Flats

Flats are straight-edged metal strips used for brackets, frames, braces, repairs, machine guards, furniture, gates, shelving, trailer work, and shop jigs. Also called flat bar, flat stock, metal flat bar, and metal strips, they provide a true, flat bearing surface with reliable strength and easy fabrication. Builders and fabricators choose flats to cut, drill, tap, bend, and weld with predictable results.

Materials include steel flat bar (ASTM A36 hot rolled, 1018 cold finished) for strength and weldability, stainless steel flat bar (304/316) for corrosion resistance and clean finish, aluminum flat bar (6061-T6) for lightweight, high strength-to-weight, and machinability, and brass flat bar for decorative projects and low-friction wear surfaces.

Finishes and processes: hot rolled steel for economy and rounded corners; cold finished for tight tolerances and smooth surfaces; pickled & oiled for cleaner steel ready to paint; galvanized steel for outdoor durability; anodized aluminum for added corrosion resistance and color.

Typical sizes span widths from 1/2 in to 6 in+ and thicknesses from 1/8 in to 1 in, in full lengths (6–20 ft) or cut-to-length pieces to reduce waste. Edge conditions vary: sheared, square, or radius corners. Straightness and dimensional tolerances matter for precision fixtures and alignments.

Selection tips:
- Outdoor or wet environments: choose stainless 304/316 or galvanized steel.
- Weight-sensitive builds: use 6061-T6 aluminum.
- Welded frames and brackets: mild steel A36/1018.
- Architectural or non-sparking needs: brass or aluminum.
- Longer spans or higher loads: increase thickness or width to limit deflection.
- For tight machining: pick cold finished 1018 or precision-ground stock.

Workability is excellent with band saws, cutoff wheels, shears, plasma, or waterjet. Flats accept drilling, countersinking, threading, bending, and welding (MIG/TIG/stick on steel; TIG/MIG on aluminum). Deburr edges and dry-fit before final assembly.

Availability includes plain flats, slotted and pre-drilled mending bars, and perforated strips. Order by material, width, thickness, length, and finish. Common standards: ASTM A36, 1018, 304/316 stainless, and 6061-T6 aluminum. Flats store neatly with other Metal Rods, Shapes & Sheets and solve fast, clean fabrication tasks.