3m Mild Steel Box Section – Short-Length S235 Square Hollow Section (SHS), Cut to Size, Easy-Handling Steel Tube for Gates, Frames & DIY
3m Mild Steel Box Section – Short-Length S235 Square Hollow Section (SHS), Cut to Size, Easy-Handling Steel Tube for Gates, Frames & DIY
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Supplied in manageable 3-metre lengths, our S235 mild steel box section is the easy-handling choice when a full 7.5m bar is more than you need. Available from 20x20mm up to 150x150mm with 2mm to 5mm walls, these short square hollow section (SHS) lengths — also called box steel or metal box section — fit in a car or van, carry up a driveway single-handed and suit repairs, one-off gates, shelving and small fabrication jobs, cut to size on request, on a 3-5 working day lead time to mainland UK.
Why choose 3m lengths?
The 3m box section is all about handling and access. Shorter bars mean no crane offload, no wrestling a 7.5m length off a kerbside pallet, and far less waste when your finished parts are under three metres. It is the practical pick for DIY builders, property maintenance, mobile welders and anyone without the transport or storage for full-length steel.
Technical Specification
| Material | S235 mild steel |
| Profile | Square hollow section (SHS) |
| Supplied length | 3m, or cut to size on request |
| Sizes available | 20x20mm up to 150x150mm |
| Wall thicknesses | 2mm - 5mm (size dependent) |
| Finish | Standard mill finish |
| Weldability | Weldable, drillable and easily fabricated |
| Lead time | 3-5 working days (kerbside, mainland UK) |
3m Steel Box Section Sizes & Weight Chart
Our 3m S235 mild steel box section size chart with nominal weight per metre. All sizes supplied in 3m lengths or cut to size.
| Size | Profile | Weight (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 x 20 x 2mm | Square (SHS) | 1.1 |
| 25 x 25 x 2mm | Square (SHS) | 1.4 |
| 30 x 30 x 2mm | Square (SHS) | 1.7 |
| 40 x 40 x 2mm | Square (SHS) | 2.4 |
| 50 x 25 x 2mm | Rectangular (RHS) | 2.2 |
| 50 x 50 x 3mm | Square (SHS) | 4.4 |
| 60 x 60 x 3mm | Square (SHS) | 5.3 |
| 70 x 70 x 3mm | Square (SHS) | 6.2 |
| 80 x 80 x 2.5mm | Square (SHS) | 6.0 |
| 100 x 100 x 4mm | Square (SHS) | 11.9 |
| 120 x 120 x 5mm | Square (SHS) | 17.8 |
| 150 x 150 x 5mm | Square (SHS) | 22.6 |
Popular 3m box section sizes include 20x20, 25x25, 40x40 and 50x50 box section for gates, repairs and small frames, up to 100x100 and 150x150 box 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 3m mild steel box section — short square hollow section, SHS, 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.
Ideal for smaller projects
These short lengths are popular for garden and driveway gates, trailer and machinery repairs, workbench and shelving frames, brackets, garden and greenhouse structures, handrails and everyday workshop metalwork — anywhere compact, equal-sided steel tube is easier to move and work than solid bar.
3m vs 7.5m — which length is right?
Choose 3m for portability, small jobs and minimal offcuts. For trade, structural runs or long frames where fewer welded joints matter, the full 7.5m box section works out more economical per metre. Both are the identical S235 square hollow section — only the supplied length changes.
Finish and protection
Every length is supplied in standard mill finish and may carry light mill scale, handling marks or surface oxidation, all normal for untreated steel. For outdoor or damp use, wire-brush, prime and paint the section, or step up to our galvanised box section for built-in corrosion resistance.
Cutting and fabrication
S235 box section saws, drills, welds and bends readily with standard metalworking tools. Seal any cut ends or drilled holes if the finished part will live outdoors, and always wear suitable protection when cutting and grinding steel.
Compare Our Full Box & Rectangle Section Range
Match the section to your job: full 7.5m box section (SHS), rectangular hollow section (RHS) for directional strength, ERW box & rectangle for thin-wall sizes, 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
Lead time is currently 3-5 working days to mainland UK. Even at 3m these are heavy items delivered kerbside, so please make sure there is safe access and, ideally, a second pair of hands to help offload.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What size box section is available in 3m?
Our 3m mild steel box section is available in sizes from 20x20mm up to 150x150mm, in wall thicknesses from 2mm to 5mm depending on the size. All sections are supplied in 3m lengths in S235 mild steel.
What grade is your box section?
Our box section is supplied in S235 mild steel, a commonly specified general-purpose structural grade suitable for welding, cutting, drilling and fabrication. For exact section properties and tolerances, refer to the applicable mill certificate or BS EN standard for your application.
Should I choose 3m or 7.5m box section?
3m lengths are easier to handle, transport and ideal for DIY projects, repairs and smaller fabrication jobs. For trade, structural or larger fabrication work where fewer joints are an advantage, our 7.5m box section lengths may be more suitable. Both are S235 mild steel.
Can box section be cut and welded?
Yes - S235 box section can be cut, drilled, welded and fabricated using suitable metalworking tools and correct preparation. Cut ends and drilled holes should be protected if the section will be used outside or in damp conditions. Always use suitable protective equipment when working steel.
Can I get box section cut to size?
Yes. As well as full 3m lengths, we can cut box section to your required lengths before dispatch - send us your cutting list and we'll confirm price and lead time.
How is box section delivered?
Lead times are currently 3-5 working days. Mild steel box sections are long, heavy items, so suitable delivery access is required. Offloading assistance may be required on site.
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 + Chippings) 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.