Current RSJ Steel Beam Prices 2026 – UK vs Poland vs EU Suppliers Comparison
Steel prices continue to fluctuate in 2026, making accurate market knowledge essential for budgeting construction projects. This guide provides current RSJ beam prices across UK, Poland, and European markets, compares major suppliers, and offers strategies for securing best value.
UK Market Prices (January 2026)
Price Per Meter by Beam Size
Small Beams (152-178mm):
- 152×127×37: £48-62/m
- 178×102×19: £38-52/m
Medium Beams (203mm):
- 203×133×25: £58-75/m
- 203×133×30: £68-85/m
- 203×203×52: £120-145/m
Large Beams (254mm):
- 254×146×31: £72-95/m
- 254×146×37: £85-110/m
- 254×146×43: £98-125/m
Extra Large (305mm+):
- 305×165×40 UB: £95-130/m
- 305×165×46 UB: £110-145/m
- 356×171×51 UB: £125-165/m
Price per kg: £2.50-3.10/kg typical (varies by size and supplier)
UK Major Suppliers
National Stockists:
- Barrett Steel: Wide range, competitive pricing, 30+ depots
- Rainham Steel: London/Southeast focus, good availability
- Masteel: Nationwide coverage, trade accounts
- Cleveland Steel: North of England specialist
Regional Suppliers:
- Better personal service
- Sometimes cheaper than nationals
- More flexible on cutting/fabrication
Online Suppliers:
- Metals4U: Good prices, delivery nationwide
- British Steel Direct Store: Mill direct pricing
- Simply Steel: Online ordering, quick delivery
UK Price Trends 2023-2026
2023: High prices (lingering effects of 2021-22 spike) 2024: Gradual decline (-8% vs. 2023) 2025: Stabilization 2026: Slight increase (+3-5% vs. 2025) due to increased demand
Current prices ~30% above 2019 levels but stable compared to 2021-22 peak
Poland Market Prices (January 2026)
Price Per Meter
IPE Sections (common in Poland/EU):
- IPE 200 (~203×133×25): 240-295 PLN/m (£48-60/m)
- IPE 220 (~203×133×30): 275-335 PLN/m (£55-68/m)
- IPE 270 (~254×146×31): 350-430 PLN/m (£70-88/m)
- IPE 300 (~305×165×40): 420-520 PLN/m (£85-105/m)
HEA/HEB Sections (heavier duty):
- HEA 200: 290-360 PLN/m (£59-73/m)
- HEB 200: 380-465 PLN/m (£77-95/m)
Price per kg: 9.50-12.50 PLN/kg (£1.95-2.55/kg)
Generally 10-20% cheaper than UK for equivalent sections
Polish Major Suppliers
Hurtownie Stali (Steel Wholesalers):
- Złomrex: Large national chain
- PPHu Expert: Warsaw region
- Stalprofil: Good online presence
Advantages:
- Lower labor costs = better prices
- Good quality (EU standards)
- Quick domestic delivery
Disadvantages for UK buyers:
- Language barrier
- Shipping costs offset savings
- Brexit customs complications
EU Market Comparison
Germany
Prices: Similar to UK, sometimes 5-10% lower Quality: Excellent Suppliers: ThyssenKrupp, Salzgitter
France
Prices: 5-8% higher than UK typically Quality: Good Notable: Strong domestic market
Czech Republic
Prices: Similar to Poland, competitive Quality: Good Advantage: Closer to Western Europe than Poland
Spain/Italy
Prices: Variable, generally similar to UK Quality: Good Consideration: Distance increases transport costs
Price Comparison Table
203×133×30 RSJ (or IPE 220 equivalent), 5m length:
| Country | Price/m | Total (5m) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | £68-85 | £340-425 | Standard retail |
| UK (trade account) | £54-68 | £270-340 | 20% trade discount |
| Poland | £55-68 | £275-340 | PLN equivalent |
| Germany | £62-78 | £310-390 | EUR equivalent |
| Czech Republic | £58-72 | £290-360 | CZK equivalent |
Cheapest: Poland/Czech Republic Best value considering logistics: UK trade account Premium: France/Italy
Import Considerations (Post-Brexit)
Importing from EU to UK
Costs to add:
- Customs clearance: £50-150
- VAT (20% of goods value)
- Import duty on steel: 0% (zero-rated) ✓
- Haulage from EU: £300-800 depending on distance
Example calculation:
- Polish IPE 220, 10 beams × 5m = £2,700
- Haulage from Poland: £600
- Customs: £100
- VAT: (2,700 + 600 + 100) × 20% = £680
- Total: £4,080 vs UK price ~£3,400
- NOT economical for small orders
Break-even: Orders >£15,000 might save money importing
Exporting from UK to EU
