Steel Supplies in Howard
- For Tradies & Locals - Serving the Entire Fraser Coast
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Howard Steel Supplies
There’s no point planning a job if you can’t get the steel to match. That’s why Howard Hardware and Building Supplies in Howard keeps a practical range of steel supplies in stock, ready to load, cut and use across Maryborough, Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast.
We carry flat bar, angle, RHS, SHS, mesh and reo, so whether you’re fabricating frames, reinforcing slabs or building a gate, you’ll find the materials to get it sorted. Need a few lengths or a ute-load? We’re set up for both. There are no big minimums and no week-long waits.
Our team knows the difference between what looks good on paper and what actually works on-site, so if you need help picking thickness or profiles, we’ll walk you through it. Give us a call on 0423 651 440 to ask about sizes, stock or cutting options.
Steel Supplies Designed for the Site
Steel needs to meet the demands of the job, not just the spec sheet. That’s why we carry profiles and sizes that builders, welders and concreters use every day.
Our range includes RHS, SHS, flat bar, angle, mesh and reo bar, all stocked in practical lengths and gauges to suit site work. RHS and SHS offer strength for framing and supports. Flat bar and angle are spot-on for welding, edging and brackets. Mesh and reo bar are ready for slabs, footings and poured concrete jobs.
Each piece is chosen to handle real conditions (heavy loads, quick welds, rough handling) and we can help you figure out which size or grade makes the most sense for your build. Bring in your list and we’ll help you match materials to task. Good planning starts with the right stock, not a guess or a hope.
What’s the difference between RHS and SHS steel?
RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) and SHS (Square Hollow Section) are both types of structural steel tubing, but the difference lies in shape.
RHS has a rectangular profile, which makes it ideal for structural beams, posts and bracing where flat sides are needed. SHS has a square profile, often used in framing, gates and supports due to its balanced strength and clean look. Both are strong, weldable and available in various wall thicknesses.
What steel should I use for outdoor projects?
For outdoor work, galvanised steel is a good choice because it resists rust and stands up to the weather. Hot-dip galvanising offers better long-term protection than light zinc coatings. If you're welding, keep in mind that you’ll need to grind back the coating first.
Painted or powder-coated steel is also suitable depending on the exposure. Use corrosion-resistant fasteners and consider regular maintenance for high-exposure areas.
Is reinforcing mesh the same as reo bar?
Not exactly. Reinforcing mesh is a sheet made from intersecting steel bars, commonly used in slabs and driveways to control cracking. Reo bar (reinforcing bar) is solid round bar, used in footings, beams and walls where high tensile strength is needed. Mesh offers wide area coverage, while reo bar provides concentrated strength. Often, the two are used together depending on the engineering specs of the project.
