Choose your metals wisely…
Steel, once considered utilitarian, is trending as a desirable raw material for interior design projects. Variety in sizes and shapes makes steel a versatile choice for designing quality, long-lasting products in various styles.
Because of its precision, permanence, and expense, the physical aspects of the architectural steel should be considered before starting any metal fabrication project.
While there are various material shapes and profiles available for your steel, one of the first choices you might want to consider is to have your project fabricated in hot-rolled or cold-rolled steel. While both of these techniques affect the material’s performance, either cold or hot rolled steel may be a better option for your custom project, depending on your intended use and aesthetic.
Hot Rolled Steel
Hot Rolled Steel gets roll pressed at a high temperature, making the steel easier to work with.
A scaled surface, which has a textured feel. (Texture can be removed by grinding, sanding, or pickling)
Slightly rounded edges and corners as a result of shrinkage in processing
Because hot-rolled steel requires less processing than cold rolled, it is less expensive.
Available in longer lengths (up to 24’), allowing for better material yield in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Finished tones may vary from dark to lighter, with blacks, browns, and greys.
Cold Rolled Steel
Cold Rolled Steel starts as hot rolled steel which then goes through further processing. Once the hot-rolled steel has cooled, it is then re-rolled at room temperature to achieve more exact dimensions and better surface qualities.
Smooth finish with sharp, defined edges
More accurate sizes with tighter tolerances
Higher carbon content, ultimately making it stronger than hot-rolled steel.
Less work is required to provide a more consistent finish when blackening
Because of additional processing, CRS is more expensive than HRS.
CRS is available in up to 12’, with limited sizes and shapes
Finished tones may vary from darker to lighter, but will be more consistent than HRS. Colors may be blacks, greys, blues.
Glossary:
Ferrous - of relating to or containing iron
Oxidize/oxidization - Chemical reaction which occurs on a metal surface while oxygen is present. (rust)
Pickling - Metal surface treatment to remove impurities, such as rust, stains or mill scale.
Millscale - The flaky surface formed on the surface of hot rolled steel, created during the manufacturing process.