Differences between Steel Beams

H Beam vs. I Beam

In the construction industry, it’s vital to understand what makes I beams and H beams different. At first impression, these two steel beams look virtually identical, but there are some stark differences which are essential to understand. If you work with structural steel, you ought to consider this information, considering how useful steel beams are to a build.

Firstly, why are they called I beams and H beams?

• I Beams – unsurprisingly, I beams are shaped like the letter ‘I’. However, contrary to steel H beams, I beams consist of two horizontal plates (otherwise known as flanges), connected by a vertical component (the web). I beams also have tapered edges and a slightly higher cross-section, compared to the flange width.

• H Beams – these structural steel beams are, as the name suggests, shaped like a capital ‘H’. These beams have wider flanges, which isn’t all that shocking considering they are often referred to as wide flange beams by some other structural steel fabricators.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the critical differences between H beams and I beams.