Metal Angle Materials: Which One is Best?

5 May 2025

Choosing the right material for your angle iron project can make all the difference between a build that lasts for years and one that needs repairs within months. Different materials offer different strengths – whether that’s load-bearing capacity, corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication or appearance.

At The Metal Store, we supply angle profiles in mild steel, aluminium, brass, galvanised steel, and stainless steel – each with their own unique properties. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and best uses for each type, so you can choose the perfect material for your next project.

Article in Brief

Mild steel angle is strong and affordable but needs protection against rust.

Aluminium angle is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to work with.

Brass angle is decorative and corrosion-resistant but softer and more expensive.

Galvanised steel angle is tough and highly rust-resistant, ideal for outdoor use.

Stainless steel angle offers maximum strength and corrosion resistance for high-end, demanding environments.

Order cut-to-size angle products from The Metal Store with free cutting and next-day UK delivery.

1

Mild Steel Angle Iron


Strengths:

  • Excellent strength for load-bearing structures.
  • Affordable and easy to weld, cut, and drill.
  • Ideal for large projects on a budget.

Weaknesses:

  • Will rust if left untreated.
  • Needs painting, powder-coating, or galvanising for outdoor use.

Typical uses:


  • Building frameworks, shelving, structural supports, machinery bases, DIY furniture.

Pro tip:
If you’re working indoors or planning to paint your project, mild steel angle is a cost-effective, reliable choice.

2

Aluminium Angle


Strengths:


  • Lightweight – around one-third the weight of steel.
  • Naturally corrosion-resistant (forms a protective oxide layer).
  • Very easy to cut, drill, and weld with basic tools.

Weaknesses:


  • Not as strong as steel under heavy loads.
  • More expensive than mild steel.

Typical uses:


  • Lightweight frameworks, transport structures, marine projects, decorative builds, and outdoor furniture.

Pro tip:
Aluminium angle is perfect when you need easy handling, reduced weight, and rust-resistance without extra coatings.

3

Brass Angle


Strengths:


  • Attractive golden finish – ideal for decorative and architectural projects.
  • Highly corrosion-resistant and non-magnetic.
  • Easy to work with for smaller, detailed projects.

Weaknesses:


  • Softer material – not suitable for heavy load-bearing applications.
  • Premium cost compared to mild steel or aluminium.

Typical uses:


  • Decorative trims, luxury fixtures, architectural detailing, and furniture accents.

Pro tip:
If appearance is important, nothing beats the natural warmth and luxury of brass.

4

Galvanised Steel Angle


Strengths:


  • Made from mild steel coated in zinc for superior rust protection.
  • Extremely tough and durable for outdoor environments.
  • Cost-effective way to protect steel from corrosion without expensive alloys.

Weaknesses:


  • Galvanised coatings can scratch if handled roughly, exposing the steel underneath.
  • Welding requires extra care as the zinc coating can produce harmful fumes.

Typical uses:


  • Outdoor frameworks, fencing, gates, external supports, construction bracing, agricultural buildings.

Pro tip:
If your project is exposed to rain, moisture, or coastal conditions, galvanised steel angle is your best budget-friendly defence against rust.

5

Stainless Steel Angle


At the Metal Store, we sell both 304 grade stainless steel as well as 316 marine grade stainless steel

Strengths:


  • Offers the highest level of corrosion resistance among all the materials listed.
  • Extremely strong and durable – great for both structural and decorative projects.
  • Attractive modern finish, ideal for visible or high-end applications.

Weaknesses:


  • Generally, one of the more expensive material options.
  • Harder to cut and drill without specialist tools compared to mild steel or aluminium.

Typical uses:


  • Marine structures, food processing plants, medical facilities, architectural features, luxury outdoor frameworks.

Pro tip: When you need a material that can handle extreme environments and look good doing it, stainless steel angle is the ultimate choice.

6

How They Compare: At A Glance

Mild Steel


  • Strength: High

  • Corrosion Resistance: Low (needs coating)

  • Weight: Heavy

  • Ease of Work: Easy

  • Cost: £ (lowest)

  • Appearance: Industrial grey

  • Best For: Structural frameworks, shelving

Aluminium


  • Strength: Medium

  • Corrosion Resistance: High

  • Weight: Light

  • Ease of Work: Very easy

  • Cost: £££

  • Appearance: Bright silver

  • Best For: Lightweight frames, marine use

Brass


  • Strength: Medium

  • Corrosion Resistance: High

  • Weight: Medium

  • Ease of Work: Easy

  • Cost: £££££ (highest)

  • Appearance: Decorative gold

  • Best For: Decorative interiors

Galvanised Steel


  • Strength: High

  • Corrosion Resistance: Very high

  • Weight: Heavy

  • Ease of Work: Moderate

  • Cost: ££

  • Appearance: Dull silver

  • Best For: Outdoor structures, fencing

Stainless Steel


  • Strength: Very high

  • Corrosion Resistance: Exceptional

  • Weight: Heavy

  • Ease of Work: Difficult

  • Cost: ££££

  • Appearance: Polished silver

  • Best For: Marine, architectural, food-grade applications

7

Which Material Should You Choose?

  • On a budget and need strength? → Mild Steel Angle

  • Need lightweight and corrosion-resistant material? → Aluminium Angle

  • Building luxury, decorative items? → Brass Angle

  • Outdoor heavy-duty work? → Galvanised Steel Angle

  • Top-end, extreme durability required? → Stainless Steel Angle

Pro tip:
Always consider the project environment (indoor, outdoor, marine) and the look you want to achieve before picking your angle material.

Buy Cut-to-Size Angle Materials from The Metal Store

At The Metal Store, we offer cut-to-size mild steel, aluminium, brass, galvanised steel, and stainless steel angles, ready for whatever your project needs.

✅ Unlimited free cutting – no extra charges for getting exactly the size you need.

✅ Bulk discounts – perfect for trade or large-scale projects.

✅ Next-day delivery available across most of the UK.

✅ Expert support – if you need help choosing, our team is only a call or email away.

Browse our full range today and get metal made easy for your next project!

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