UK · Updated 2026 · Buying guide

Reclaimed Steel UK: I-Beams, Sections and Fabrication Offcuts

Reclaimed structural steel carries the same load as new, at 40–60% of the price and 4% of the embodied carbon. The biggest UK flows come from HS2 sidings, city-centre demolitions and fabrication shop offcuts.

Grades and re-certification

S275 and S355 dominate UK reclaimed steel. Both can be re-certified via ultrasonic testing plus mill certificates when available. Budget £180–£320 per beam for testing.

Typical prices 2026

Section£ per tonneNotes
I-beam 203×133£420–£560Domestic extension standard
Universal Column 203×203£480–£620Multi-storey
RHS 100×100£520–£680Frame work

Frequently asked questions

+Do I need mill certificates?

Building Control will ask. Ultrasonic testing plus visual grading by a competent engineer is usually accepted where mill certs are missing.

+Can reclaimed steel be welded?

Yes — grade determines the weld process. S275 welds with standard MMA or MAG; S355 needs matched consumables.

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