What Are the Types of Steel Used in Construction?
- Fortran Steel
- Dec 16, 2025
- 7 min read
Steel is one of the most important materials used in construction today. From small buildings to massive bridges, it brings strength, safety, and long-term durability. Different types of construction steel, such as mild steel, carbon steel, and TMT bars, serve specific roles depending on design needs and structural load.
Stainless steel grades such as SS 304 and SS 316 are preferred in moisture-prone or industrial areas due to their excellent corrosion resistance. The right steel choice can significantly impact both cost and performance, which is why understanding the various types of steel is essential for builders and engineers. With growing demand across sectors, the top steel-producing companies in India supply a wide range of high-quality products.
In this blog, we’ll explain the main types of steel used in construction and how to choose the right one.
Why Is Steel Used in Construction?
Steel is a key construction material across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Its strength, adaptability, and long service life make it suitable for everything from simple frames to high-rise towers.
Here’s why steel remains the preferred choice:
High-tensile steel can resist extreme stress without breaking, which helps structures remain stable under heavy loads or in seismic zones.
The properties of structural steel include a high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and excellent weldability.
As a construction material, steel accelerates project timelines due to its easier handling, prefabrication, and minimal on-site waste.
In RCC buildings, steel for concrete reinforcement (like TMT bars) provides the tensile strength that concrete lacks.
For environments prone to corrosion, stainless steel is chosen for construction due to its resistance to rust and moisture.
Together, these qualities make steel one of the most efficient and cost-effective materials in modern building design.
Read Next: The Crucial Role of Steel in Construction
What are the Main Types of Steel Used in Construction?
Different construction needs call for different steel types. From load-bearing frames to corrosion-resistant components, the type of steel you use has a direct impact on safety, performance, and longevity.
a. Mild Steel
Mild steel in construction is one of the most widely used materials due to its low carbon content and ease of fabrication. It’s ductile, weldable, and cost-effective for general building needs.
Commonly used in pipelines, structural frames, and columns.
Comes in the IS 2062 grade, suitable for standard construction.
Available as steel rods for construction, flat bars, and structural plates.
A preferred choice where strength is needed without brittleness.
The grade of steel in construction standards often begins with mild steel.
b. Carbon Steel
Used in more demanding structural applications, carbon steel provides greater strength than mild steel. Its carbon content varies—low, medium, or high—depending on use.
Found in pressure vessels, machinery, tools, and frames
Common carbon steel used in buildings includes C20 and C40 grades
Known for affordability combined with higher strength
It also qualifies as a type of construction steel due to its flexibility
Often overlaps with high tensile steel in performance zones.
c. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel for construction is renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance, strength, and sleek finish. It's commonly used in high-moisture or industrial settings.
Common grades include SS 304 and SS 316, with SS 316 preferred in coastal or chemical environments
Key properties of structural steel, like durability, hygiene, and weldabilit, apply here too
Widely used in:
SS Sheets, Plates, Coils
SS Pipes & Tubes
SS Threaded Bars
SS Hot Rolled / Bright Bar
d. Alloy Steel
Alloy steel contains additional elements, such as chromium, molybdenum, or vanadium, to enhance strength, heat resistance, and durability.
Used in industrial buildings and heavy equipment structures
Often selected where structural components face stress or high temperature
Falls under specialized types of structural steel
Shares characteristics with high tensile steel
Includes select grades of steel in construction for mechanical engineering
How to Choose the Right Type of Steel for Your Project?
Choosing the right steel depends on the specific demands of your structure. Not all types of construction steel are equal; each has unique advantages depending on the design, location, and function of the build.
Here are key factors to consider:
Load-bearing vs aesthetic use Use structural steel types like I-beams or channels for heavy loads. Choose stainless steel or coated mild steel for exposed design elements.
Environmental exposure In coastal or humid zones, SS 316 is preferred due to its strong resistance to corrosion and moisture. For a breakdown of grades, see: SS 316 vs SS 304: What to Choose.
Budget If cost is a concern, mild steel in construction offers good strength and weldability at a lower price point.
Project type The best construction steel types differ for residential buildings, commercial complexes, and industrial setups. For example, TMT bars are suitable for RCC homes, while alloy or structural steel may be better suited for factories.
Understanding your project’s functional needs is the first step toward selecting the most suitable and efficient steel material.
Cost Comparison of Different Steel Types
In construction, cost planning is as critical as structural design. Different types of steel used in construction vary in price points, depending on their grade, performance, and corrosion resistance.
