How to Get the Surplus Steel You Need for Your Next Project
Acquiring enough surplus steel for your upcoming project doesn’t have to be difficult. While, yes, things can happen to briefly derail your best-laid plans, leaving you to search high and low for the steel you need at the last minute, a good plan for locating and buying the steel you need could save you a lot of heartache in the long run. Here are some steps you can follow to save money and time.
Determine Scope of Project
It’s not enough to know if your upcoming project is on the smaller side or a massive build. With the assistance of the building or project plans, you’ll need to investigate every piece of steel you’ll need, whether you’re framing a small structure or building a barbecue grill. This will give you a firm idea of how much material you’ll need and what types you should search for.
Material Research
Once you know the type of material you’ll need, more research is necessary to ensure what you want is something that’s already available or will need to be located. While plate in a variety of sizes and thicknesses is usually in stock and can be easily fabricated to fit any need, many suppliers may not have square tubing, channel, or pipe in the sizes you need. By knowing what you need before you start, you can locate the pieces you need so you can have them on hand when you’re ready.
Find Suppliers
While calling around to steel suppliers could be the most labor-intensive part of your buying process, it doesn’t have to be. Some suppliers can only offer what they have in stock. You’re better off reaching out to Texas Iron & Metal to let us know what you’re looking for. We always have a huge inventory of many of the steel items you’ll need in stock, both Prime and Less-Than-Prime®, and if we don’t have what you need, we’ll help you find it.
Communicate Your Budget
Once you know the materials you need and where you’ll buy them, you can determine the projected cost of your build. It’s best to have a range in mind rather than a set number. When you work with a supplier who is committed to work with you, you will find deals and locate surplus steel that helps you stay within your budget.
Receive and Install
Some steel suppliers may require that you pick up your material on their property, while others will be willing to ship or deliver. It’s important to know early which method of receiving you’ll need to plan for, including any delivery fees or shipping costs. At Texas Iron & Metal, we will always deliver for free if you spend more than $650.
We’re always here to help, no matter how large or small your project may be. Feel free to come talk with us as soon as you start planning your next build. Let us be a part of the process from beginning to end, and you’ll see how seriously we take our commitment to customer service.