Reverse considerations:
- UK steel generally more expensive than EU
- Rarely economical to export from UK
Strategies for Best Prices
1. Establish Trade Account
Savings: 15-25% off retail How: Register as trade customer with main supplier Requirements:
- Business registration (sole trader sufficient)
- VAT number
- Trade references
Worth it if: Planning multiple projects or one large project
2. Volume Discounts
Thresholds:
- 500kg+ (single project): 5-10% discount
- 1 ton+: 10-15% discount
- 2 tons+: 15-20% discount
Strategy: Combine with neighbors/other trades for larger order
3. Accept Standard Lengths
Savings: £10-25 per cut avoided
Standard lengths: 6m, 12m Custom cuts: £15-30 each
Example:
- Need 4.3m beam
- Option A: Buy 6m @ £75/m = £450, waste 1.7m (£128 wasted)
- Option B: Buy 4.3m custom cut @ £75/m + £20 = £343
- Saving: £107
Best choice: Accept waste only if using excess elsewhere
4. Timing Your Purchase
Cheapest times:
- January-February (post-Christmas lull)
- July-August (summer slowdown)
Most expensive:
- March-May (spring building season)
- September (post-holiday restart)
Potential saving: 5-12% by timing well
5. Cash Payment Discounts
Offer: Immediate bank transfer payment Discount: 2-5% typical Applicable: Usually on orders £500+
Be sure to get receipt!
6. Compare Multiple Quotes
Get quotes from:
- 2-3 national suppliers
- 1-2 regional suppliers
- 1 online supplier
Variations of 15-20% common between suppliers for identical specifications
7. Reclaimed/Second-Hand Steel
Savings: 40-60% vs. new Risks: Unknown service history, potential damage Verification needed: Testing may cost £200-400, negating savings
Only suitable when:
- Engineer verifies condition acceptable -Mill certificates available
- Surface condition good
- Cost of testing justified by savings
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Delivery:
- Local (<30 miles): £50-120
- Regional: £100-200
- Long distance: £150-300+
Cutting/Fabrication:
- Cutting to length: £10-30 per cut
- Drilling holes: £5-15 per hole
- End plates/connections: £40-100 each
Finishing:
- Shot blasting: £8-15/m
- Priming: £10-20/m
- Galvanizing: £30-60/m
Inspection/Testing:
- Mill test certificates: Usually free-£30
- Independent testing: £200-500
Quality Considerations
Steel Grades
S275 (most common):
- Yield strength 275 N/mm²
- Suitable for most residential
- Standard availability
S355 (higher grade):
- Yield strength 355 N/mm²
- 29% stronger than S275
- Slightly more expensive (+5-10%)
- Better for heavyty duty applications
Always verify grade matches engineer’s specification!
Quality Standards
UK: BS EN 10025 (European standard adopted) Poland/EU: Same BS EN 10025 standard Quality consistent across EU due to harmonized standards
CE marking required - confirms compliance
2026 Market Outlook
Factors affecting prices:
Upward pressure:
- Increased construction activity
- Green steel production costs (decarbonization)
- Energy costs
Downward pressure:
- Improved supply chains post-pandemic
- Increased recycling capacity
- Competition from imports
Forecast: Stable to slight increase (0-5%) through 2026
Conclusion
UK RSJ prices in 2026 remain approximately 30% above 2019 levels but have stabilized after the 2021-22 spike. Polish and EU prices are 10-20% lower, but import logistics usually negate savings for small projects.
Best value strategies:
- Establish trade account (15-25% saving)
- Time purchase in quiet periods (5-12% saving)
- Volume discounts for larger orders (10-20% saving)
- Compare multiple suppliers (can find 15% variations)
- Avoid unnecessary processing (cutting, finishing)
For typical domestic project: UK trade account from national stockist offers best value considering logistics, availability, and service.
For very large projects (£15k+ steel): Consider EU import with specialist haulier.
Disclaimer: Prices quoted are indicative January 2026 rates and subject to change. Always obtain formal quotations for accurate budgeting. Exchange rates: £1 = 4.90 PLN, £1 = 1.17 EUR (approximate).
