ERW Steel Box & Rectangle Section – Square & Rectangular Hollow Section, 6m Lengths & Cut to Size, Steel Box Tube for Fabrication & Frames
ERW Steel Box & Rectangle Section – Square & Rectangular Hollow Section, 6m Lengths & Cut to Size, Steel Box Tube for Fabrication & Frames
Couldn't load pickup availability
ERW mild steel box section and rectangular hollow section, supplied in 6m lengths or cut to size on request. Manufactured by Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) to BS EN 10219, these clean thin-wall square (SHS) and rectangular (RHS) profiles — also called box steel or metal box section — are ideal for lightweight structural frames, gates, fencing, trailers, shelving and general fabrication, on a 3-5 working day lead time to mainland UK.
Technical Specification
| Material | Mild steel, ERW (electric resistance welded) |
| Standard | BS EN 10219 |
| Profiles | Square hollow section (SHS) & rectangular hollow section (RHS) |
| Length | 6m full length, or cut to size on request |
| Wall thicknesses | From 1.5mm (size dependent) |
| Finish | Mill finish (raw steel with light mill scale) |
| Weldability | Weldable, drillable and easily fabricated |
| Lead time | 3-5 working days (mainland UK) |
ERW Box Section Sizes & Weight Chart
ERW mild steel box section and rectangular hollow section size chart with nominal weight per metre. All sizes in 6m lengths or cut to size.
| Size | Profile | Weight (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 x 12 x 1.5mm | Square (SHS) | 0.5 |
| 16 x 16 x 1.5mm | Square (SHS) | 0.7 |
| 20 x 20 x 1.5mm | Square (SHS) | 0.9 |
| 25 x 25 x 1.5mm | Square (SHS) | 1.1 |
| 30 x 30 x 1.5mm | Square (SHS) | 1.3 |
| 40 x 40 x 1.5mm | Square (SHS) | 1.8 |
| 50 x 50 x 1.5mm | Square (SHS) | 2.3 |
| 50 x 50 x 2mm | Square (SHS) | 3.0 |
| 40 x 20 x 1.5mm | Rectangular (RHS) | 1.3 |
| 50 x 25 x 1.5mm | Rectangular (RHS) | 1.7 |
| 50 x 25 x 2mm | Rectangular (RHS) | 2.2 |
Popular ERW box section sizes include 20x20, 25x25, 40x40 and 50x50 box section, plus 40x20 and 50x25 rectangular hollow section. Weights are nominal mass per metre to EN 10219 — for an exact figure use our metal weight calculator.
Rackerman is a UK steel supplier: buy ERW box section and rectangular hollow section — square hollow section, SHS/RHS, box steel or metal box section — online with fast mainland UK delivery and cut-to-size service, a convenient alternative to a local steel stockholder near you.
Square and Rectangular Profiles
Square hollow section (SHS) has equal sides and gives equal strength in both axes — suited to columns, posts and general-purpose frames. Rectangular hollow section (RHS) has unequal sides and gives greater strength on the longer axis — suited to beams, lintels and spans where strength is needed in one direction. ERW box section is a lighter-wall, cost-effective option for non-load-critical work; for heavier structural sections see our S235 box section and rectangular hollow section.
Common Uses
ERW box and rectangle section is used for gate and railing fabrication, lightweight structural frames, fence posts and rails, trailer construction, machinery bases, shelving, workshop projects, handrails and agricultural buildings. The thin, even walls keep weight down and make it easy to cut, drill and weld on site.
Cutting and Fabrication
ERW box section welds readily with MIG, TIG or stick welding. It can be drilled, cut and formed on site with standard metalworking tools. Clean the mill scale from the weld area for the best results. Protect cut ends and drilled holes if the finished part will be used outdoors or in damp conditions.
Compare Our Full Box & Rectangle Section Range
Match the section to your job: S235 square box section (SHS) for heavier frames, 3m box section for short handling, rectangular hollow section (RHS) for directional strength, galvanised box section for outdoors, 6063 aluminium box section for light weight and 304 stainless box section for corrosion resistance. Browse the full hollow section collection.
Related Guides
Read more in our guides: how to box in a steel beam and the metal weight calculator.
Delivery Information
Lead times are currently 3-5 working days to mainland UK. Sections are supplied in 6m lengths and are long, heavy items, so suitable delivery access is required and offloading assistance may be needed on arrival. Contact us for a custom quote on bulk or trade quantities.

Collapsible content
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is ERW steel and why should I choose it?
A: ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) steel offers a strong, smooth finish ideal for structural and fabrication use. It’s cost-effective, consistent in quality, and easy to weld or cut.
Q: What sizes are available in box and rectangle sections?
A: We offer a range of standard sizes in both square and rectangular profiles. Contact us for specific dimensions or custom requirements.
Q: Can you cut the 6m lengths to size?
A: Yes, we provide a cutting service to meet your exact specifications. Let us know your measurements when you order.
Q: How quickly can I get my order?
A: We offer fast turnaround and delivery, typically within a few business days depending on location and stock.
Q: Do you supply to both trade and individual customers?
A: Absolutely! Whether you’re a builder, fabricator, or DIYer, we’re happy to help.
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
Here at Rackerman, we take customer satisfaction very seriously. If you are unsatisfied with the quality of your product, please email us info@rackerman.co.uk or give us a call: 01665 497513 and we will make it right.
SHIPPING
It should take no longer than 1-2 business day to process your order, then 3-5 working days (5-10 working days on RSJs) to then receive your order from us after dispatch.
If you haven't received your items in this time frame, please contact us.
RETURNS
If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, that's completely fine! We offer a 30 day money back guarantee to all customers, no questions asked! Please contact us to arrange a return.