Tips & Advice Posts

Steel beams such as h-pile and wide flange beams are used to create a strong foundation for large structures such as buildings, bridges and roads that could not otherwise be supported by the topsoil. Both h-pile and wide flange beams are classified by their flange size and weight per foot, which can also be used to calculate the total weight of the beam.

H-Pile Beam Sizing

When a beam size begins with “HP or contains “h-pile,” it means that the beam’s flanges are equal to the thickness of the “web” (the piece connecting the two flanges). This also means the flanges are parallel. The number associated with the pile (i.e. HP14) indicates that the flanges are 14 inches long. The second number (i.e. HP14x73) indicates the weight per foot of the beam. So in this example, an h-pile that is HP14x73 has parallel flanges that are each 14 inches long and a weight of 73 pounds per foot.

Wide Flange Beam Sizing

When a beam size begins with “W,” it means the beam’s flanges are not equal to the thickness of the web. Typically, this means that the “web” (the piece connecting the two flanges) is longer than the length of the flanges, which resembles the shape of an uppercase “I”. The number associated with the pile (i.e. W21) indicates that the flanges are 21 inches long. The second number (i.e. W21x44) indicates the weight per foot of the beam. So in this example, a wide flange beam that is W21x44 has two flanges that are each 21 inches long and a weight of 44 pounds per foot.

Calculating Total Weight of Wide Flange Beams or H-Pile

To calculate the total weight of any wide flange beam or h-pile, we must multiply the length of the beam by the second number in the name, because this indicates the weight per foot of the beam. For example, an h-pile named HP10x42 that is 40 feet in length weighs 42 x 40 or 1,680 pounds.

Wide Flange Beam and H-Pile Sizes

The chart below outlines the available sizes for wide flange beams and h-pile.

• W8: W8x18, W8x21, W8x24, W8x28, W8x31, W8x35, W8x40, W8x48, W8x58, W8x67
• W10: W10x22, W10x26, W10x30, W10x33, W10x39, W10x45, W10x49, W10x54, W10x60, W10x68, W10x77, W10x88, W10x100, W10x112
• W12: W12x26, W12x30, W12x35, W12x40, W12x45, W12x50, W12x53, W12x58 ,W12x65, W12x72, W12x79, W12x87, W12x96, W12x106, W26x120, W12x136, W12x152, W12x170, W12x190, W12x210, W12x230, W12x252
• W14: W14x22, W14x26, W14x30, W14x34, W14x38, W14x43, W14x48, W14x53, W14x61, W14x68, W14x74, W14x82, W14x90, W14x99, W14x109, W14x120, W14x132, W14x145, W14x159, W14x176, W14x193, W14x211, W14x233, W14x257, W14x283
• W16: W16x26, W16x31, W16x36, W16x40, W16x45, W16x50, W16x57, W16x67, W16x77, W16x89, W16x100
• W18: W18x35, W18x40, W18x46, W18x50, W18x55, W18x60, W18x65, W18x71, W18x76, W18x86, W18x97, W18x106, W18x119, W18x130, W18x143, W18x158, W18x175, W18x192, W18x211, W18x234
• W21: W21x44, W21x50, W21x57, W21x58, W21x55, W21x62, W21x68, W21x73, W21x83, W21x93, W21x101, W21x111, W21x122, W21x132, W21x147, W21x166, W21x182, W21x201, W21x223, W21x248, W21x275
• W24: W24x55, W24x62, W24x68, W24x76, W24x84, W24x94, W24x103, W24x204, W24x117, W24x131, W24x146, W24x162, W24x176, W24x192, W24x207, W24x229
• W27: W27x84, W27x94, W27x102, W27x114, W27x129, W27x146, W27x161, W27x178, W27x194
• W30: W30x90, W30x99, W30x108, W30x116, W30x124, W30x132, W30x148
• W33: W33x118, W33x130, W33x141, W33x152, W33x169
• W36: W36x135, W36x150, W36x160, W36x170, W36x182, W36x194, W36x210, W36x232, W36x256
• HP8: HP8x36
• HP10: HP10x42, HP10x57
• HP12: HP12x53, HP12x63, HP12x74, HP12x84, HP12x89, HP12x102, HP12x117
• HP14: HP14x73, HP14x89, HP14x102, HP14x117
• HP16: HP16x88, HP16x101, HP16x121, HP16x141, HP16x162, HP16x183

