How to Determine if Surplus Steel Is Right for Your Project

Before you begin your next project, you may want to consider one of the easiest ways to save money—surplus steel. Buying surplus steel offers several benefits—more than just meeting your budget—but it may not be an option for every project. Here are some things to consider when you’d like to use surplus steel for your next project.

The reality is that some projects will need very specific types of steel that could be difficult to find in surplus. These might be specialized alloys for specific applications, which are produced in small quantities and unlikely to result in surplus. For these specialized products, most surplus suppliers won’t have what you need on hand.

Surplus steel can be just as aesthetically pleasing as Prime steel in some cases, but often there will be slight imperfections like pitting, rusting, and other blemishes. The integrity of the steel in most cases remains, so it can be used in projects where the steel won’t be visible. Pipes, tubing, plate, and sheet that will be located behind walls, above ceilings, and below floors can provide the same durability and strength but at a lower price than Prime steel.

Many surplus steel suppliers often keep large amounts of more popular products in stock, but, even then, there may not be enough on hand for your next project. After calculating the amount of each type of steel you’ll need, speak with your surplus supplier to see what they have in their warehouse. In some cases, they’ll be able to help you locate most of what you need.

However, you may need to be prepared to order a combination of Prime and Less-than-Prime if you need products that aren’t as readily available from surplus suppliers, or if you need a larger quantity than you can find with your favorite surplus steel supplier.

Your budget will likely help you determine whether surplus steel is the best choice for your project. The more steel you can procure from a surplus provider, the more money you’ll be able to save, which means you’re more likely to come in at or under budget.

When planning your budget, you’ll need to factor in the project type, the use for the steel, and the amount you’ll need. With this information in hand, you can seek out surplus options that save money wherever possible.

Environmentally friendly practices may be a priority for you. If that’s the case, then surplus steel is a great way to meet those goals.

While steel production is cleaner than ever, and recycling also helps to improve the sustainability of steel, nothing is greener than using materials that are already in existence. That’s where surplus steel comes in.

We’re here to help you meet all the needs for your next project. Let us know what you need, and if we don’t already have it in our warehouse, we’ll help you find it.