Compare

Side-by-side product comparison.

Not sure which steel to use? Compare any two product families across the specs that matter.

Product A

Blue painted SHS end-on at Marshall Steel — ready for cut-to-length

Australian Standard: AS/NZS 1163, Grade C350L0
Size range: 20×20 to 250×250
Finishes: Painted black mild steel · Hot-dipped galvanised (after fabrication, to AS/NZS 4680) · DuraGal — in-line galv with clear coat · Primed
Stocked lengths: 6.5m or 8.0m
Strength: Equal strength in both axes — symmetrical, hard to get wrong.

Best for

Vertical posts
Patio & pergola frames
Gates & balustrades
Light columns

View SHS sizes

Product B

Painted RHS — rectangular hollow section — sizes stocked at Marshall Steel Burleigh Heads

Australian Standard: AS/NZS 1163, Grade C350L0
Size range: 50×25 to 250×150
Finishes: Black mild steel · Hot-dipped galvanised to AS/NZS 4680 · DuraGal in-line galv · Primed
Stocked lengths: 6.5m or 8.0m
Strength: Stronger on the deep axis — great for spanning and resisting bending.

Best for

Lintels & beams
Trailer chassis
Wall framing
Mezzanine bearers

View RHS sizes

Quick decision guide

Stuck between two? Here's the rule of thumb.

SHS vs RHS

For posts and verticals — go SHS. Equal strength every direction. For beams that need to span and resist bending — go RHS with the deeper dimension vertical.

Angle vs Channel

For brackets, edges and lintels over small openings — angle. For shed purlins, light beams or anywhere you need a real cross-section — channel (PFC).

Pipe vs SHS

For handrails, bollards and round columns — pipe. For anything you'll weld or bolt flat brackets to — SHS wins every time.

Still not sure?

Send us a sketch and we'll tell you what'll work. No charge, no obligation — we'd rather talk it through than have you buy the wrong steel.

Send us a sketch 07 5576 6037