Building a Modern Economy with Steel

Steel has become one of the most ubiquitous materials in the world today, as an integral part of transportation systems, infrastructure, housing, manufacturing, healthcare, food service, agriculture, energy, and water industries. There are many uses for steel in all these applications, and it is often chosen because it is an extremely strong and versatile material, available in many different forms and grades from steel suppliers to meet different needs. It is also an environmentally friendly material, so as we work toward a greener economy and a more sustainable future, recycled materials from places like Wasatch Steel will likely continue to play a big role.

The Building Blocks of Steel
Steel comes primarily from two ingredients today: iron and recycled steel. Iron is one of the most abundant natural resources available, and has long been used for its strength and durability for construction, weapons, and more. New steel today is also primarily made from recycled steel—it is one of the only materials that can be recycled indefinitely without losing any of its quality or strength. For that reason, it is a popular choice because of its almost endless life cycle.

Fueling Economic Growth
A report by World Steel Association shows that the total global production of steel has nearly doubled from 851 million tons in 2001 to 1,581 million tons just 10 years later in 2011. Most of the growth has come from increased production and use in China and other fast-growing global economies. Of those 1,581 million tons produced, the top four uses were construction (51%), mechanical machinery (14.5%), metal products (12.5%), and automotive (12%). The other 10% was divided among other transportation, electrical equipment, and domestic appliances.

In addition to its availability, steel is also helping to fuel growth because it is so affordable and versatile. There are several thousand different types of steel that can be made depending on what it will be used for. By adding other elements to the iron, steel can be designed with specific properties such as ductility, stiffness, and strength. With so many variations available in the chemical composition and the micro-structures (for both nano and sub-nano scales), a very wide range of steel can be made for several different purposes. In addition, manufacturers today continue to come up with new and innovative variations that continue to make steel even lighter and stronger.

A Greener Economy Building with Steel
There are two main things that contribute to steel being so planet-friendly. First, it is one of the longest-lasting materials in use today. By using a durable and long-lasting material for infrastructure, construction, and more, you will have to replace the materials less often. What that means is less energy used to produce and transport new materials around the world. The second reason steel is so green is that it is universally recyclable. There have been over 22 billion tons of steel recycled since 1900 according the World Steel Association, and 98% of raw materials used to make steel are reused to create new products and byproducts, with a goal of zero waste. Wasatch Steel provides a variety of used steel options, as well as “excess prime” steel. Excess prime is new steel that has been exposed to the elements and may not look brand new anymore, but is in great condition other than the aesthetics.

When you need the best building material, steel suppliers like Wasatch Steel can help you find the strength, durability, and versatility you need from a wide variety of products.

Steel for All Size Operations & Projects

Steel is one of the most universally used materials in our world today, and for many different reasons. The main reason so many people like building with steel is that it provides a very strong and reliable building material no matter what you are planning to construct. Its uses range from supporting the tallest skyscrapers and the longest bridges to more simple applications, such as anchoring the foundation of a home with steel rebar. In fact, steel has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any metal in the world. In addition, it is often a favorite because it is widely available and often less expensive than other metals you might use in construction.

If you are working on a building project, no matter the scope or size, you should consider using steel. Here are just some of the applications you can use it for, and some of the reasons it makes such a great choice.

Residential Building & Construction
Whether you are an individual looking to build your dream home, or you are a large-scale contractor who is building several homes every day, Wasatch Steel in Utah has the materials that you need to create a beautiful, durable home. Unlike wood, which is often used as an alternative to steel for framing residential homes, steel can provide you with a stronger base and it is more resistant to fire or severe weather, which makes it a safer option. Wasatch Steel is the Utah steel supermarket, offering several different types, grades, and shapes of steel that you can use as an individual do-it-yourself home builder, or as a contractor. There are no minimum orders, which means you can get exactly what you need regardless of the scope of your project.

Commercial Building Construction
If you are someone who works on commercial construction, buying quality steel is important. You can find a wide selection of all the sizes and shapes that you need, from I-beams to angle iron and more at Wasatch Steel in Utah. If you try to buy it direct from the mill, they often have large minimum order requirements, which makes it difficult if you’re not a high volume construction contractor. Instead, get the same quality steel from Wasatch Steel’s Utah steel supermarket and get better service.

Infrastructure Projects
Steel is all around us in our infrastructure, from the bridges we use to the roads we drive on, the schools our children attend, and more. When you have an infrastructure project that requires a strong, durable, affordable metal, steel is the way to go.

Smaller Scale Steel Projects
Even if you are not a large-scale commercial construction manager, or a residential contractor building with steel, there are still many uses for steel. It is great for landscaping, do-it-yourself building projects around the house, deck and stair railing, and more. You can also use it to add flair to your artwork and projects, or as a decorative element in your garden or your home. Wasatch Steel is your Utah steel supermarket, with a wide selection of unique pieces of excess prime and used metal so you get a great price and beautiful steel for everything you need.