Wide Flange Steel Beams • Nationwide • Used & Surplus
Wide Flange Steel Beams:
Sizes, Weights & Grades
Wide Flange Steel • Used W-Beams • Surplus W-Shapes • Nationwide Sourcing
Wide flange steel beams are among the most widely used structural sections in commercial, industrial and infrastructure work. Birdie Steel Trading sources used and surplus wide flange beams nationwide, with MTRs and inspection details when available. We don't post live inventory, so send your size, length, quantity and job location and we'll search for you. See how it works or read our FAQ.
Wide Flange Steel Beam Sizes & Weights
Wide flange steel beams, also called W-beams or W-shapes, are identified by their nominal depth series and weight per linear foot. They are available in a broad range of sizes for commercial, industrial, infrastructure and structural steel applications.
The table below shows representative wide flange steel beam sizes and dimensions. These sizes are provided for general reference and do not represent current Birdie Steel Trading inventory. Availability of used and surplus W-beams changes frequently based on size, length, grade, quantity and location.
W Shape | Weight lb/ft | Actual Depth in | Flange Width in |
|---|---|---|---|
W8x10 | 10 | 7.89 | 3.94 |
W8x13 | 13 | 7.99 | 4 |
W10x12 | 12 | 9.87 | 3.96 |
W10x15 | 15 | 9.99 | 4 |
W12x16 | 16 | 12 | 3.99 |
W12x26 | 26 | 12.2 | 6.49 |
W12x40 | 40 | 11.9 | 8.01 |
W14x22 | 22 | 13.7 | 5 |
W14x30 | 30 | 13.8 | 6.73 |
W14x38 | 38 | 14.1 | 6.77 |
W16x26 | 26 | 15.7 | 5.5 |
W16x40 | 40 | 16 | 7 |
W18x35 | 35 | 17.7 | 6 |
W18x55 | 55 | 18.1 | 7.53 |
W21x44 | 44 | 20.7 | 6.5 |
W21x62 | 62 | 21 | 8.24 |
W24x55 | 55 | 23.6 | 7.01 |
W24x76 | 76 | 23.9 | 8.99 |
W27x84 | 84 | 26.7 | 10 |
W27x114 | 114 | 27.3 | 10.1 |
W30x90 | 90 | 29.5 | 10.4 |
W30x116 | 116 | 30 | 10.5 |
W36x135 | 135 | 35.6 | 12 |
W40x167 | 167 | 38.6 | 11.8 |
W44x230 | 230 | 42.9 | 15.8 |
Representative dimensional data based on the AISC Shapes Database v16.0. Dimensions should be confirmed against applicable project specifications and current AISC data before final design, fabrication or structural use.
HOW TO READ A W-BEAM SIZE
A designation such as W12×40 identifies a wide flange W-shape. The W indicates a wide flange section, 12 refers to the nominal depth series in inches, and 40 indicates that the beam weighs approximately 40 pounds per linear foot.
The nominal depth in the designation is not always the beam's exact measured depth. For example, the tabulated actual depth of a W12×40 is approximately 11.9 inches.
Looking for a specific W-beam size? Send Birdie Steel Trading the complete W-shape designation, required length, quantity, grade if known, project location and timing, and we'll review sourcing opportunities through our nationwide network.
W-Series Overview: W4 Through W44
Wide flange beams are grouped by nominal depth series, from W4 up to W44. Within each series, the weight per foot can vary a lot. Heavier sections in a series have thicker flanges and webs, and they are usually a little deeper and wider than the nominal number. The list below summarizes every W-series in the AISC Shapes Database v16.0.