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading has a robust inventory of both new and used steel beams including brand new h-pile beams, used h-pile beams, brand new wide flange beams, used wide flange beams, and more. Furthermore, our material offerings also include used HDPE pipe, used traffic barrier, and more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

If you’re storing surplus or used pipe pile, you may be wondering if you should sell it. This may particularly be the case if you know you won’t be using it for any other deep foundation projects in the near or foreseeable future. If it’s in usable condition, there can be numerous benefits to listing it for sale. Below are some of the perks of selling your used and surplus steel pipe pile:

Make Some Extra Money

If you have used or surplus pipe pile laying around, selling it can be an excellent financial decision. New steel prices are currently sky high, which means used and surplus steel is in higher demand and you can make a decent amount of cash selling your excess pipe pile. If your pipe pile is surplus, it can be great to recoup some of the money you lost by selling it.

Save Yard Space

If you have some extra pipe pile on your hands, chances are it’s taking up yard space you could be using to store other materials and equipment. Selling it will help you clear up some space, particularly covered storage space you may need for other items that need to be stored in protected areas. It may even cut down your storage costs if you're currently holding onto extra yard space!

Help Other Contractors

As we mentioned, steel prices are exceptionally high right now. If you sell your extra steel pipe pile, you’ll be helping another contractor save some money buying used from you rather than buying new. If you provide a good quality product to another contractor, you can build a professional relationship with them. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Sell It Quickly and Easily

Eiffel Trading's online marketplace simplifies your selling process, and we can expose your pipe pile listing to a wide network of buyers. This means you’re likely to find a buyer sooner rather than later. If your pipe pile is located in a convenient location near other projects that may need it, you’re likely to sell it even faster.

Take Advantage of Wide Market for Various Sizes

The most popular steel pipe pile on the market is sized between 18” and 30” in diameter. There’s always a market for pipe pile sized in this range because so many deep foundation projects make use of it. This means finding a buyer can be quite simple. If you have pipe pile that is smaller or larger in diameter than average, this can be a major plus too. There is always a market for niche sizes. Buyers may be willing to pay a premium for unpopular sizes if their projects necessitate those sizes.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the major incentives of selling your steel pipe pile. There are far fewer incentives associated with holding onto it and letting it collect dust in your yard. Consider listing yours today to make some extra money, clear up some space, and help out a buyer who’s looking to cut material costs for their deep foundation project!

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is an online marketplace that exists for heavy civil contractors to buy and sell new, used, and surplus assets. Used and surplus structural steel is our bread and butter; our inventory includes used pipe pile, used steel sheet pile, used w-beams, used h-pile beams, and much more. In addition, our material inventory also includes used traffic barrier, brand new steel plates, used hdpe pipe, and more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Sound and sight walls are non-structural walls that can provide a barrier for sight and sound pollution, often between a highway and nearby residential or commercial areas. Whether the wall is installed around a business area, near a roadway, or as a privacy fence for nearby residents, steel beam sound and sight walls are durable, easy to install, and aesthetically appealing.

Beam Use

Sound and sight walls are created using a column and panel system made of steel beams (specifically wide flange beams and h-pile beams). Wide flange beams and h-pile include a central web that connects two parallel end units known as “flanges.” Smaller wide flange beams and h-pile beams have high loadbearing capacity while also being light in weight, which is what makes them a popular choice for construction projects such as sound and sight walls.

Materials Used to Make Sound and Sight Wall Beams

Steel is the most common material used to make the wide flange beams used in sound and sight walls. Specifically, carbon structural steel and high-strength, low-alloy structural steel are used. Steel is favored because it’s highly customizable, durable, easy to work with and long lasting.

Wide Flange Beam Capacity for Sound and Sight Walls

Wide flange beams range in weight bearing capacity from nine pounds per foot all the way above to 350 pounds per foot. Sound and sight walls do not require a high bearing capacity, so smaller beams work well.

