If your project needs structural steel, your engineer’s drawings are the most important thing you can send us. They tell us exactly what to supply, so we can give you an accurate price and make sure the steel that arrives on site is the steel your engineer designed.
Who produces structural drawings?
Structural drawings and calculations come from a structural engineer. The engineer works out what size of steel your project needs and how it should be connected. We don’t design or size steelwork ourselves, so if you don’t have drawings or calculations yet, speak to a structural engineer before ordering. Your building control officer will also usually want to see the engineer’s calculations.
Calculations and drawings: what’s the difference?
For a simple job, such as a single beam over an opening, the engineer’s calculations may be all you need. They confirm the section size and sometimes the length.
For fabricated steelwork, such as beams with end plates, cleats or welded connections, you’ll also need drawings. These show how each piece should be made and how it fits together, so it can be fabricated correctly.
What we take from your drawings
When we receive your drawings, we use them to check and price:
- Section size: the exact beam, column or section specified.
- Fabricated length: the finished length of each piece.
- Hole positions and dimensions: where holes go and what size they are.
- Welded connection details: any plates, cleats or other parts to be welded on.
- Finish required: bare, primed or galvanised.
- Quantities: how many of each piece you need.
How drawings fit into the ordering process
- Quote: send your drawings or calculations and we price the job from them. Draft drawings are fine for a quote.
- Check: if anything is unclear or missing, we’ll come back to you before going any further.
- Order: once your drawings are finalised and approved, send the final version when you place your order.
- Fabrication: we cut, drill and fabricate the steel to the final drawings.
- Delivery: your steel is delivered or ready to collect, made to the details on the drawings.
Why final drawings matter
Steel is cut and fabricated to the drawings we receive with your order, and once it has been cut or drilled it can’t easily be changed. If your drawings are revised after you’ve ordered, tell us straight away and send the latest version.
It’s also worth checking key measurements on site before you order. If something on site doesn’t match the drawings, check with your engineer first rather than changing sizes yourself.
How to send your drawings
A PDF or a clear photo is fine. Use our upload page to attach your drawings, or get in touch by phone or email. For a full checklist of what helps us price your job, see our guide on what to send for a fast, accurate steel quote.
Have your drawings ready? Upload them here and our sales team will check the details and come back with an itemised quote.