Cost of structural steel 2

[wzalzali]

I know prices have gone up, i am looking at the RS means 2002 edition (i know its a little old) the cost of structural steel is roughly 1350$ per ton (2000 pounds)just material, and 1500$ incl labor overhead and profit, i am aware of the city indecies and the whole nine yards, and it can change day to day, but what is a good rough estimate of the cost of a ton of steel now-a-days? Thank you

 

[pmkPE]

I performed a rough estimate of a construction job earlier this year in conjunction with a specialty steel contractor and the rates for the summer of 2004 were twice that of a year earlier. I used RSMeans 2004 which is based on 2003 values and doubled the material costs and the results were very close to our contractors estimate - theirs was based on current quotes and did not reflect what the actual prices would be in another two, three or more months had the job been given the go-ahead. If you look in RSMeans you will find a table that lists the historical averages ( or percent increases), from those averages you can extrapolate to a future date to come up with a reasonable estimate of the current prices to be expected after factoring the volitivity in steel prices over the past year, Good Luck!

 

[wzalzali]

Thanks pmkpe, do you recall what the material cost per ton he quoted you? that is the reason i do not want to depend on the 2002 data

 

[pmkPE]

I did not receive costs per ton I was estimating a total job independently of the contractor, they broke out their overall costs related to steel but I did not need or ask for specifics. If you call around to the local fab shops/steel suppliers they will tell you what the current rates are.

 

[Wasdifferent]

wzalzali,
I'm located in Troy, NY. I just had a little over a ton of A36 delivered for a small residential job. The delivered price was just over $1300.00. I think I could do better with a larger load, but the going rate here is about $1000.00/Ton for the steel itself.

-Mike

http://www.sewellgeneralcontracting.com

 

[BFPartners]

Currently the price for structural steel is approx $0.75/lb CND or $0.63/lb USD.

Last year the prices were:

$0.50/lb CND or $0.41/lb USD

The best bet is to call a supplier and get the price.

Currently a large amount of scrap steel is being shipped to China which is driving up prices for suppliers.

 

[HgTX]

BFPartners is absolutely right--you need to call a supplier and ask. Not only do you not want to use figures from 2 years ago, you don't want to use figures from 6 months ago. And when you call, don't forget to ask about surcharges--those have been going up and up even when the steel price is stable. Supposedly things are leveling off.

Here are some price index websites:

http://www.meps.co.uk/N.Amer Index.htm

http://www.steelonthenet.com/frameTRA.html

http://cruspifutures.com/

(you'll need to create an account to use the CRU site properly)

Hg

 

[wzalzali]

Thank you all, you have been very helpful....

 

[KarlT]

BF Partners....Are your costs the costs to purchase the steel components from the fabricators, (ex. purchasing plate, channels, w-sections, etc)? I would assume the fabrication of connections, etc. & installed costs would be higher?

 

[Grizzman]

$0.70/lb is about right for W's, L's, and C's.
Plate cost slightly more, and tubes cost considerably more.( I think about $1.05/lb for tube)
Also, I'm sure geography (and project size)will play into it.
The costs have actually leveled off in the last few months. We actually saw a drop in price for the above mentioned shapes. Tube is holding strong at a premium. For the difference in price it is worth the time to compare HSS and W columns in regards to loading and weight.

 

[BFPartners]

The costs are for general fabricated beam members such as W, WWF, S, C, and L sections(c/w copes and holes for end clip bolts). HSS and other tubing may cost more therefore try to avoid HSS when possible. For plates, remember most steel sheets are supplier in a 4 x 8 or a 3 x 6 sheet size and this will dictate the fabrication cost. Smaller more complex fabrications will drive prices up as well if you are supplying steel for a highrise, the costs will decrease. Remember buy bulk. Most suppliers have a beam say W8 x 18 that is mass produced and an engineer trying to reduce the steel will only end up paying premiums for a non-stock section rather than using the industry norm!!

As for supply, fabrication and installation costs, some where around $5/lb - $6/lb. USD (Again depending on location!!)

 

[jomama]

ENR Quarterly cost reports are a very good source for estimating project costs if you just need a ballpark figure. The best source for this information is from several of your area suppliers. Nearly all of them would do backflips to get a heads-up on a possible new project.