Custom Rolled vs. Stock Beams for Sound and Sight Walls

For many sound and sight wall projects, standard stock beam sizes will be sufficient. However, for unique projects, custom rolled beams might be necessary. Typically, it is more expensive to buy custom rolled beams. If adjustments for size need to be made, this is done during the manufacturing process with the universal mill. However, when beams with different web heights and flange widths are to be rolled, rolls made exclusively for these sizes will be employed instead.

Common Sizes for Sound and Sight Wall Beams

Sound and sight walls do not require a high bearing capacity, so small wide flange beams and h-pile beams work well. Common sizes include:

• W8: W8x18, W8x21, W8x24, W8x28, W8x31, W8x35, W8x40, W8x48, W8x58, W8x67
• W10: W10x22, W10x26, W10x30, W10x33, W10x39, W10x45, W10x49, W10x54, W10x60, W10x68, W10x77, W10x88, W10x100, W10x112
• W12: W12x26, W12x30, W12x35, W12x40, W12x45, W12x50, W12x53, W12x58 ,W12x65, W12x72, W12x79, W12x87, W12x96, W12x106, W26x120, W12x136, W12x152, W12x170, W12x190, W12x210, W12x230, W12x252
• W14: W14x22, W14x26, W14x30, W14x34, W14x38, W14x43, W14x48, W14x53, W14x61, W14x68, W14x74, W14x82, W14x90, W14x99, W14x109, W14x120, W14x132, W14x145, W14x159, W14x176, W14x193, W14x211, W14x233, W14x257, W14x283
• W16: W16x26, W16x31, W16x36, W16x40, W16x45, W16x50, W16x57, W16x67, W16x77, W16x89, W16x100
• HP8: HP8x36
• HP10: HP10x42, HP10x57
• HP12: HP12x53, HP12x63, HP12x74, HP12x84, HP12x89, HP12x102, HP12x117
• HP14: HP14x73, HP14x89, HP14x102, HP14x117
• HP16: HP16x88, HP16x101, HP16x121, HP16x141, HP16x162, HP16x183

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is a one-stop-shop for all of your steel beam needs! Our inventory includes used wide flange beams, brand new wide flange beams, used h pile beams, and brand new h pile beams. In addition, we also offer other structural steel shapes including used steel sheet pile, used pipe pile, used crane access trestle, and more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

When installing foundation piles, they must be forced into the ground. This can be done in one of two ways: either by driving the piles or by drilling the piles. Here, we’ll examine the four main types of pile drivers: diesel impact hammers, steam hammers, hydraulic impact hammers, and vibratory hammers.

Diesel Impact Hammer

A diesel impact hammer (also called a diesel pile hammer) is a type of pile driver powered by a large, two-stroke diesel engine. The driving weight is located in the piston (the ram), and the apparatus that connects to the top of the pile is called the cylinder. The process goes like this:

• Piledriving begins by raising the weight of the impact hammer (usually using a cable from the crane that holds the pile driver). This draws air into the cylinder.
• Diesel fuel is released into the cylinder.
• The weight is dropped using a quick-release mechanism.
• The weight of the piston compresses the mixture of air and fuel, heating it to the diesel fuel’s ignition point.
• The mixture ignites, shifting the energy of the falling weight to the pile head and driving the weight upwards.
• The rising weight draws in fresh air, and the cycle continues until the fuel is depleted, the pile has reached its point of refusal, or the process is manually terminated.

The pile being driven into the ground is given a temporary cap to avoid damage while it is being hammered. The pile is hammered until “refusal,” which is when the pipe will physically go no farther.

Steam Hammer

A steam impact hammer, also called a steam hammer or a drop hammer, is a type of pile driver powered by steam. The hammer of a steam impact hammer is attached to a piston that can slide up and down vertically through a cylinder. The process works like this:

• The hammer is raised over a pile by the pressure of steam, which is injected into the lower part of the cylinder.
• When the pressure is released, the hammer drops.
• The force of gravity brings the hammer down and it hits the pile, driving the pile into the soil.

The weight of a steam impact hammer’s ram can range from 500 to 50,000 pounds, and can be altered depending on the requirements of the project.

