Which Is Better: Red Iron Or Steel Tubing

Whether you’re building a home, storage unit, shed, or commercial building, you want to choose durable, weather-resistant materials that can withstand the test of time. Many minds go straight to steel, which would be correct, as it’s one of the strongest building materials on the market.

However, not all steel building materials are the same, and some are better for certain projects than others. To help you choose the right material for your next construction project, let’s take a look at red iron versus steel tubing to determine which is the better option.

What Is Red Iron?

Red iron isn’t an entirely iron material. It’s a type of steel coated in red iron oxide, which is why this material’s full name is red iron steel. This red oxide coating doesn’t just look nice, but it acts as a protective barrier against the elements.

What Is Steel Tubing?

Steel tubing is just as it sounds—it’s a galvanized steel tube. It starts out as a flat plate of steel, which a roller machine then forms into a tube. Once rolled, manufacturers will weld it together to form a lightweight tube.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Red Iron?

Overall, red iron steel is more durable than steel tubing. Plus, it can support a heavy load, making it perfect for constructing larger buildings. Additionally, due to its iron oxide coating, it won’t rust or wear as quickly as galvanized steel. This coating also makes it easier to maintain, and the material itself will last for decades.

The biggest downside to red iron steel is that it’s much heavier than steel tubing. This makes it difficult to transport and store and also renders the material unsuitable for smaller construction. Overall, red iron steel isn’t the most cost-effective option for smaller, lower-budget projects.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Steel Tubing?

Unlike red iron steel, steel tubing is incredibly lightweight and comes in different types, such as standard, heavy-gauge, and high-strength. Heavy-gauge and high-strength steels are more durable and expensive than standard steel tubing, but they’re typically more affordable than red iron steel. This makes them a good replacement for red iron.

The problem with steel tubing is that no matter what kind of steel tubing you use, it’s not as durable as red iron. Although steel tubing consists of galvanized steel, it will still rust and corrode faster than red iron and is only suitable for smaller constructions.

Which Material Is Best?

Now that we’ve reviewed red iron versus steel tubing side by side, which is the better material? If we wanted a general, blanket answer, we would say that, overall, red iron steel buildings are incredibly versatile. On the other hand, steel tubing is better for projects such as temporary fabric buildings, residential buildings, and carports. Ultimately, the answer depends on the size of your project, your budget, and the typical weather conditions in your area.