If someone were to ask you what structural steel can do, you would probably shrug your shoulders and respond with an "I don't know--hold up buildings?" In fact, structural steel can do so much more than just provide the skeletal framework for multi-story buildings. It has some level of malleability when heated and shaped, lending itself to some of the more unusual steel projects. The following illustrates just some of the things structural steel can do for you.

Stairs-Suspended or Supported

You can ask a contractor to build stairs from structural steel. The material has the ability to both support stairs from underneath, or hang stairs down from above, like a sort of human suspension foot bridge. Along with the stairs and the stair supports, this kind of steel can also create very sturdy handrails and curving, flowing bannisters that can go up and down multiple flights.

Die-Cut Steel Figures

Structural steel does not just act as a support or a frame. It can be flattened and die-cut for three-dimensional figures too. Usually businesses like the steel figures or figureheads because they last a very long time and they can be bolted or stud-welded to just about any part of the building. If you want, some steel suppliers will make full-bodied, three-dimensional figures to stand on top of your building and act as signs or business attractions.

Fancy Fences and Garden Gates

Structural steel is extruded to form fancy fence panels and garden gates as well. Some steel processing and manufacturing companies take special orders for fence panels and gates that are not otherwise sold on the market. You can get as fancy as you want with the steel fencing structures, making them as ornate as those seen surrounding famous people's estates.

Strange Sculptural Objects

With the help of an architect, it is possible you could purchase some strange steel sculptures too. There are many artsits that work in structural steel for this very reason, although metal artists certainly have many other metals that are easier to work with. However, major metropolitan areas like sculptures made of structural steel because it requires little maintenance and stands the test of time for durability and longevity.

Balconies and Fire Escapes

Last, but not least, structural steel is frequently used for apartment balconies and fire escapes. It can withstand and distribute much of an adult's body weight across the length of a balcony, and provide the strength needed for ascending and descending humans on a fire escape. When bolted into a brick structure, or the hidden I-beams of a building, both of these steel structures are quite immobile.

To purchase steel for your projects, contact a company such as Hunter Steel Sales.