W4: Nominal depth (in): 4; Weight range (lb/ft): 13; Actual depth range (in): 4.16; Flange width range (in): 4.06; Sections in series: 1
W5: Nominal depth (in): 5; Weight range (lb/ft): 16 – 19; Actual depth range (in): 5.01 – 5.15; Flange width range (in): 5.00 – 5.03; Sections in series: 2
W6: Nominal depth (in): 6; Weight range (lb/ft): 8.5 – 25; Actual depth range (in): 5.83 – 6.38; Flange width range (in): 3.94 – 6.08; Sections in series: 7
W8: Nominal depth (in): 8; Weight range (lb/ft): 10 – 67; Actual depth range (in): 7.89 – 9.00; Flange width range (in): 3.94 – 8.28; Sections in series: 13
W10: Nominal depth (in): 10; Weight range (lb/ft): 12 – 112; Actual depth range (in): 9.73 – 11.4; Flange width range (in): 3.96 – 10.4; Sections in series: 18
W12: Nominal depth (in): 12; Weight range (lb/ft): 14 – 336; Actual depth range (in): 11.9 – 16.8; Flange width range (in): 3.97 – 13.4; Sections in series: 29
W14: Nominal depth (in): 14; Weight range (lb/ft): 22 – 873; Actual depth range (in): 13.7 – 23.6; Flange width range (in): 5.00 – 18.8; Sections in series: 38
W16: Nominal depth (in): 16; Weight range (lb/ft): 26 – 100; Actual depth range (in): 15.7 – 17.0; Flange width range (in): 5.50 – 10.4; Sections in series: 11
W18: Nominal depth (in): 18; Weight range (lb/ft): 35 – 311; Actual depth range (in): 17.7 – 22.3; Flange width range (in): 6.00 – 12.0; Sections in series: 23
W21: Nominal depth (in): 21; Weight range (lb/ft): 44 – 275; Actual depth range (in): 20.6 – 24.1; Flange width range (in): 6.50 – 12.9; Sections in series: 21
W24: Nominal depth (in): 24; Weight range (lb/ft): 55 – 370; Actual depth range (in): 23.6 – 28.0; Flange width range (in): 7.01 – 13.7; Sections in series: 21
W27: Nominal depth (in): 27; Weight range (lb/ft): 84 – 539; Actual depth range (in): 26.7 – 32.5; Flange width range (in): 10.0 – 15.3; Sections in series: 17
W30: Nominal depth (in): 30; Weight range (lb/ft): 90 – 391; Actual depth range (in): 29.5 – 33.2; Flange width range (in): 10.4 – 15.6; Sections in series: 16
W33: Nominal depth (in): 33; Weight range (lb/ft): 118 – 387; Actual depth range (in): 32.9 – 36.0; Flange width range (in): 11.5 – 16.2; Sections in series: 13
W36: Nominal depth (in): 36; Weight range (lb/ft): 135 – 925; Actual depth range (in): 35.6 – 43.1; Flange width range (in): 12.0 – 18.6; Sections in series: 29
W40: Nominal depth (in): 40; Weight range (lb/ft): 149 – 655; Actual depth range (in): 38.2 – 43.6; Flange width range (in): 11.8 – 16.9; Sections in series: 24
W44: Nominal depth (in): 44; Weight range (lb/ft): 230 – 408; Actual depth range (in): 42.9 – 44.8; Flange width range (in): 15.8 – 16.1; Sections in series: 6
Summary of the AISC Shapes Database v16.0. General reference only. This list does not show Birdie Steel Trading inventory. Confirm dimensions against current AISC data and your project specifications before design, fabrication or structural use.
Light W-shapes (W4–W10)
These are the smaller sections used for lintels, light framing, mezzanines, equipment supports, canopies and secondary members. W8 and W10 sections show up often in used and surplus lots because they're so common in building work.
Mid-range W-shapes (W12–W24)
This is the core of most commercial building frames: floor beams, girders and columns. W12 and W14 are the standard column series. Their heavier weights are much stockier than their depth suggests (a W14x873 is about 23.6 in deep with a flange nearly 19 in wide).
Deep W-shapes (W27–W44)
Deep sections are used for long-span girders, transfer beams, industrial platforms, crane runways and bridge work. Sizes this deep and heavy can be harder to find on the used and surplus market, so lead times and freight planning matter more. For the heaviest column and girder sections, see our jumbo steel beams page.
Wide Flange Steel Grades
Grade sets the beam's minimum yield and tensile strength, so it's one of the first things to confirm on any used or surplus W-beam.
ASTM A992
A992 is the standard specification for wide flange shapes in U.S. building construction today. It has a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi and a minimum tensile strength of 65 ksi. It also has tighter chemistry limits and a maximum yield-to-tensile ratio, which help with weldability and consistent performance. Most W-beams rolled since the early 2000s are A992, and many are dual-certified A992/A572-50.
ASTM A572 Grade 50
A572-50 is a high-strength low-alloy steel with the same 50 ksi minimum yield and 65 ksi minimum tensile strength as A992, but without A992's extra limits. It's common on surplus W-shapes, H-piles, plate and other sections, and it often appears as the second grade on dual-certified material.
ASTM A36 (older stock)
A36 has a minimum yield of 36 ksi and a minimum tensile strength of 58–80 ksi. It was the standard grade for wide flange beams for decades, so a lot of older used steel from demolition and salvage is A36. It works well for many uses, but a design that calls for 50 ksi steel may need a heavier A36 section or engineering review.
How we confirm grade on used and surplus beams
When available, Birdie Steel Trading includes mill test reports (MTRs) and inspection details with used and surplus beams. The MTR documents the grade, chemistry and mechanical properties, so you can match the material to your specification before you buy. If you have Charpy testing, Buy America/domestic-melt or heat-specific requirements, list them on your request and we'll check what's available.