Hydraulic Impact Hammer

A hydraulic impact hammer works by placing a weight above a pile that releases, slides down vertically, and hits the pile, thereby hammering it into the ground. Hydraulic impact hammers are favored in situations where the soil is loose, since driving the piles into the ground compresses the surrounding soil and therefore causes greater friction. This friction increases the load-bearing capacity of the pipe piles.Hydraulic impact hammers come with a range of features and benefits. They are easy to operate and simple to maintain with little to no special training needed. Most hydraulic impact hammers produce a high impact with a relatively low hammer weight and can be assembled on different carriers.

Vibratory Hammer

Vibratory hammers are an alternative to traditional pile drivers such as those listed above, which use a large weight to strike piles into the ground. Vibratory hammers work by vibrating the soil using weight and counterweights, which causes a pile to move easily into the earth, similar to how an electric knife might cut through meat. Unlike traditional pile drivers, vibratory hammers are quiet, lightweight and can be used underwater. Additionally, they are more nature-friendly than traditional drivers since they don’t disrupt wildlife with loud noises.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace is the best option for used foundation equipment! Our inventory ranges from used vibratory hammers, to used drill rigs, to used impact hammers, and everything in between. Furthermore, we offer a wide range of new and used steel piling, including used pipe pile, new wide flange beams, used steel sheet pile, and much more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Vibratory hammers (also known as vibro hammers) are used to drive piles into the earth to create foundations for structures such as bridges, buildings, roads, docks, walls and railways. Vibratory hammers are an alternative to traditional pile drivers, which use a large weight to strike piles into the ground. Unlike traditional pile drivers, vibratory hammers are quiet, lightweight and can be used underwater. Additionally, they are more nature-friendly than traditional drivers since they don’t disrupt wildlife with loud noises.When choosing a vibratory hammer, there are a few important factors to consider, including whether you’d like to select an electric vs. hydraulic vibratory hammer, whether you’d like a new vs. used model, and whether the hammer’s specifications meet your project’s needs.

Vibratory Hammer Specifications

As with most construction equipment, vibratory hammers come in a range of sizes and styles. There are crane suspended vibratory hammers, excavator mounted vibratory hammers, side grip vibratory sheet pile drivers, and more. When narrowing down your search for the right vibratory hammer, start with the wide view questions (such as the location where the hammer will operate and the equipment you will pair it with) and from there, move to more narrow questions, such as whether to choose electric or hydraulic, and whether to buy new or used.

Electric vs. Hydraulic Vibratory Hammers

Vibratory hammers work by vibrating the soil using weight and counterweights, which causes a pile to move easily into the earth, similar to how an electric knife might cut through meat. Vibratory hammers come in two main styles: electric and hydraulic. These two styles share three main similarities:

• Both use a power unit to power the hammer
• Both have clamps that allow the hammer to attach to the pile
• Both use wires to connect the hammer to the power unit

Apart from these similarities, electric and hydraulic vibratory hammers operate differently. Electric vibratory hammers use a large electric motor to spin the counterweights. A power unit with a diesel engine powers the electric motor by turning a generator, creating enough power to turn the motor. Conversely, hydraulic vibratory hammers use hydraulic motors to spin the counterweights. To power the hydraulic motors, a power unit with a diesel engine turns the hydraulic pumps, which causes oil to flow out the motors and back.Hydraulic vibratory hammers are often considered superior because they’re more powerful but weigh half has much. Furthermore, they can spin much faster, meaning that they can drive piles more quickly. The increased speed of a hydraulic hammer’s vibrations also means that less vibration will travel through the soil to the surrounding buildings, so it’s possible to drive piles near other buildings without compromising their foundations.The downside of hydraulic vibratory hammers is that they tend to be more expensive, so if you’re looking to cut costs, one way would be to go with an electric vibratory hammer.

