Calculator in SHS, RHS or CHS mode. Hollow-section thickness must leave a positive internal opening. SHS uses equal width and height; RHS uses both outside dimensions; CHS uses outside diameter.

76 × 76 × 1.5 mm SHS: the simplified approximate theoretical result is 3.509 kg/m or 21.054 kg per 6 m. The current shop stores 22.110 kgView the actual WFSA tube.

100 × 50 × 1.9 mm RHS: the simplified approximate theoretical result is 4.361 kg/m or 26.167 kg per 6 m. The shop stores 27.522 kg. These data need product-specific confirmationview the listing.

Flat Bar Weight Calculator

Select Flat bar in the calculator, enter width, material thickness, length and quantity. The height field is ignored. For an illustrative 50 × 6 mm flat bar, approximate theoretical mass is 50 × 6 × 0.00785 = 2.355 kg/m; a 6 m piece is 14.130 kg. This arithmetic example is not a confirmed current online size.

Two 6 m lengths in that example total 28.260 kg or 0.028260 tonnes. Include cutting allowances separately; net finished-part length does not establish the purchased length schedule.

Sheet & Plate Weight Calculator

Select Hot rolled sheet, Cold rolled sheet or Plate. Enter width, thickness and length in mm. For a 2450 × 1225 × 3 mm example, enter width 1225, thickness 3 and length 2450: approximate theoretical mass is 70.679 kg/sheet.

A 2500 × 1200 × 6 mm plate example is 141.300 kg/piece. These are nominal-dimension examples from the broader enquiry range; The calculation excludes coating, tolerances and cutting waste.

How Much Does Angle Iron Weigh?

The simple angle model estimates area as (leg A + leg B − thickness) × thickness. For 50 × 50 × 5 mm equal angle this gives 3.729 kg/m or 22.373 kg per 6 m. The actual WFSA shop stores 22.620 kg for that listing; rolled radii and the actual section data need checking.

View the listed 50 × 50 × 5 mm angle. Prefer the confirmed section mass if supplied; this estimate does not replace a section table or structural design.

Structural Section Weight: Use the Exact Variant

The listed 100 × 50 LIGHT channel is 8.87 kg/m, giving 53.22 kg per 6 m. The 76 × 38 SPL channel is 5.1 kg/m, giving 30.6 kg per 6 m. IPE AA 100 is 6.7 kg/m and IPE AA 120 is 8.4 kg/m, giving 40.2 and 50.4 kg per 6 m respectively.

The section dropdown uses those actual product labels. It does not invent universal-beam, universal-column or lipped-channel weights from incomplete geometry. For an unlisted variant

How to Read WFSA Steel Product Descriptions

SQUARE TUBE 76 / 76 / 1.5 / 6M states nominal outside dimensions, wall and length. RECT TUBE 100 / 50 / 1.9 / 6M states the two unequal outside dimensions. ANGLE IRON 50 / 50 / 5.0 / 6M states leg sizes, thickness and length. FLAT BAR 50 / 6.0 / 6M is a width / thickness / length example, not a currently verified online combination.

HR 2450 / 1225 / 3.00 / SHEET is an enquiry-description example: 2450 mm long, 1225 mm wide, 3 mm nominal thickness, hot rolled. A description such as IPE AA 120 / 64 / 6M / 8.4kg/m identifies a series, mass variant, length and nominal kg/m, as shown in the current online range.

Available lengths vary by family, branch and stock. Common tubing is 6 m with selected 7.2 m; angle may include 5.4 / 6 / 7.2 / 9 / 13 m; flat bar 6 m and selected 13 m; lipped channel 6 m and approximately 9.14 m; structural sections selected 6 / 6.5 / 9 / 13 m. These do not establish live availability for every section.

Steel Applications: General Identification

Common use does not establish structural suitability. Grade, section geometry, restraint, connection details, corrosion exposure and the approved design must be checked.

Steel Cutting, Handling and Welding

Steel can be cut with appropriate bandsaws, cold saws, abrasive equipment, plasma or suitable sheet guillotines according to thickness and section. Secure the work, use rated equipment and required protection, and control sharp edges, sparks and the falling cut piece. Ask a branch whether cutting services are available for the particular order.

Many mild-steel products are weldable with appropriate procedures, but grade, thickness, coating and structural requirements affect the process. Galvanized steel requires competent assessment of fume control, preparation and coating restoration; do not weld it casually without a suitable safe-work procedure.

Long lengths and plates are heavy. Plan lifting, supports, unloading and transport restraints using competent people and rated equipment. A calculated mass is an estimate for planning, not proof that lifting equipment or transport is adequate.

How Should Steel Be Stored?

Store on stable supports, off wet ground where practical, and prevent standing water. Separate sizes and finishes, secure long lengths and stack safely to prevent collapse or rolling. Protect coated surfaces from damage and incompatible contamination.

Avoid prolonged internal water retention in hollow sections. Inspect bundles, supports and drainage, and use an appropriate handling plan rather than pulling unsupported lengths from unstable stacks.

Does Mild Steel Rust?

Yes. Unprotected mild / carbon steel corrodes when exposed to oxygen and moisture. Paint, galvanizing, pre-galvanized products or another suitable system can provide protection when selected and maintained for the actual environment.

Consider the entire assembly, including cuts, welds, edges, connections and retained moisture. Read the Galvanized Fencing Wire Guide for general exposure principles and No universal service-life guarantee is implied.

WFSA Steel Products

The current online steel range inspected for this guide contains 39 products across angle, flat bar, SHS, RHS, solid square and round bar, channels and IPE. Use the linked family tables for those exact combinations. Other families described here form part of the broader enquiry range and need branch confirmation.

Shop steel ↗Roofing Guide · Reinforcing Guide · Clear View Fencing Guide

Online prices apply to Centurion only. Contact Bloemfontein or George for branch prices, availability and delivery arrangements.

Need Steel? Request a WFSA Quote

Wholesale Fencing SA supplies steel tubing, merchant steel, structural sections, sheet, plate and related materials for fabrication, trade, construction, agricultural and industrial work. Send the complete section size, thickness, length, quantity, finish, required grade / standard, drawings and delivery location.

For structural work, provide the approved design and exact section designation. Confirm cutting, certification and unloading requirements before ordering.

Steel Frequently Asked Questions

WFSA Steel Supply Range

WFSA supply range: Available from WFSA — request a quotation. Contact WFSA for current branch availability, lead time and the exact combination required. A listed range does not mean every branch holds every item at all times.

Current online products: Shop links identify published online listings. The online shop shows only part of the WFSA supply and manufacturing range; additional range items can be ordered by quotation.

Dimensions in each product description remain in their listed order. For bars and tubes, Beam and channel kg/m values are section mass labels, not price figures. Slit, hot-rolled, cold-rolled, pre-galvanized, Aluzinc, galvanized and colour coils form the industrial supply range by quotation.

Range and coating labels describe the listed product.

Commercial / CQ, S275, S355, SAE 1008, ISQ and coating labels must be reconciled with the actual supplied material and any required certificate. Do not select a structural member from dimensions alone. Raw steel may develop light surface oxidation; assess heavy scaling, pitting or section loss against the applicable specification.

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