Buy Wide Flange Steel Beams
Wide Flange Sizes We Source
Birdie Steel Trading helps buyers locate used and surplus wide flange steel beams for sale through our nationwide network. Availability changes frequently and may include W-beams and W-shapes in a variety of sizes, lengths, grades and quantities.
Need a specific wide flange size or grade? Send us your beam requirements, project location and timing, and we’ll review current sourcing opportunities for available wide flange steel. Have a material list or takeoff? Send us the details and we can review the complete requirement.
Sell Wide Flange Steel Beams
HAVE WIDE FLANGE BEAMS
AVAILABLE?
Birdie Steel Trading helps suppliers, fabricators, contractors and other steel owners move excess, used and surplus wide flange beam inventory. Tell us what material you have, where it is located and the quantities available, and we will evaluate the opportunity through our nationwide trading network.
Inventory lists, beam sizes, lengths, quantities and condition information help us evaluate opportunities more efficiently.
What Information Should You Send Us?
Projects requiring unusually large or heavy structural sections may also benefit from our jumbo steel beam sourcing capabilities.
Buyers looking for other recycled structural material can also review our used steel beams sourcing capabilities.
Have structural steel available instead? Visit our Sell Steel page to submit inventory information.
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W-shape or beam size
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Lengths
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Quantity or estimated tonnage
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Grade, if known
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Material condition
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Project or inventory location
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Required or available date
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Material list or takeoff information
WHAT ARE WIDE FLANGE STEEL BEAMS?
Wide flange steel beams are structural steel members with two parallel flanges connected by a vertical web. They are commonly designated as W-shapes, such as W8, W10, W12, W14 and larger sections.
Their wide flanges provide strength and stability under bending loads, making them common in building frames, columns, bridges, industrial structures and other structural steel applications.
Compared with traditional American Standard (S-shape) I-beams, wide flange W-shapes generally have wider, parallel flanges and are available in a broad range of structural sizes and weights.
Birdie Steel Trading helps buyers locate used wide flange beams, surplus W-shapes and hard-to-find structural sections nationwide.
Wide Flange vs I-Beam (S-Beam) vs H-Pile
People often say "I-beam" for any beam with an I-shaped profile, but the three common hot-rolled shapes are built differently and are not interchangeable.
Flange shape
Wide flange (W): Parallel inner and outer faces; American Standard I-beam (S): Inner face tapered (about a 16.67% slope); H-pile (HP): Parallel inner and outer faces
Flange width vs depth
Wide flange (W): Wider than an S-beam of the same depth; ranges from narrow beam sections to near-square column sections; American Standard I-beam (S): Narrow; H-pile (HP): About equal to depth
Web vs flange thickness
Wide flange (W): Web usually thinner than flange; American Standard I-beam (S): Web usually thinner than flange; H-pile (HP): Web and flange about the same thickness
AISC size range
Wide flange (W): W4 – W44; American Standard I-beam (S): S3 – S24; H-pile (HP): HP8 – HP18
Typical use
Wide flange (W): Beams, girders, columns, bracing; American Standard I-beam (S): Older buildings, trolley/monorail beams, light framing; H-pile (HP): Driven foundation piles, shoring, retaining walls
Wide flange beams (W-shapes)
Wide flange beams are today's standard structural beam and column. Because the flanges are parallel, bolted and welded connections are simple to make, and the W-series covers by far the widest range of sizes.
S-beams, or American Standard beams, have narrower, tapered flanges. You'll find them in older structures and in hoist and monorail beams. Tapered flanges need beveled washers for bolted connections. When buyers search for "used I-beams," they usually mean wide flange beams, so tell us the exact profile you need.
H-piles (HP-shapes)
H-piles look like heavy, square wide flange columns, but the web and flanges are the same thickness so they hold up to driving. They're built for foundations and earth retention rather than framing. Used and surplus H-piles are common on the secondary market.
Used vs New Wide Flange Beams
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Condition: New (mill or service center): New, mill finish; Surplus (unused): Unused; may have surface rust from outdoor storage; Used (reclaimed): Previously installed; may have holes, clips, welds or coatings
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Lengths: New (mill or service center): Standard mill or cut lengths; Surplus (unused): Often full or near-full lengths; Used (reclaimed): Varies; often shorter or cut lengths
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Documentation: New (mill or service center): Mill MTRs; Surplus (unused): MTRs and inspection when available; Used (reclaimed): MTRs and inspection when available
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Cost: New (mill or service center): Highest; Surplus (unused): Usually below new; Used (reclaimed): Usually the lowest
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Lead time: New (mill or service center): Depends on mill rollings and service center stock; Surplus (unused): Often available now; Used (reclaimed): Often available now
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Best for: New (mill or service center): Specified grades, exact lengths, large orders; Surplus (unused): Main members where you want unused steel at a lower cost; Used (reclaimed): Temporary works, ag/industrial buildings, shoring, non-critical framing and cost-sensitive jobs
When used makes sense: Used wide flange beams can cut material cost a lot and are often available right away. That makes them a good fit for equipment platforms, pole barns and ag buildings, temporary supports, shoring, cribbing, racks and retrofit work. For permanent structural use, have the engineer of record approve the section, grade and condition.