New vs. Used Vibratory Hammers

When looking to purchase a vibratory hammer, you’ll need to decide whether you want to purchase new or used.The positives to purchasing new equipment is that you’ll know the quality upfront; new vibratory hammers have never been used before, meaning their integrity is known to be solid and there will be no wear and tear setbacks once construction begins. The downside of purchasing your equipment new is that it will cost much more than the used equivalent.Used vibratory hammers, on the other hand, can be purchased for cheaper, enabling many projects to stay within or under budget. There are a few key tips to purchasing the best used vibratory hammer for your needs: asking any applicable questions to the seller (such as the current level of maintenance), setting up an in-person or virtual inspection of the used vibratory hammer, requesting any applicable paperwork or manuals, etc. Being thorough in your purchasing process can greatly benefit you in the long run, and help to affirm that you’re making a wise decision.There is a great market for used vibratory hammers, meaning it is a great time to consider selling your used foundation equipment.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading exists for heavy civil contractors to both buy and sell used equipment and material. Our used foundation equipment offerings include used vibratory hammers, used drill rigs, used pile breakers, and much more. On the material side, our inventory ranges from used sheet pile, to used hdpe pipe, to brand new h-pile beams, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

A pile breaker is a construction tool used to cut foundation piles. The advantage of pile breakers is that they create a perfectly horizontal pile cutting finish without damaging the reinforcement or leaving cracks below the cutoff level. Pile breakers have a modular design and are highly customizable, meaning it’s easy to adapt the tool to the specific size and shape of each of the concrete piles on site.

The Anatomy of a Pile Breaker

A pile breaker is composed of cylinder modules and links, which can be adjusted and allows the pile breaker to fit around piles of varying shapes and sizes. Pile breakers come with different tip kits and tip lengths, which allows for easy maintenance and versatility. A pile breaker’s lifting kit enables the pile breaker to be used with cranes, excavators and other construction machines. Pile breakers are available in both light and heavy models, which are suited for different pile dimensions.A good pile breaker is adaptable to different construction requirements and is easy to maneuver into position, reducing setup time. Pile breakers can be adjusted on site, meaning the operator can break piles of varying sizes in a single use (at a speed of up to about 200 piles in an eight hour shift). Many pile breakers are designed with drill rods for increased reliability. Light model pile breakers will require little digging due to their small dimensions. Finally, pile breakers do not require special skills to maintain, which can reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of the pile breaker.

How a Pile Breaker Works

A typical pile breaker operation will look something like this:

1. The operator positions the pile breaker around the pile that needs to be broken.
2. The operator activates the oil flow, which causes the pile breaker to crush the concrete pile without damaging the pile’s internal structure.
3. The pile breaker lifts upwards, separating and removing the concrete while leaving the steel rods free.

Pile Breaker Advantages

Particularly for projects that require many piles to be broken in a single sitting, pile breakers can help reduce risk and decrease labor and maintenance costs. Pile breakers are fully automated and work many times faster than traditional concrete breaking processes, thereby saving time. Additionally, pile breakers are easy to use and simple to maintain. They don’t require special skills to operate, and they can last for years.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace allows contractors to buy and sell heavy civil materials and equipment. We offer a wealth of foundation equipment options, including used pile breakers, used drill rigs, used vibratory hammers, and more. Furthermore, our equipment inventory also includes used truckable push boats, used concrete formwork systems, used sectional barges, and more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Pipe piles are used for the construction of deep foundations to transfer loads from heavy structures and buildings. Pipe piles are driven into place to aid in resisting load pressure. There is a wide array of pipe pile on the market, and finding the appropriate pipe pile for your deep foundation project is fairly easy. Pipe pile is available both new and used, and which is a better buy depends on the needs of your project. If you’re deciding between purchasing new or used, here are some pros and cons of each you should know about:

Buying New

Pros:The one perk of buying from the mill is that you don’t have to second guess the condition of the pipe pile. This consistency can be a plus for some buyers. Another plus of buying new for some buyers is the ability to purchase pipe pile with particular specifications that are guaranteed to meet the needs of a project, although this can often be arranged for used and surplus pipe as well with coupon tests and any available MTRs.Cons:The most major downside to buying new is the price. Steel prices are at all-time highs, and the prices of new pipe pile reflect this. You can expect to pay a premium for buying new. Another disadvantage when you opt to buy new is that you have to wait on rolling from the mill. This can mean that it takes the pipe pile you buy longer to get to you. If you don’t plan out your pipe pile purchase wisely, buying new and waiting for production could result in delays to your project.

