1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 16ga.(.063″) Stainless Square Tube T-304 Mill Finish

Stainless Steel Square Tube – Type 304, Mill Finish

Our Type 304 stainless steel square tube is a hollow structural section that delivers high strength and rigidity with less weight than solid bar. Its flat faces and crisp corners make it simple to join, mount and finish, giving projects a clean, modern look.

Stainless tubing is widely used where corrosion resistance, durability and appearance matter, from architectural railings and furniture frames to food-service equipment, display fixtures and transportation or marine applications.

Key Features

  • Square hollow section with flat faces and sharp corners
  • High strength-to-weight ratio and excellent rigidity
  • Corrosion-resistant for indoor, outdoor and wet environments
  • Easy to cut, miter, drill and weld
  • Hygienic surface that is easy to clean
  • Offered in multiple sizes, wall thicknesses (gauges) and lengths

About Type 304 Stainless Steel (18-8)

Type 304 is the most widely specified austenitic stainless steel in the world. Often called 18-8 stainless, it contains roughly 18% chromium and 8% nickel, a balance that delivers excellent resistance to corrosion, oxidation and staining in everyday atmospheric, freshwater, food-contact and mild chemical environments.

It is also valued for its outstanding formability and weldability, good toughness (even at low temperatures) and a clean, attractive appearance that is easy to maintain. In the annealed condition Type 304 is essentially non-magnetic, although cold working can induce slight magnetism.

For constant exposure to salt water, de-icing salts or strong chloride solutions, Type 316 is the better choice, but for the vast majority of indoor, outdoor, architectural and food-service applications Type 304 offers the best balance of performance and cost.

Finish

Mill finish: the tube is supplied with the standard finish produced at the mill. It is an excellent general-purpose surface for fabrication, welding and structural use, and it can be polished, brushed or passivated afterward if a decorative finish is desired.

Why Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium. The chromium forms a thin, invisible, self-healing oxide layer on the surface that protects the metal from rust and corrosion, so stainless steel keeps its strength and appearance for years with minimal upkeep and without paint or coatings.

Common Applications

  • Handrails, guardrails, posts and balustrades
  • Furniture, tables, frames and display fixtures
  • Equipment frames, carts and racks
  • Food processing and commercial kitchen equipment
  • Marine, automotive and trailer accessories
  • Architectural trim and general fabrication

Fabrication and Handling

Tube can be cut with a band saw, cold saw, abrasive saw or tube laser and welded using TIG or MIG. Deburr and clean cut ends, and use end caps or plugs to finish open ends for a professional appearance.

Type 304 can be cut with band saws, abrasive saws, shears, plasma, laser or waterjet, and joined with TIG, MIG or resistance welding (308L filler is the usual match). Because it work-hardens quickly, use sharp tooling, steady feeds and adequate cooling when machining, and allow for springback when bending or forming.

Care and Maintenance

To keep stainless steel looking its best, clean it periodically with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth or non-abrasive pad, rinse thoroughly and dry. Always wipe in the direction of the grain or polish lines, avoid chlorine bleach and chloride-based cleaners, and do not use carbon-steel wire brushes or tools on the surface, as embedded iron particles can cause rust spots. If surface contamination does occur, a stainless steel cleaner or passivation treatment will restore the protective layer.

Sizes and Ordering

Tube is described by outside dimensions × wall thickness (gauge). Heavier walls provide greater strength; thinner walls reduce weight and cost. All dimensions listed are nominal and standard mill tolerances apply. For critical fits, structural or code-driven projects, we recommend confirming the exact dimensions and tolerances you need before ordering. If you require a size, length or quantity that is not listed, please contact us and we will be glad to help.

1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 16ga.(.063") Stainless Square Tube T-304 Mill Finish

Price range: $14.50 through $62.00

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📄 Custom lengths & volume pricing available.

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FAQ

We provide a comprehensive selection of high-quality metal construction materials including structural steel, aluminum profiles, stainless steel sheets and tubing, carbon steel products, copper and brass materials, iron fittings, and hardware components. Our inventory is regularly updated to meet the demands of construction professionals, manufacturers, and DIY enthusiasts across North America.

Absolutely! We offer competitive bulk pricing for contractors, construction companies, and businesses. The more you order, the better your price per unit. For orders exceeding $5,000, we recommend contacting our sales team directly for a customized quote. We can also arrange special pricing for recurring orders and long-term partnerships.

We offer standard ground shipping throughout the continental United States, with typical delivery times of 5-10 business days. Expedited 2-3 day shipping is available for orders in major metropolitan areas. For heavy or bulk items, we work with specialized freight carriers to ensure safe delivery. Shipping costs vary based on weight, destination, and product type. International shipping to Canada and Mexico can be arranged upon request.

Yes, we offer custom cutting and fabrication services for many of our products. Whether you need specific lengths, widths, or custom shapes, our team can accommodate your requirements. Custom orders typically require 7-14 business days for completion, depending on complexity. Contact our customer service team with your specifications for a detailed quote and timeline.

All our metal materials meet or exceed North American standards including ASTM, ASME, and CSA certifications. Our products undergo rigorous quality control testing and come with certified test reports upon request. We maintain compliance with industry regulations and environmental standards. All materials come with documentation verifying composition, strength, and other key specifications to ensure they meet your project requirements.

We stand behind the quality of our products with a 30-day return guarantee on unused, unopened items in original packaging. All materials are warranted to be free from defects in manufacturing for one year from purchase. If you receive damaged materials or discover defects, notify us immediately. We’ll arrange replacement or refund at no charge. Custom cut or fabricated items are non-returnable unless defective.

Our experienced team is happy to provide technical guidance on material selection, specifications, and best practices for your project. Whether you need help choosing the right type of steel, calculating load capacity, or understanding coating options, we’re here to help. Contact us via email, phone, or live chat to discuss your specific needs. For complex projects, we can arrange a consultation call with our technical specialists.

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