What is non-fabricated steel?
Non-fabricated steel generally refers to standard steel sections supplied with little or no workshop processing. This might include universal beams (UBs), universal columns (UCs) and other rolled sections supplied in standard lengths.
The steel may be cut to the required length, but additional work such as drilling, welding or fitting connection plates may still need to be carried out.
Non-fabricated steel is typically:
- Supplied in standard UB, UC and other structural sections
- Cut to length where required
- Supplied without detailed connection work
- Suitable for projects where some on-site adjustment is expected
This can be a practical option for straightforward applications where flexibility during installation is important.
What is fabricated steel?
Fabricated steel has been processed in a fabrication workshop before it is delivered to site. The work is carried out to the project drawings, turning standard steel sections into components designed for a particular structure.
Depending on the project, fabrication can include:
- Cutting sections to exact lengths
- Drilling bolt holes and connection points
- Welding plates, stiffeners, brackets and other components
- Preparing connections and fixing points
- Producing pre-assembled steelwork ready for installation
Rather than arriving as a generic steel section, fabricated steel arrives as a project-specific component, ready to be installed as part of the structure.
Why choose fabricated steel?
Fabrication can make a significant difference to the installation process. By completing as much of the work as possible in a controlled workshop environment, there is generally less work and fewer adjustments required on site.
This can be particularly beneficial for:
- House extensions and loft conversions
- Structural openings and internal alterations
- Commercial and industrial steel frames
- Projects with restricted site access
- Construction programmes where installation time needs to be kept to a minimum
Having steel prepared in advance also makes it easier to coordinate installation with other trades and can help make the construction process more predictable.
When does non-fabricated steel make sense?
Fabricated steel is common across modern construction, but non-fabricated sections still have their place.
They can be useful where the design is straightforward, connections are standard, or some flexibility is needed during installation. Non-fabricated steel may also be appropriate where sections are going to be modified or adapted on site.
In some cases, a project will use both fabricated and non-fabricated steel, depending on the requirements of different parts of the structure.
Fabricated vs non-fabricated steel: the simple difference
The easiest way to think about it is:
Non-fabricated steel is a standard steel section that may still require work before it can be installed.
Fabricated steel has already been processed and prepared for its specific application.
Neither option is automatically right for every project. The best choice depends on the design, installation requirements, site conditions and project programme.
For many construction projects, however, fabrication offers a major advantage: more of the work is completed before the steel arrives on site, reducing the amount of cutting, drilling and modification needed during installation.
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