Metal

About Metal

Metal materials form the backbone of countless construction, fabrication and engineering projects across the UK. From structural steelwork to precision engineering components, metal products provide the strength, durability and versatility that tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts require for professional results. Whether you're welding framework, fabricating bespoke brackets, reinforcing structures or creating custom metalwork projects, having access to quality metal stock in various forms and specifications is essential for achieving lasting, reliable outcomes.

The metal category at Tooled-Up.com encompasses a comprehensive selection of steel lengths and metal sections suitable for both commercial and domestic applications. Steel remains the most widely used structural metal in the UK construction industry due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, weldability and cost-effectiveness. Available in various profiles including angle iron, flat bar, square tube, round tube and channel sections, these materials can be cut, drilled, welded and fabricated to suit virtually any project requirement.

Modern metal products are manufactured to strict British and European standards, ensuring consistent quality and dimensional accuracy. Tooled-Up stocks materials suitable for everything from heavy-duty industrial fabrication to decorative metalwork, garden projects and home improvements. Whether you're a professional fabricator, structural engineer, agricultural worker or DIY enthusiast tackling a weekend project, having the right metal stock on hand eliminates delays and ensures your work meets the required specifications and safety standards.

Jargon Buster

• Mild Steel: A low-carbon steel alloy that's easy to work with, weld and shape. It's the most common type of steel used in general fabrication and construction work, offering good strength and affordability without the brittleness of high-carbon alternatives.
• Hot Rolled vs Cold Rolled: Hot rolled steel is processed at high temperatures, resulting in a slightly rough surface finish and less precise dimensions but greater malleability. Cold rolled steel is processed at room temperature, producing a smoother finish, tighter tolerances and increased strength but reduced ductility.
• Section Profile: The cross-sectional shape of a metal length, such as angle (L-shaped), channel (U-shaped), box section (hollow square or rectangle), round tube (hollow circle) or flat bar. Each profile offers different structural properties suited to specific applications.
• Mill Finish: The natural surface finish on steel as it comes from the rolling mill, before any additional treatment. This typically shows slight surface oxidation and scale, which can be removed by grinding, wire brushing or chemical treatment before painting or further finishing.
• Galvanised: Steel that has been coated with a protective layer of zinc to prevent corrosion. Hot-dip galvanising provides superior weather resistance for outdoor applications, whilst electro-galvanised finishes offer a thinner, smoother coating for indoor use.
• RHS/SHS: Rectangular Hollow Section and Square Hollow Section respectively – common terms for box section steel tubing used extensively in structural frameworks, gates, railings and fabricated structures.

Who Uses Metal?

• Welders and Fabricators: Creating bespoke metalwork, structural frameworks, gates, railings and custom components
• Structural Engineers: Specifying and installing load-bearing frameworks and reinforcement systems
• General Builders: Reinforcing concrete structures, creating lintels, supports and structural elements
• Agricultural Workers: Repairing farm machinery, building livestock pens, gates and field structures
• Mechanical Engineers: Manufacturing brackets, mounts, machine frames and precision components
• Maintenance Teams: Repairing industrial equipment, replacing damaged structural elements and fabricating replacement parts
• Automotive Restorers: Fabricating chassis components, mounting brackets and body repair sections
• Landscapers: Creating garden structures, raised beds, decorative features and outdoor furniture
• DIY Enthusiasts: Building workshops, garden projects, home improvements and creative metalwork projects
• Shopfitters: Constructing display frameworks, shelving systems and custom retail fixtures

How to Choose the Right Metal

Material Type: Mild steel is the most versatile and economical choice for general fabrication, structural work and applications where welding is required. For outdoor use or corrosive environments, consider galvanised steel or stainless steel alternatives to prevent rust and extend service life.

Section Profile: Select the profile that best suits your structural requirements. Angle iron provides excellent stiffness for framework corners and edge reinforcement. Box sections (RHS/SHS) offer superior torsional rigidity for posts, beams and structural frames. Flat bar is ideal for brackets, bracing and decorative work, whilst round tube suits handrails, furniture and aesthetic applications.

Dimensions and Thickness: Choose dimensions appropriate to the loads and spans involved in your project. Thicker wall sections and larger profiles provide greater strength but add weight and cost. Consult structural calculations for load-bearing applications, and always err on the side of over-specification for safety-critical projects.

Length Requirements: Metal sections available at Tooled-Up come in standard lengths, typically ranging from 1 metre to 6 metres. Calculate your cutting list carefully to minimise waste, and consider whether you have the transport capacity and cutting equipment to handle longer lengths that may prove more economical.

