Where to Buy RSJ Beams Online in 2026 – Best Suppliers, Delivery, and Deals
Buying RSJ steel beams online offers convenience, competitive pricing, and doorstep delivery. This guide reviews the best UK suppliers for 2026, compares their offerings, explains delivery options, and provides strategies for securing the best deals on your steel beam purchase.
Top Online RSJ Beam Suppliers UK 2026
1. Metals4U (www.metals4u.co.uk)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
Strengths:
- Excellent online ordering system
- Wide range of sizes in stock
- Custom cutting service
- Competitive pricing
- Fast delivery (3-5 days typical)
- No minimum order
Pricing:
- 203×133×25: £62-68/m
- 254×146×31: £78-86/m
- Fair pricing, middle of market
Delivery:
- England/Wales: £75-120 typical
- Scotland: £120-180
- Free delivery on orders >£750 (location dependent)
Best for: Small to medium orders, custom cuts, reliable service
2. British Steel Direct Store (britishsteel.co.uk/direct)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Strengths:
- Mill-direct pricing (very competitive)
- British manufactured steel
- Large orders welcome
- Trade accounts available
- Quality assurance excellent
Pricing:
- 203×133×25: £58-64/m
- 254×146×31: £72-80/m
- Generally 5-10% cheaper than retailers
Delivery:
- Varies by location and order size
- Bulk delivery more economical
- Lead time: 7-14 days
Best for: Large orders, quality-conscious buyers, supporting UK manufacturing
3. Simply Steel (www.simplysteel.co.uk)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)
Strengths:
- User-friendly website
- Live stock checker
- Quick quote system
- Good customer service
- Cut-to-length service
Pricing:
- 203×133×25: £64-70/m
- 254×146×31: £80-88/m
- Mid-range pricing
Delivery:
- Nationwide coverage
- Typical cost: £80-140
- Express delivery available (+30%)
Best for: Quick orders, good website experience, reliable delivery
4. Steel Express (www.steel-express.co.uk)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5)
Strengths:
- Next-day delivery available (selected areas)
- Good range of finishes (primed, galvanized)
- Fabrication services
- Technical support
Pricing:
- 203×133×25: £66-72/m
- 254×146×31: £82-90/m
- Slightly premium for fast service
Delivery:
- Standard: 3-5 days
- Express: Next day (London/M25, +£50)
- Cost: £85-150
Best for: Urgent orders, London/Southeast, fabrication needs
5. Click Metal (www.clickmetal.co.uk)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.9/5)
Strengths:
- Very competitive pricing
- Large stockholder
- Volume discounts available
- Trade accounts
Pricing:
- 203×133×25: £60-66/m
- 254×146×31: £74-82/m
- Cheap pricing option
Delivery:
- National coverage -Cost: £70-130
- Can be slower (7-10 days)
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, non-urgent orders, bulk purchases
6. Metro Steel (www.metrosteel.co.uk)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)
Strengths:
- London/Southeast specialist
- Same-day collection available
- Good for small orders
- Helpful staff
Pricing:
- 203×133×25: £68-74/m
- 254×146×31: £84-92/m
- Premium pricing but excellent service
Delivery:
- London/M25: £60-90
- Nationwide: £120-180
- Collection: Free
Best for: London customers, urgent needs, click & collect
Comparison Table
| Supplier | Price Rating | Delivery Speed | Customer Service | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metals4U | Medium | Fast (3-5 days) | Excellent | Custom cuts, reliability |
| British Steel Direct | Cheap | Moderate (7-14 days) | Good | Large orders, UK made |
| Simply Steel | Medium | Fast (3-5 days) | Excellent | Easy ordering |
| Steel Express | Premium | Very Fast (1-3 days) | Excellent | Urgent orders |
| Click Metal | Cheap | Slow (7-10 days) | Good | Budget buyers |
| Metro Steel | Premium | Fast (1-3 days) | Excellent | London, urgency |
How to Order RSJ Beams Online
Step 1: Determine Exact Specification
You need to know:
- Beam size (e.g., 203×133×30)
- Length required (add 150mm each end for bearing)
- Steel grade (usually S275, check engineer’s spec)
- Finish required (black, primed, galvanized)
- Quantity
Example specification: “203×133×30 RSJ, S275 grade, length 4.3m, mill finish (black), quantity 1”
Step 2: Get Multiple Quotes
Contact 3-4 suppliers:
- Online quote forms
- Phone quotes
- Email requests
Include in request:
- Full specification
- Delivery postcode
- Required delivery date
- Any special requirements (crane offload, time restrictions)
Step 3: Compare Total Costs
Don’t just compare beam price!
Total cost includes:
- Beam price per meter × length
- Cutting fee (if required)
- Delivery cost
- Crane offload (if needed)
- VAT (20%)
Example comparison:
Supplier A:
- Beam: 4.3m × £66/m = £284
- Cutting: £0 (using 4.3m exactly)
- Delivery: £85
- Subtotal: £369
- VAT: £74
- Total: £443
Supplier B:
- Beam: 4.3m × £62/m = £267
- Cutting: £20
- Delivery: £125
- Subtotal: £412
- VAT: £82
- Total: £494
Winner: Supplier A despite higher per-meter price!