Buying Used

Pros:Buying used can save you a great deal of money, especially when you consider current skyrocketing steel prices. The freight costs associated with buying used can also be lower, especially if the pipe pile is located near your jobsite. In terms of quality, the great majority of used pipe pile on the market is in good or great condition. Steel lasts quite a long time before having age-related issues. Additionally, a lot of used pipe pile on the market is surplus pile that hasn’t been used before. Buyers are selling it because they accidentally bought too much for their project or their project has been canceled, and you benefit from this while knowing the quality of the pile is high.Another advantage that can come with buying used is that it can be hassle-free. If you buy used through Eiffel Trading, for instance, we handle the buying process and freight process. These conveniences translate into more time and less stress for you.Cons:It’s important to remember that used pipe is purchased “as is”. This means that it is beneficial for you or a representative to personally inspect the material prior to loading, or hire a third-party inspector. In addition, feel free to ask the seller questions about prior applications, any abnormalities such as welds or stiffeners, presumed condition, etc.

Final Thoughts

Investing in the right pipe pile for your project helps you ensure your deep foundation provides the support you need it to. Both new and used pipe pile are viable options, and both new and used pile can come with advantages and disadvantages.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace is a catch-all for your pile driving needs. Our structural steel inventory ranges to include used pipe pile, used steel sheet pile, brand new wide flange beams (as well as used w-beams!), and more. In addition, our foundation equipment offerings range from drill rigs, to pile breakers, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Do you have surplus steel pipe or previously used steel pipe laying around collecting dust in your yard? You may have made the decision to sell it, or you may be contemplating selling it. Here are five things we think you should consider when selling steel pipe to help you navigate your experience as a seller and to get the most out of selling:

1. Condition of Your Steel

What kind of shape is your steel pipe in? The condition your steel pipe is in will determine how much you should sell it for and where you should sell it. If it doesn’t have any working life left, it may not have great selling potential unless advertised as scrap. If it’s still usable, consider if it has any dents, welds, rusting, damage, or marine growth that should reduce you selling price. If it’s in above average or great condition, be sure to note this on your listing when you do sell to make potential buyers aware of its value. Additionally, if your steel pipe is surplus and has never been used before, be sure to note that on your listing.

2. Former Applications

How have you used your steel pipe, and how was it used before you owned it if you bought it used? Keep in mind that being driven into sand and soil is easier on steel than sitting in salt water for extended periods of time. Be sure to note previous applications on your listing if you believe this is pertinent information. Additionally, note where the steel pipe has been stored when not in use if you believe this is pertinent information too.

3. Future Projects

If you’re deciding between selling or holding onto your used or surplus steel pipe, consider your projects in the foreseeable future. Do you anticipate needing it in the coming year? If you know it’s going to sit in the yard for a few years between projects, it might be a better idea to just sell it and make some money… especially in today’s hot steel market!

4. Location

If your used or surplus steel pipe is easy to access for buyers or in a higher project volume area, you can expect there to be more demand for it and to sell it quicker than it would in a more remote area. You may even be able to price it more competitively. Buyers are oftentimes willing to pay for the convenience of steel pipe in their local area to reduce the costs of and efforts associated with transporting it.

5. Condition of the Steel Market

New steel prices have skyrocketed recently, which means you can get more money for your used steel pipe now than you could in a down market. Now is definitely the time to sell, especially if you have steel pipe laying around that you don’t have plans for using for future projects! If you’re considering it then it is a great time to jump on it!

Final Thoughts

Selling steel pipe can be a lucrative endeavor, and it’s something that can improve the overall cash flow of your construction business. When it comes to steel, it’s a seller’s market right now, and you might as well use that to your advantage while helping potential buyers cut their costs while buying used!

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace makes it easy for heavy civil contractors to purchase and sell used and surplus materials and equipment! Along with used and surplus steel pipe, our material inventory includes products such as used precast barrier wall, used steel sheet pile, used crane mats, and more. In addition, our used equipment offerings range from used sectional barges, to used concrete formwork, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Certain financial and logistical factors must be considered when choosing steel plates for a project. Such factors include whether you want to buy new or used steel plates, the plates’ size requirements, how freight factors into your budget and timeline, what steel standards are required for the job, and more. Here, we provide an overview to help you choose the right steel plates for your project.

Should You Buy New or Used Steel Plates?

