The Difference Between H Beam and W Beam

ROYAL GROUP

Steel beams—such as H beams and W beams—are used in bridges, warehouses, and other large structures, and even in machinery or truck bed frames.

The "W" in W-beam stands for "wide flange." H beam is a wide beam.

KIND WORDS FROM MY LOVELY CLIENTS

The left side shows a W beam, and the right side shows an H beam

W BEAM

Introduction

The "W" in the name of W beam stands for "wide flange." The main difference between W beams is that their inner and outer flange surfaces are parallel. Furthermore, the overall depth of the beam must be at least equal to the flange width. Typically, the depth is significantly greater than the width.

One advantage of W beams is that the flanges are thicker than the web. This helps resist bending stresses.

Compared to H beams, W-beams are available in more standard cross-sections. Due to their wider range of sizes (from W4x14 to W44x355), they are considered the most commonly used beams in modern construction worldwide.

A992 W beam is our best-selling style.

H BEAM

Introduction

H beams are the largest and heaviest beams available, capable of supporting greater weight loads. They are sometimes also called HPs, H-piles, or load-bearing piles, a reference to their use as underground foundation supports (load-bearing columns) for skyscrapers and other large buildings.

Similar to W beams, H beams have parallel inner and outer flange surfaces. However, the flange width of an H beam is approximately equal to the beam's height. The beam also has a uniform thickness throughout.

In many construction and engineering projects, beams serve as the foundation for support. They are simply a type of structural steel, but since there are many different beam types available, it's important to be able to distinguish between them.

Have you learned more about H beams and W beams after today's introduction? If you'd like to learn more about our expertise, please contact us for a discussion.