When new makes sense: Choose new steel when the job needs a specific grade or certification we can't match, exact long lengths, large quantities of one size, or architecturally exposed steel.
Many buyers use both: used or surplus steel where it fits, and new steel where the spec requires it. Read more about used steel beams and surplus steel beams.
Used and Surplus Beams:
Mill Test Reports and Inspection When Available
Buying used or surplus steel shouldn't mean guessing. Birdie Steel Trading provides mill test reports (MTRs) and inspection details on used and surplus beams when available.
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Mill test reports (MTRs): documentation of grade, chemistry and mechanical properties, so you can check the steel against your specification.
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Inspection: when available, we check used and surplus beams for size, length, straightness and condition (holes, clips, weld scars, coatings, corrosion and damage) before you commit.
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Special requirements: if you need Charpy testing, Buy America/domestic-melt or heat-specific material, let us know and we'll check what's available.
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Clear descriptions: your quote describes each item by W-shape designation, length, quantity and condition, so there are no surprises when it arrives.
NATIONWIDE USED & SURPLUS STRUCTURAL STEEL
Nationwide Wide Flange
Steel Beam Sourcing
Birdie Steel Trading works with buyers and sellers of used and surplus structural steel, including wide flange steel beams, throughout the United States. Whether you are searching for used W-beams, surplus W-shapes or hard-to-find wide flange sections, send us your requirements or available inventory and let us know where the material is needed or located.
STEEL • PEOPLE • OPPORTUNITY
Get a Quote on Wide Flange Steel Beams
Send us your list and we'll search our nationwide network for used and surplus W-beams that fit your job. To quote accurately, we need:
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W-shape designation (for example, W12x40) or the depth and weight you need
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Lengths and quantity, or total tonnage
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Grade (A992, A572-50, A36) and any certification requirements
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Acceptable condition (surplus/unused or used)
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Job site city and state, and your need-by date
Call 732-770-3599 or request a quote. Have a takeoff or material list? Send it to us and we'll review the whole requirement. Have W-beams to sell? Visit Sell Steel.
Wide Flange Steel
QUESTIONS ABOUT WIDE FLANGE SIZES, WEIGHTS OR GRADES?
Tell us what you need or what you have available. Birdie Steel Trading will review the opportunity and help connect buyers and sellers of used and surplus wide flange steel beams nationwide.
Related Steel Beam Pages
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Surplus steel beams: unused beams from overruns and cancelled projects.
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Used steel beams: reclaimed beams, with MTRs and inspection details when available.
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Jumbo steel beams: deep, heavy W-shapes for large structural work.
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Used I-beams for sale: Looking for American Standard S-beams and I-beams for framing and fabrication.
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W14 beams: column and heavy framing sizes.
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W24 beams: mid-depth beams for floor and roof framing.
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W36 beams: deep long-span girders.
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W40 beams: one of the deepest long-span sections.
FAQ
What sizes do wide flange steel beams come in?
Wide flange beams come in nominal depth series from W4 to W44. Weights range from 8.5 lb/ft (W6x8.5) to 925 lb/ft (W36x925) in the AISC Shapes Database v16.0. Each beam is named by its depth series and weight per foot, such as W12x40.
What grade are wide flange beams?
Most newer wide flange beams are ASTM A992, often dual-certified A992/A572-50, with a 50 ksi minimum yield strength. Older used beams are often ASTM A36, with a 36 ksi minimum yield strength. Birdie Steel Trading provides mill test reports on used and surplus beams when available, so you can confirm the grade.
What is the difference between a wide flange beam and an I-beam?
A wide flange (W) beam has wider flanges with parallel faces. An American Standard I-beam (S-beam) has narrower flanges with a tapered inner face. W-shapes come in many more sizes and are the standard beam for modern construction. S-beams are mostly found in older structures and monorail or hoist beams.
Do you provide mill test reports and inspection of used or surplus beams?
Mill test reports (MTRs) and inspection details are provided when available on used and surplus beams, so you can confirm grade and condition before you buy.
Do you have wide flange beams in stock?
Birdie Steel Trading doesn't post live inventory. We source used and surplus wide flange beams through a nationwide network, and availability changes often. Send us the size, length, quantity and job location, or call 732-770-3599, and we'll search for matching material.
Can used wide flange beams be used for structural work?
Often, yes, as long as the section, grade and condition meet your design requirements. MTRs and inspection help document that. For permanent structural use, the engineer of record should approve the material.
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