Both new and used steel plates come with their own set of pros and cons. Since new steel plates have never been used before, the structural integrity is known to be solid and there will be no wear and tear to contend with. Furthermore, new steel comes with certifications. The downside of purchasing new steel plates is that they cost more and may take longer to arrive since the steel may first need to be rolled before it is shipped.If cost or timing is an issue, used steel plates are a great alternative. Used steel plates have the advantage of being lower in price, sometimes for the exact same product. Used steel plates are ready for immediate use since they don't need to be manufactured. Additionally, they sometimes have mill certifications available, and in many cases, used steel provides you with a comparatively high-quality result.On the other hand, used steel plates often come with wear and tear. Furthermore, they cannot always be custom made to fit a project’s exact needs and they are not guaranteed to come with certifications.

What Steel Plate Sizes Do You Need?

Once you've decided whether you are buying new steel plates or used steel plates, the next question to consider is sizing. Steel plates are made of steel that is commonly at least one inch thick, though their thickness will depend on the speed of traffic moving over the plate. Thickness options range from under 1” thick to over 3”.Some common sizes for 1-inch-thick steel road plates include: 4×4, 4×6, 4×8, 4×10, 4×12, 4×16, 5×8, 5×10, 5×12, 5×16, 6×8, 6×10, 6×12, 6×16, 8×10, 8×12, 8×16, 8×20.

How Does Freight Factor into Your Budget and Timeline?

Sometimes, steel plates must be transported across long distances to reach a project’s site. This can be costly and may include shipping delays. When considering your next steel plate purchase, it's a good idea to factor in the location from which the steel is shipping. Picking the right option at the nearest location can save money in freight costs and time in transportation.

What Is the Steel Standard?

Steel standards are a system for classifying, evaluating, and specifying the chemical and mechanical properties of different types of steels. These can vary by the mill and supplier of your steel plates, so it's important to take the steel standard into account before making a purchase.

Final Thoughts

Thankfully, Eiffel Trading offers both brand new and used steel plate options. Both are great options, and the final decision will be dependent on the needs of your specific project.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Like we mentioned above, Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace offers both brand new steel plate and used steel plate options. Furthermore, our equipment and material inventory ranges to include used steel sheet pile, used pile breakers, brand new h pile beams, used pipe pile, and so much more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Certain financial and logistical factors must be considered when selling steel plates, such as the plates’ location, quality, size compatibility, former uses, and more. Here’s a guide on fairly pricing and selling used steel plates.

How to Price Used Steel Plates Fairly

The quickest way to drive off potential steel plate buyers is to list plates at an unfair price. When pricing steel road plates, consider the plates’ location and quality. If your steel plates must be shipped from a remote location, it makes sense to offer them at a cheaper price in order to offset the inevitable freight fees. Steel plates located in major hubs, on the other hand, can be sold for a higher price since they are more accessible.Size compatibility is another element that can affect the price of your steel plates. If the size of your plates fits a wide variety of projects, the demand for these plates will be higher and that increase can be reflected in the price. On the other hand, if your steel plates only fit a very narrow range of projects, a lower price will reflect this.Finally, the quality of the steel plates should influence their price; plates that are new or like new can be priced higher than plates with a lot of wear and tear.

How to Properly Photograph Your Steel Plates

Potential steel plate buyers are interested in seeing pictures of the plates they are purchasing. One of the easiest ways you can set yourself apart from other sellers is to take numerous high quality photos of your plates. Take photos in daylight using as many angles as possible in order to give online buyers a clear idea of what you’re selling.

Consider the Market Rate of New Steel

When pricing your steel plates, it's important to consider the market rate for new steel. If the market rate for steel is low, the value of used steel will also tend to be low. If the market rate for new steel is high, on the other hand, the value of used steel will also be high. In other words, the price of used steel follows the price of new steel.

Be Upfront About the Condition of Your Steel Plates

While it's always a good idea to point out the best attributes of your steel plates, it's also important to mention any negative attributes, such as whether the steel plate is rusting or damaged. Be upfront about the condition of your plates and price them accordingly.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Did you know that Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace allows contractors to both buy and sell used steel plates? In addition, our marketplace boasts a wide selection of inventory including brand new steel plates, used steel sheet pile, used HDPE pipe, used sectional barges, and so much more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.