Steel Beams & Wide-Flange Tees

Steel beams and wide-flange tees (WTs), also known as Split T’s, provide high load-bearing capacity, stiffness, and long-term structural stability for framing systems, equipment support, and engineered structures across commercial, residential, industrial, OEM, masonry, municipal, infrastructure, and landscape applications. These profiles deliver durable performance and predictable strength, supporting reliable installation and consistent structural integrity.

Steel members also offer clear advantages compared to engineered wood products such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL). A steel beam provides significantly higher strength-to-weight efficiency and maintains load-carrying capacity without the movement over time, gradual sagging under long-term loading, and moisture-related distortion associated with wood-based members. From an environmental standpoint, steel is highly recyclable, contains a substantial percentage of recovered material, and can be repeatedly recycled without degradation, supporting long-term sustainability objectives and offering a more environmentally responsible option than LVL.

Central Steel Supply Company provides specification-compliant structural beam and tee profiles designed to support a broad range of construction and fabrication requirements. The following sections outline available profiles, coordinated processing services, and common applications.

Dimensions and Specifications

Wide Flange (Bare and Primed) and Standard I-Beams

Central Steel Supply Company stocks wide-flange and standard I-beam profiles.

• Wide-flange (WF) beams feature broad flanges with uniform thickness, delivering enhanced load distribution, lateral stability, and bending resistance. Primed wide-flange beams are also available for corrosion protection and efficient preparation for painted or coated applications.
• Standard I-beams incorporate narrower, tapered flanges and a taller web, supporting applications with geometric constraints or specific weight considerations.
• Wide-Flange Tees (WTs / Split T’s) are produced by splitting wide-flange beams to create tee-shaped profiles used in structural strengthening, bracing, ledger systems, and other engineered applications where a partial wide-flange member is desirable.

Beam Identification Basics

Steel beams are identified by three primary characteristics. Together, these identifiers provide a clear understanding of a beam’s size, weight, and intended structural performance.

1. Shape designation – such as W for wide-flange beams, S for standard I-beams, and WT for wide-flange tees (also known as split tees)—describes the beam profile used for structural design.
2. Depth – refers to the vertical height of the beam (measured from the outer edge of one flange to the outer edge of the opposite flange).
3. Weight per Linear Foot – Measured in pounds per foot (lb/ft), this value indicates the beam’s weight and correlates to flange thickness, web thickness, and overall structural capacity.

Example:

• WF Beam 8” × 18.0#
  • WF = Wide-flange profile
  • 8” = Nominal depth of 8 inches
  • 18.0# = Weight of 18 pounds per foot

Stocked Ranges

• Wide-Flange Beams (WF): WF Beams are stocked in sizes ranging from 4” through 18” in depth, with multiple weight-per-foot options available across the range.
• Standard I-Beams (I): I-Beams are stocked in 3″ × 5.7#, 4” x 7.7#, and 6″ × 12.5#
• Wide Flange Tees (WT): WT profiles are created by splitting wide-flange beams and are available as custom-order products.

***Primed beam options can also be coordinated upon request***

Additional sizes and finishes can be supplied through trusted partner resources when project requirements extend beyond stocked ranges.

Standard Lengths and Value-Added Support

Steel beams and tees are stocked in lengths up to 50 feet depending on the specific item. Material can be supplied to specified lengths through coordinated processing services that enhance customer productivity by supporting fabrication and installation workflows. Preparing beams to required dimensions reduces job-site handling, minimizes waste, promotes schedule efficiency, and contributes to strong long-term business relationships by supporting the overall success of each customer’s project.

Processing Services for Steel Beams & Tees

Central Steel Supply Company supports a full range of processing capabilities designed to enhance efficiency, improve material accuracy, and reinforce long-term customer partnerships. Material preparation can be performed using in-house resources or coordinated through trusted processing partners to meet specific project requirements.

• Saw Cutting: Precision saw cutting—including miter-cut capability—allows beams and tees to be supplied at required lengths, supporting accurate alignment and reducing preparation time in both shop and field settings.
• Drilling, Slotting & Scribing: Drilling and slotting services provide accurately located holes and openings that support consistent connection performance and predictable assembly. Scribing and part-number marking can also be incorporated to identify orientation, connection locations, and installation placement clearly, helping streamline job-site sequencing and reducing field-level adjustments.
• Coping: Coping services create precise web or flange notches that support proper fit with intersecting members. This preparation promotes installation efficiency and reduces the need for field modification, helping projects remain on schedule while supporting coordinated workflows.

Additional Note: Angle Clips
When preparing beams and tees for installation, it is beneficial to coordinate angle clips as part of the overall connection package. Central Steel Supply Company offers angle clips and complementary connection materials and fasteners, helping streamline procurement and support efficient structural assembly.

CAD File Integration

CAD files and detailed shop drawings can be incorporated directly into processing programming to achieve accurate hole placement, cut geometry, dimensional control, and marking details. Central Steel Supply Company maintains a full CAD department for generating or refining drawings as needed and can also partner with trusted detailing resources to assist with shop drawings, connection detailing, and quantity takeoffs. These coordinated capabilities support overall workflow predictability, reduce delays, and contribute to each customer’s long-term project success.

Industries and Common Applications

Beam profiles deliver dependable load-bearing capacity, rigidity, and structural stability for a wide range of applications. These structural products are used extensively in the following sectors:

• Commercial Construction and Engineering: Floor framing, roof framing, mezzanines, columns, lintels, and structural support systems.
• Residential Construction: Structural members for home additions, interior and exterior framing supports, deck and porch structures, foundation openings, engineered load-transfer elements
• Municipal & Infrastructure: Bridge framing, roadway structures, utility supports, public walkways, and transit-related structural elements.
• Industrial: Equipment platforms, mezzanines, processing lines, conveyor structures, and heavy-duty support frames.
• Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM): Structural elements within engineered machinery bases, frames, and equipment assemblies.
• Masonry: Load-bearing lintels, structural openings, and support components integrated into masonry walls.
• Landscape Construction: Retaining structures, elevated decks, pedestrian bridges, and heavy-duty site components.

Contact Us for a Quote Today

Partnering with a supplier that delivers reliable inventory, precise material accuracy, dependable service, and strong technical expertise helps create lasting business relationships and elevates overall customer success. Central Steel Supply Company provides steel products and value-added services that enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and keep projects moving with consistent productivity. Quotes for material availability and processing options are available upon request.