48.3 x 4 CHS

Circular Hollow Sections (CHS) – Cut to Length & Made to Order

Circular Hollow Sections are steel tubes with a uniform wall thickness, described by outside diameter and wall – 139.7 x 8 CHS, for example. Because the profile has no flat sides or corners, it behaves identically whichever way a load arrives, and it resists torsion better than any other structural section. That combination makes CHS the choice for columns, trusses, bracing and props where forces come from more than one direction.

The round face also sheds water and wind rather than catching them, which is why CHS appears on exposed structures, canopies, handrails, balustrades and architectural steelwork where the section is meant to be seen. Coatings sit evenly on a curved surface, and there are no internal angles for dirt or moisture to collect in.

We stock the range from 21.3 mm small-diameter tube up to 457 mm heavy sections, in wall thicknesses from 2.6 mm to 40 mm. Every section is cut to the exact length your drawings call for and priced per metre, so you pay for the steel you use rather than for a stock bar you then have to cut down and dispose of.

We fabricate as well as supply. Holes are drilled to your setting-out, base plates, cap plates and connections are welded on, and protective or decorative finishes are applied before the steel leaves us – so what arrives is ready to install, not ready to start working on.

Ordering and customisation

Specify your section on the CHS calculator: pick the diameter and wall thickness, set the length, and add the modifications you need. Options include:

• Cutting to length – any length you specify, across the whole CHS range
• Drilling – holes to your positions and diameters
• Base plates and connections – base plates, cap plates, flanges, brackets and bespoke assemblies; see examples of the connections we fabricate
• Finishes – protective and decorative coatings; see the finishes available

If your requirement does not fit the calculator, send us your drawings or dimensions and we will quote it. Steel grade is confirmed on request.

Common applications

The full CHS size and weight chart – outside diameter, wall thickness and weight per metre for every size we stock – is on our Circular Hollow Sections information page.

Delivery and collection

Delivery dates are confirmed after your order is placed. Lead time depends on the size of the order and on any cutting, drilling, welding or finishing work involved, so we will contact you with a confirmed date once the order is in.

The customer is responsible for unloading heavy goods unless otherwise agreed in writing. Because of the weight and length of structural steel, our drivers are unable to unload at your address. Please arrange suitable people and lifting equipment to be on site to accept and unload the delivery. If nobody is available when the driver arrives, the order may be returned to our warehouse and a re-delivery charge will apply.

Collection from our Melksham warehouse is also available – please contact us before travelling, as orders usually need 24–48 hours to prepare.

These terms apply to structural steel. Full details, including restricted and remote delivery areas, are on our shipping and delivery page.

Why order your CHS from us

• Full range from 21.3 mm to 457 mm diameter, 2.6 mm to 40 mm wall
• Any length – cut to your exact requirement, priced per metre
• Drilling, welded base plates, connections and bespoke fabrication
• Specify and price your section online through the CHS calculator
• Steel grade confirmed on request
• Nationwide delivery, or collection from Melksham, Wiltshire

Not sure which size you need? Use the calculator to work it out, or contact us with your loading and project details and we will advise.