254 x 254 UC73 S355J0 Steel Column – Cut to Size
254 x 254 UC73 S355J0 Steel Column – Cut to Size
254 x 254 x 73 kg/m Universal Column – Commercial-Grade Structural Steel
The 254 x 254 UC73 is the entry-weight section in the 254 x 254 universal column family — the next family up from the 203 x 203 range. With a roughly square 254 mm cross-section, this H-column offers higher buckling resistance about both axes than any of the 203 UC sections and is the natural choice for commercial frames, industrial mezzanines and longer effective-length columns. Supplied in S355J0 to BS EN 10025-2 and cut to your specified length.
This is the column engineers reach for when the 203 UC 86 has reached its capacity, or when the design calls for the broader 254 mm footprint to anchor a wider beam, base plate, or connection. The 254x254x73 UC is in active demand on warehouse, retail unit, and light industrial projects across the UK.
Section Details – 254 x 254 x 73 UC
- Designation: 254 x 254 x 73 UC
- Linear weight: 73.1 kg/m
- Steel grade: S355J0 to BS EN 10025-2
- Section depth: 254.1 mm
- Section width: 254.6 mm
- Web thickness: 8.6 mm
- Flange thickness: 14.2 mm
- Root radius: 12.7 mm
- Cross-sectional area: 93.1 cm²
- Finish: Mill finish, unpainted
- Cut-to-length: 1m to 12m
Commercial and Industrial Applications
The 254 UC 73 is a staple of the UK commercial portal-frame and braced-frame world. Common uses include perimeter and internal columns in steel-framed warehouses, retail unit frames, agricultural and light industrial buildings, mezzanine floor support columns under storage loads, plant-room and rooftop equipment support steelwork, and crane gantry columns. On larger domestic projects (substantial side or rear extensions with very long flush beams or two-storey extensions with concentrated point loads), the 254 x 254 family is specified where the 203 x 203 range is no longer adequate.
Cut to Order
Cut-to-size lengths from 1m to 12m on a precision cold saw before dispatch. Order to fabrication drawing length, stock standard cuts, or any custom dimension between. Pair the column with matching 254 x 146 UB or larger universal beams from the same delivery to keep your steel package on one drop.
Delivery
UK mainland delivery in 5–10 working days on a flat-bed lorry. A 5m length of the UC73 weighs around 365 kg; offloading is the customer's responsibility and requires mechanical lifting on site. Confirm access for an articulated flat-bed before scheduling.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a 203 x 203 UC86 and a 254 x 254 UC73?
Both are similar in weight (86 kg/m vs 73 kg/m) and similar in compressive capacity, but they differ markedly in geometry. The UC86 keeps a 203 x 203 footprint with thick flanges (20.5 mm), giving high capacity in a narrow envelope. The UC73 spreads out to a 254 x 254 footprint with thinner flanges (14.2 mm), giving improved buckling resistance about both axes — better for longer columns or columns with significant unrestrained length. Choice depends on the calculation and the available space.
Why is the UC73 popular in warehouse and commercial frames?
Warehouse and commercial frames typically have taller floor-to-ceiling heights, which makes column slenderness a critical design factor. The 254 x 254 UC73, with its broader footprint, has a higher minor-axis radius of gyration than any 203 x 203 UC, meaning it resists buckling better over a longer effective length while still being reasonably economical at 73.1 kg/m.
Is the UC73 the lightest in the 254 x 254 family?
Yes — the standard 254 x 254 UC family runs 73, 89, 107, 132 and 167 kg/m. The UC73 is the lightest. If your calculation indicates a heavier section, the next standard step up is the UC89 (89 kg/m).
What is the maximum length you cut to?
12 metres is the standard maximum. For lengths above 12 metres, contact our trade team for a special quote — full mill lengths up to 13.5 metres can be sourced.
Can the UC73 be used vertically as a flagpole or external post?
It can structurally, but the section is supplied in plain mill finish. For any external use, the section will need a full protective coating system to BS EN ISO 12944 — for example, blast clean, zinc-rich primer, intermediate epoxy, and a topcoat — or factory hot-dip galvanising. Without coating, mild steel exposed to UK weather will corrode visibly within months.
How does the UC73 compare in price to a 305 x 305 UC?
Price per metre rises sharply with section family — a 305 x 305 UC97 (the lightest in the next family up) is materially more expensive than the 254 x 254 UC73 because of higher steel mass and lower rolling volume. If your engineer has specified the larger family, the difference is justified by capacity. For most projects where 254 UC73 is adequate, stepping up does not add value.
Are bolt holes pre-drilled?
Standard supply is plain mill section, square-cut, no holes. Bolt holes, notches, end plates and other fabrication can be requested as a separate fabrication quote — contact the trade team with your drawings.
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SHIPPING
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If you haven't received your items in this time frame, please contact us.
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