Surface Finish: Standard mill finish is adequate for most applications where the metal will be painted or powder-coated. Galvanised finishes provide immediate corrosion protection for outdoor use. Consider the additional preparation required for mill finish steel, including cleaning, rust treatment and priming before coating.

Compliance Requirements: For structural applications, ensure materials meet relevant British Standards (BS) and European Norms (EN). Building control and structural engineering projects may require certification documentation, so verify material specifications and traceability before purchase.

Popular Accessories

• Cutting Equipment: Angle grinders, metal-cutting circular saws, bandsaws, hacksaws and cutting discs for sizing metal to length
• Welding Equipment: MIG welders, arc welders, welding rods, wire, gas bottles and welding accessories for joining metal sections
• Metalworking Tools: Bench grinders, files, deburring tools and wire brushes for finishing cut edges
• Drilling Equipment: Pillar drills, magnetic drills, HSS drill bits and cutting fluid for creating fixing holes
• Measuring and Marking: Engineer's squares, scribers, centre punches, tape measures and marking fluid for accurate layout
• Fixings and Fasteners: Self-tapping screws, bolts, nuts, washers and chemical anchors for assembly without welding
• Finishing Products: Metal primers, rust converters, paints, powder coating supplies and protective waxes
• Metalworking Vices: Bench vices and pipe vices for secure workholding during cutting and fabrication
• Safety Equipment: Welding helmets, grinding visors, leather gloves, steel toe cap boots and hearing protection

Safety Information

Manual Handling: Metal sections can be extremely heavy and awkward to manoeuvre. Always assess the weight before lifting, use mechanical handling aids where possible, and employ two-person lifts for longer lengths. Be aware that steel edges can be sharp – wear appropriate gloves to prevent cuts and lacerations.

Cutting Hazards: Cutting metal generates sharp edges, hot sparks and metal fragments. Always wear safety glasses or a full face shield when cutting or grinding, and ensure adequate ventilation to avoid inhaling metal dust. Keep flammable materials well clear of the work area, and have fire extinguishing equipment readily available.

Working at Height: Installing structural metalwork often involves working at height. Ensure proper scaffolding, working platforms or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) are used in accordance with HSE guidance. Never work from ladders when handling long or heavy metal sections.

Welding Safety: Welding produces intense UV radiation, toxic fumes and extreme heat. Always use an appropriate welding helmet with correct shade filters, work in well-ventilated areas, and wear flame-resistant clothing. Ensure welding equipment is properly maintained and earthed to prevent electric shock.

Storage: Store metal sections horizontally on proper racking to prevent warping and bending. Ensure storage areas are dry to minimise surface corrosion, and stack materials securely to prevent collapse. Keep walkways clear and ensure stored materials cannot fall or create trip hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between box section and angle iron for framework?

Box section (RHS/SHS) provides superior strength and rigidity in all directions, making it ideal for structural frames, posts and beams subject to multi-directional loads. Angle iron is better suited for corner reinforcement, framework edges and applications where loads are primarily in one plane. Box section generally offers better torsional resistance, whilst angle iron is more economical and easier to work with for lighter-duty applications.

Can I weld galvanised steel safely?

Yes, but with important precautions. Welding galvanised steel releases zinc oxide fumes which are toxic and can cause metal fume fever. Always work in well-ventilated areas or use fume extraction equipment, and grind away the galvanised coating in the weld area where possible. Alternatively, use mechanical fixings or consider welding before galvanising. Always wear appropriate respiratory protection when welding galvanised materials.

How do I prevent rust on mild steel projects?

Mild steel must be protected from moisture to prevent oxidation. Remove mill scale and surface rust with a wire brush or grinder, then apply a rust converter or metal primer as soon as possible. Follow with appropriate topcoats – either outdoor metal paint, powder coating or protective wax depending on the application. For outdoor projects, consider using galvanised steel or applying regular maintenance coatings.

What thickness steel do I need for a garden gate?

For a typical domestic garden gate up to 1 metre wide, 25mm x 25mm box section with 2mm to 3mm wall thickness provides adequate strength. Larger or heavier gates may require 40mm x 40mm section. Use heavier gauge material for the hanging stile where hinges attach. Always ensure your supporting posts are substantial enough to carry the gate weight without sagging.

Do I need building control approval for structural steelwork?

Most structural alterations to buildings, including steel beam installations, lintels and load-bearing frameworks, require building control approval in the UK. You'll typically need structural calculations prepared by a qualified engineer and must use materials that meet specified standards. Always consult your local building control department before commencing work to ensure compliance with Building Regulations.