8 Questions to Ask When Buying Steel

Steel is a versatile material that can be used for many different applications, whether it is for your business or just for your personal needs. Since there is such a wide variety of different types, grades, colors, and finishes for steel it is important to know a little bit about how you plan to use it and what kind you need so you can pick out the perfect items from Wasatch Steel. Here are 8 questions you can ask to get started before your next steel shopping trip.

1. What are you planning to use it for?
This is, of course, one of the most important determining factors for buying steel in Utah. Obviously you would buy different steel for building a staircase in your home than you would for laying pipe at work, but beyond that you should define exactly what you need so you get the right product. You may have a rough idea of what you plan to do with it, but in order to get the right steel, it’s important to be specific about your needs.

2. What grade of steel do you need?
In its basic form, all steel is made up of iron and carbon, but there are several different grades and alloys that you can purchase within this broad category. What you buy will often depend on what characteristics you want it to have:

• Carbon steel is the most common steel type available from places like Wasatch Steel. 
• Alloy steels included additional elements such as silicon, nickel, titanium, and aluminum to improve hardness, corrosion resistance, strength, and ductility. 
• Stainless steel has a “finished” look so it’s great for home appliances, building, do-it-yourself artwork, and more. 
• The addition of tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium and cobalt increase durability and strength, making them ideal for tools.

3. What type of steel will work best?
Once you have answered question #1, the next step is to figure out the type you need. At a place like Wasatch Steel, you can find just about any type you can image, from functional steel for buildings and support such as I-beams and angles to hollow steel such as circular and rectangular pipes or even sheet metals such as diamond plate.

4. Do you want a specific finish or patina?
Steel is an amazing material to use for a whole variety of projects because you can get it in so many different finishes and patinas. For example, if you are looking for a clean, modern look you might prefer stainless steel, or if you want a more weathered look you expose steel to water and air so it develops a green/brown patina over time. Steel is also great because you can add powder coating, galvanization, or even paint.

5. Will used steel work, or does it need to be new?
At the steel supermarket you can find both used and new steel, including “excess prime” steel, which is new but has been exposed to air, water, or some other type of weather and might have some signs of oxidation. If you don’t need brand new steel, you might be able to save some money buying used, recycled, or excess prime at Wasatch Steel.

6. What is your budget for buying steel?
Determining your budget in advance can also help you decide whether you want to buy new, used, excess prime, or some other type of steel. Be sure to include any additional costs for tools or other accessories that you might need in your budget as well.

7. How much steel do you need for this project?
Of course it’s always a good idea to know what you will need for your project before you go shopping. Wasatch Steel has a huge selection to choose from at all times, but if you need a large load of steel it is a good idea to call in advance so we can order it in if needed.

8. Are you looking for a custom design or item?
Many businesses and homeowners use custom steel designs today for signage, stair railings, and more, and if you want something that is made just for you, bring your design and we can help make it a reality. If your needs are more generic, come look at the huge selection we have laid out in our warehouse and throughout our facilities.