While mild steel and TMT bars are widely used in standard RCC and framing applications, SS 304 and SS 316 are chosen for high-end buildings or locations exposed to moisture.
This table outlines approximate costs for common steel grades used in construction, along with where each type is most suitable:
Steel Type | Common Grade | Cost (INR/kg) | Typical Construction Use |
Mild Steel | IS 2062 | ₹50–₹60 | Frames, columns, indoor structural work |
TMT Bars | Fe500 | ₹60–₹70 | RCC slabs, beams, foundations |
Stainless Steel | SS 304, SS 316 | ₹150–₹300 | Railings, façades, balconies, wet areas |
Carbon Steel | C20, C40 | ₹60–₹80 | Base plates, anchor bolts, stiffeners |
These are indicative prices based on market averages. For bulk procurement and custom grades, it’s best to contact trusted vendors or the top steel producing companies in India.
Also read: What Are the Different Types of Steel?.
Steel Suppliers and Manufacturers in India
India is one of the world’s leading producers of construction-grade steel. From high-rise structures to infrastructure development, the demand for consistent quality and bulk supply has positioned several companies at the forefront of the market.
These suppliers offer a comprehensive portfolio of products designed for construction use, including various types of structural steel suitable for frames, columns, and heavy-load applications.
Top names in the industry include Fortran Steel, Tata Steel, JSW, and SAIL. These manufacturers cater to residential, commercial, and industrial construction with a full range of stainless steel and carbon steel materials.
Common products available in the construction segment include:
SS Pipes & Tubes – for railings, drain systems, and structural supports
SS Sheets/Plates/Coils – used in cladding, wall partitions, and lift panels
SS Hot Rolled / Bright Bar – suitable for handrails, brackets, and joinery work
For large-scale projects, working with bulk stainless steel suppliers in India helps maintain material continuity, minimize downtime, and optimize cost.
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Conclusion
Understanding the various types of steel used in construction enables you to select the most suitable material for strength, safety, and long-term performance. From basic frames to complex structures, each project demands the right grade of steel in construction, whether it’s mild, stainless, or advanced structural steel types. Choosing the correct type can also reduce costs and improve durability on-site.
For bulk orders of stainless steel coils, plates, and structural steel, contact a trusted industry leader. Contact Fortran Steel today to get a reliable supply and expert support for your next construction project.
FAQs
1. Which steel is best for building construction?
TMT bars are the most commonly used steel for residential and commercial buildings due to their strength and flexibility. For larger structures, structural steel types like I-beams and channels are ideal.’
2. What are the grades of steel used in construction?
Common steel grades used in construction include IS 2062 for mild steel, Fe500 for TMT bars, and SS 304 or SS 316 for stainless steel. Each grade is chosen based on strength and application.
3. What is the difference between TMT bars and mild steel?
TMT bars are used for concrete reinforcement and have high strength and flexibility. Mild steel is used in construction for general-purpose framing, pipelines, and base structures, as it is softer.
4. Is stainless steel used in building structures?
Yes, stainless steel is used in construction for railings, façades, handrails, and wet areas where corrosion resistance is crucial. SS 304 and SS 316 are the most common choices.
5. Where can I buy structural steel in India?
You can buy types of structural steel from top Indian suppliers like Fortran Steel, Tata Steel, JSW, and SAIL. Contact us to receive assistance in selecting the ideal material for your project.
6. Are Indian steel suppliers reliable for bulk exports?
Yes, the top steel-producing companies in India are known globally for consistent quality and timely delivery. They offer a bulk supply of construction-grade steel for export markets.
7. Which steel is rust-proof for outdoor construction?
SS 316 is widely used in outdoor and coastal construction due to its resistance to rust and its high resistance to moisture and chemicals.
8. How do I select the right type of steel for my project?
To choose the right construction steel type, consider the structure’s load, environment, and budget. Mild steel suits basic work, while TMT and stainless steel suit structural and exposed areas. Contact us if you’re unsure; we can guide you based on your building needs.
9. What are the properties of structural steel?
The properties of structural steel include high strength, ductility, durability, weldability, and resistance to stress and bending. These make it ideal for columns, beams, and frameworks.
10. What are common steel rods used for construction called?
They are generally referred to as steel rebars or TMT bars. These rods are essential in reinforced concrete structures for added strength and load-bearing capacity.
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