Step 4: Place Order
Information needed:
- Full company/personal details
- Delivery address
- Contact number (for driver)
- Purchase order number (if applicable)
- Payment method
Payment options:
- Credit/debit card
- Bank transfer (often 2-5% cash discount!)
- Trade account (if established)
- PayPal (some suppliers)
Step 5: Arrange Delivery
Provide:
- Access information (narrow roads, height restrictions)
- Preferred delivery time
- Contact on delivery day
- Offloading method (manual, crane, forklift)
Delivery types:
- Kerbside (driver doesn’t help offload)
- Assisted (driver helps with light beams)
- Crane offload (+£100-250)
Delivery Considerations
Access Requirements
Vehicle dimensions:
- Length: Up to 13m articulated lorry
- Width: 2.5m
- Height: 4.0m
Can’t access?
- Smaller rigid truck (+£30-50)
- Multiple journeys if very restricted
Offloading Options
Manual (beams <100kg):
- You need 2-4 people ready
- Driver may assist (not guaranteed)
- Have clear landing area
Crane offload (beams >150kg or awkward):
- Pre-book with supplier (+£100-250)
- Ensure overhead clearance
- Mark beam position clearly
Site forklift/telehandler:
- Inform supplier
- Coordinate timing
- Usually no extra charge
Timing
Standard delivery:
- 1-2 week lead time typical
- Specify AM or PM slot (if available)
- Driver calls 30-60 mins before
Express delivery:
- Available from some suppliers
- 24-48 hour delivery
- Premium cost (+20-50%)
Money-Saving Tips
1. Accept Standard Lengths
6m or 12m beams = NO cutting fee
If engineer allows tolerance, use standard length even if slightly over required:
- Need 5.8m? Buy 6m (£15-25 saving vs cutting 5.8m from 12m)
2. Order Multiple Beams Together
Volume discounts:
- 2-3 beams: 5% discount often available
- 5+ beams: 10-15% discount
- 10+ beams: Negotiate 15-20%
Plus delivery cost spread across multiple beams
3. Cash Payment Discount
Offer immediate bank transfer:
- Many suppliers offer 2-5% cash discount
- Save £20-50 on typical order
- Always get proper invoice/receipt!
4. Click & Collect
Save £70-140 delivery cost if you can collect:
Requirements:
- Suitable vehicle (long wheelbase van minimum)
- Proper tie-downs/straps
- Help loading (suppliers usually assist)
- Check beam weight vs. vehicle capacity
Best for: Beams <5m, <150kg, local supplier
5. Time Your Purchase
Cheapest periods:
- January-February (quiet period)
- Late July-August (summer lull)
Avoid if possible:
- March-May (busy spring)
- September (post-holiday rush)
Potential saving: 5-10% by timing
6. Trade Account Setup
Worth it if:
- Multiple projects planned
- Even one large project
Savings:
- 15-25% off retail prices
- Better payment terms
- Priority service
Requirements:
- Business registration
- VAT number
- Trade references
7. Check for Promotions
Suppliers occasionally run:
- Free delivery over £X
- Seasonal discounts
- Clearance on less common sizes
Sign up for newsletters from 2-3 favorite suppliers
Quality Checks on Delivery
Inspect immediately:
Check for:
- Correct size (measure depth, width)
- Correct length
- Straightness (sight along beam)
- Surface condition (rust acceptable if specified black, but not deep pitting)
- Damage (dents, bends, cracks)
Reject if:
- Wrong specification
- Significantly bent (>10mm over 6m length)
- Deep rust pitting
- Cracks or visible damage
Note on delivery paperwork any concerns BEFORE driver leaves
Photograph any damage for insurance/dispute resolution
Customer Service Comparison
Based on 2026 customer reviews:
Best customer service:
- Metals4U - Responsive, helpful, good problem resolution
- Steel Express - Expert technical advice
- Simply Steel - User-friendly, good communication
Budget options (adequate service):
- Click Metal - Basic but functional
- British Steel Direct - Professional but less hand-holding
Regional specialists:
- Metro Steel (London) - Excellent local service
Returns and Issues
Most suppliers offer:
- 14-day return (unused, undamaged)
- Refund minus restocking fee (10-20%)
- Delivery costs not refundable
Damaged/incorrect goods:
- Report immediately
- Photographic evidence required
- Replacement/refund per supplier policy
Wrong size ordered (your error):
- Usually can’t return cut-to-length beams
- May resell at reduced price
- Always double-check specification before ordering!
Conclusion
Buying RSJ beams online in 2026 offers convenience and competitive pricing. Top suppliers include Metals4U for reliability, British Steel Direct for best prices on large orders, and Steel Express for urgent needs.
Recommendation hierarchy:
Best overall: Metals4U - Good balance of price, service, delivery Cheapest: British Steel Direct or Click Metal - For budget-conscious Fastest: Steel Express or Metro Steel - When time critical Best for beginners: Simply Steel - Easy website, good support
Money-saving strategies:
- Get 3-4 quotes (prices vary 15-20%)
- Negotiate cash discount (2-5% saving)
- Time purchase in quiet periods (5-10% saving)
- Consider click & collect (save £70-140)
- Establish trade account for recurring needs (15-25% saving)
Always factor total cost (beam + delivery + cutting) not just perm-meter price.
Disclaimer: Supplier ratings and prices based on January 2026 data and customer reviews. Individual experiences may vary. Always verify current pricing and availability directly with suppliers.
