Why Should You Buy Used Steel Plates?

Steel plates are commonly used to cover potholes, excavations, trenches, damaged pedestrian walkways, and roads under construction. They are also used over trench boxes during excavation for utility construction and repair. Unlike new steel plates, which come straight from the manufacturer, used steel plates have been utilized in prior projects and uninstalled for resale. While many builders choose new steel plates, used plates are a smart, cost-effective option.

What Are the Specifications of Used Steel Plates?

Steel plates are a rectangular shape made of steel that is at least half of an inch thick. They sometimes feature hardened threaded weld nuts and engineered lifting devices (such as lifting rings) for easy installation. Many plates come with a skid-resistant texture that’s applied to the surface to prevent vehicles from sliding on the steel, especially in wet conditions.

Though steel plates are often 1-inch thick, their preferred thickness will depend on the speed of traffic, application, etc. Speeds above 45 miles per hour may require thicker plates, such as a 1.25-inch plate thickness or above.

Some common sizes for steel road plates that are one inch thick include: 4×4, 4×6, 4×8, 4×10, 4×12, 4×16, 5×8, 5×10, 5×12, 5×16, 6×8, 6×10, 6×12, 6×16, 8×10, 8×12, 8×16, 8×20.

What is their Condition?

Used steel plates come from a job site where they’ve been previously used for a road plate application, a beam and plate system, etc. Though this can sometimes mean the steel is in poor working condition, used steel plates can often be brand new, “like new”, or in good working condition. Steel contains very strong properties, so the working life of steel plates is typically long. In some cases, new steel plates might be sold as surplus if the steel was left over from another project in which it was not used or only lightly used.

What are the Benefits of Buying Used Steel Plates?

There are many benefits to purchasing used steel plates over new steel plates.

Used Steel Plates Are More Cost Effective.

The price of used steel is lower than new, even for exactly the same product. New steel plate come directly from the manufacturer, meaning they’re sold for the highest price. Furthermore, with high steel prices, new steel road plates cost more today than they have in the past. This makes used steel plates an attractive option for buyers looking to save money.

You Can Save Time When Purchasing Used Steel Plates.

Many used steel plates are ready for immediate use and uninstalled from their former project. This means that they do not need to be manufactured. Furthermore, used steel plates are often ready to be shipped at the time of purchase, which can cut down on transportation time. Instead of waiting for the next steel rolling, save time by purchasing used!

Used Steel Plates Enable High Quality Results.

In most cases, the wear and tear found on used steel road plates does not impact their function, meaning you can optimize your budget and save money on equipment without sacrificing performance or outcome.

Used Steel Plates Have a High Resale Value.

Used steel plates have a strong resale value, and it’s not uncommon to see the same plate resold multiple times. If you don’t plan on using your steel plates for multiple years, you can purchase used plates with the intention of reselling them after your project is complete.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace is the trusted source of used structural steel; our inventory includes used steel plates, brand new steel plates, brand new access trestle, used pipe pile, and more. In addition, our equipment inventory ranges from used drill rigs, to used sectional barges, to used concrete formwork, and everything in between.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.

Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.