Tee Beams

About Tee Beams

Steel Tee Beams, though less commonly used in construction than other structural shapes, can offer certain advantages when used correctly. 

A Tee Beam is a steel profile that is not typically made at the mill. Mills only produce small sizes. Larger steel tees are produced by splitting beams, most commonly Wide Flange Beams, but occasionally I-Beams. 

We use a specially made device to cut the web of a beam to produce two tees.  Generally, the cut is made down the middle of the beam but it can be cut off center.  Once cut, the portion of the beam that was known as the web is now called a stem when discussed as part of a Tee Beam.

Because Tee Beams are cut from Wide Flange Beams, we offer them in pairs of galvanized or raw steel.

Anatomy of Tee-Beam vs Wide Flange Beam

Tee Beams vs Wide Flange Beams

Advantages of Tee Beams

• Reduce the height and weight of the assembly

• Easier to bend the beam

Disadvantages of Tee Beams

• Lower tensile strength than comparably sized W-Beam

• Less resistance to tensile forces when compared to a W-Beam

Understanding the Part Numbers

Tee Beams split from Wide Flange Beams are designated as “WT” preceding the size (stem height X weight/foot X length).  For example, a Wide Flange Beam size W12 x 30 X 20 split to a Tee Beam would be designated WT6 X 15 X 20 since the 12-inch height of the original beam split in half = 6 inches and the 30 pounds per foot of the original beam split in half = 15 pounds.

Popular stainless steel sections are beams, channels, and angles. However, do not forget about the stainless steel tee bar. The tee section is very useful for manufacturers and production lines.

Customization and Applications

With Stainless Structurals laser fused technology, the full customization of tee bar is available. Engineers and designers can customize everything from the alloy, thickness, length, flange and even the degree of slope of the top flange. Product specifications include:

• Lengths from ten feet up to 40 feet
• Height from one inch up to 20 inches
• Width from one inch up to 20 inches
• Thickness from 1/8 inch and up

The most common alloys of stainless steel tee bars are 304/L and 316/L with duplex stainless becoming more popular. With laser fusion, many other stainless alloys are available too. Food processing and packaging is a very popular industry for stainless tees. Many poultry plants use a 2 x 2 x 1/4 tee for conveyor lines. We have even designed a tee with a five degree sloped top flange to allow for water runoff. Stainless steel tees are also used in production plants for different parts on operating equipment, for platforms and walkways, for supports, and much more.

Another application for stainless tee bar is for a façade or curtain wall designs. The sharp corners and smooth lines are a favorite of architects. Glazing companies also love the laser fused tee because of the minute weld seams, straightness, and sharp corners. For exterior work or storefronts, stainless is the preferred choice for corrosion resistance, lifespan, and of course the aesthetically pleasing look.

Place your order for a tee bar today

Our stainless steel tees and shapes are being utilized across North America in many different industries like food processing and packaging, oil and gas, architecture, water and wastewater, chemical plants and many more. If you need a standard size tee or a custom tee section, we can do it. Let Stainless Structurals help you with your next stainless steel design. Whether it be stainless steel beams, channels, tees or other shapes, the applications of our products are vast. Our team is ready to help you shape the future.