Square Hollow Sections (SHS)
Square Hollow Section, often called box section, is a square steel tube in S275 grade structural steel. Because the steel sits at the perimeter rather than concentrated in a web, SHS performs equally well about both axes, which makes it the natural choice for posts and frames that are loaded from more than one direction. It also has four flat faces and no exposed edges, so it is the section most often specified where the steelwork will be seen. Stocked from 80x80 to 120x120 in 6 mm and 10 mm wall thicknesses, cut to your exact length. Stocked sizes and weights are listed further down this page.
Typical applications
- Posts, stanchions and goalpost frames
- Exposed and architectural steelwork
- Gates, railings, balustrades and canopies
- Frames loaded from more than one direction
- Furniture, rig and fabrication work
Why buy from Next Day Steel
Every length is cut to size, so a run of identical posts arrives ready to weld. Delivery is typically 2 to 4 working days, and HIAB offload is not included as standard. For solid sections see our steel flat bar and equal angles, or for beams and columns see universal beams and universal columns.
Send your cutting list and we will price the full run in one quote.
Square Hollow Sections (SHS): sizes and weights we stock
Weights are kilograms per metre. Every size below is cut to your exact length, so you pay for the steel you need rather than a full stock bar.
| Size | Wall thickness | Weight (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|
| 80x80 | 6 mm | 13.2 |
| 90x90 | 6 mm | 15.1 |
| 100x100 | 6 mm | 17.0 |
| 100x100 | 10 mm | 25.6 |
| 120x120 | 6 mm | 20.7 |
| 120x120 | 10 mm | 31.8 |
Which structural section do you need?
The five sections we stock, and what each one is for. Click a section to view its sizes.
| Section | Shape | Sizes stocked | Best at | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Beams (UB) | I-section | 127x76 to 203x133 | Spanning between supports | Floor and roof beams, lintels, headers |
| Universal Columns (UC) | H-section | 152x152 to 254x254 | Carrying vertical load | Columns, posts, heavy frames |
| Steel Flat Bar | Solid rectangle | 100 to 200 mm wide | Plates, straps and stiffeners | Base plates, brackets, fabrication |
| Equal Angles | L-section | 50x50 to 200x200 | Corners, edges and bracing | Framing, bracing, edge trims, supports |
| Square Hollow Sections (SHS) you are here | Square tube | 80x80 to 120x120 | Even strength in both axes | Posts, frames, exposed steelwork |
Not sure which section suits your span or load? Send us the drawing or the span and loading and we will advise. Always work to your structural engineer’s specification where one is provided.
Square Hollow Sections (SHS): frequently asked questions
What is Square Hollow Section used for?
Square Hollow Section is used for posts, frames and exposed structural steelwork where appearance matters. It is supplied as 6 stocked sizes, cut to your exact length.
Can you cut it to length?
Yes. Every section on this page is cut to size. Enter the length you need and the price updates for that exact cut, so there is no waste and no full-length minimum. Tell us if you need a specific tolerance.
How do I choose the right size?
Choose a size and wall thickness to suit the load, remembering that a hollow section performs equally in both axes. Compare the stocked sizes and weights in the table above, and see the section comparison for how the five section types differ. Always follow your structural engineer’s specification where one is provided.
How long does delivery take?
Structural steel is cut to order, with delivery typically 2 to 4 working days. HIAB offload is not included as standard: if you need it, contact the office before ordering so we can arrange a suitable vehicle.
Do you supply other structural sections?
Yes. We stock universal beams, universal columns, flat bar, equal angles and square hollow sections. For sections not listed, contact the office and we will quote.
