Angle Iron: How To Find the Right One for Your Next Project

Structural steel is a very necessary part of a lot of building projects. Although structural steel is available in a wide variety of shapes, the 90 degree L-shape of an angle iron makes it a favorite to use in a plethora of projects. Another advantage to angle irons is that they are available in several different metals and metal alloys, as well as sizes and thicknesses. With so many choices, picking the right one for your project doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY-er or you only dabble a little, here are some tips on navigating the wide world of angle irons.

Weight

The main purpose of an angle iron is to provide support, so it’s important to know just how much weight you’re looking to support. Both the angle’s dimensions and density will help you determine its usefulness in your specific project. The amount of weight you need to hold can also inform which steel alloy best serves your project.

And sometimes the weight of the angle itself is important because it's adding significant weight to the build. Calculate angle bar weight by multiplying the bar’s width and height, then multiplying that answer by 0.259, the density of iron. Then multiply the length by the width by the height. Multiply this answer by 0.259. Add both totals to get the weight.

Alloy Options

There are a lot of alloy options in construction irons. The alloy can affect the tensile strength, the elasticity, and even the durability. For instance, hot rolled steel is a great choice for larger L-shapes where the surface appearance and precision aren’t that important to the project. And cold rolled steel is better suited to projects where smooth finishes are necessary and tight dimensional tolerances are required. For projects where cost is a major factor, galvanized steel is a great choice. It gives rust-free protection, durability, and strength that isn’t too far off from that of more expensive alloys.

Shape and Strength Considerations

When deciding what angle iron best suits your needs, keep in mind the weight, force and torsion of the build. These three factors will heavily impact the thickness of the angle iron you use. It helps to understand that the structural steel is at its strongest above the vertical section and that the strength is rooted in the length of the L-shape. Choosing the right thickness and length allows the angle iron to be easily integrated into projects involving masonry, bridgework, shelving, fencing, structural repairs, and even furniture frames.

Whether you need weldability, strength, durability or any combination of these characteristics, an angle iron can be well suited to your project. One of the great things about angle bars is that you can get them from large metal manufacturers who supply construction projects just as easily as you can get smaller and thinner angle bars from home improvement stores. There are a lot of choices out there, so don’t be afraid to build that shed, chicken coop, porch, or garage.