Last Updated: September 29, 2026
What 1-1/2x4 Steel Tubing Actually Is
A 1-1/2x4 steel tubing is a rectangular hollow section with an outside dimension of 1-1/2 inches by 4 inches, sold in 11ga wall thickness and cut to length for structural, fabrication, and repair work. At JWM Metal Supply, we cut this profile to order from American-made stock, so you get the exact length your project needs.
The "1-1/2x4" name describes outside dimensions, not inside dimensions. Wall thickness eats into the interior.
Outside Dimensions and Nominal Sizing
Outside dimensions are measured across the flat faces of the tube, excluding the wall.
Here is how the numbers break down on this profile:
- Outside dimensions: 1-1/2" x 4"
- Wall thickness: 11ga
- Weight: 4.35 lb per foot
- Finish: raw mill finish
Mill finish means the tube arrives with light mill scale or surface rust possible, and the edges may be sharp. That is normal for raw carbon steel, not a defect.
Material Grades: A500 vs A513
A500 is the structural tubing specification, written for welded and seamless carbon steel shapes used in load-bearing frames and supports. A513 covers mechanical tubing, made for parts where dimensional consistency and machinability matter more than structural ratings.
Which grade you receive depends on supply at the time of the order.
11ga Steel Tubing Applications: Where 1-1/2x4 Fits
The 1-1/2x4 profile in 11ga is a middleweight rectangle.
Common 11ga steel tubing applications include:
- Trailer frames, crossmembers, and deck supports
- Equipment and implement repair on farms and ranches
- Handrails, gates, and light structural frames
- Custom racks, carts, and shop fixtures
- Automotive frame repair where a narrow rectangle fits
The 4-inch face gives you a wide surface for welding and bolting. The 1-1/2-inch face keeps the profile compact where clearance is tight.
Structural Steel Tubing Lengths and Cut Options
Structural steel tubing lengths on this profile run from 6 inches to 96 inches as stock cut lengths.
Cut-to-length ordering is the practical advantage here. You specify the length, the supplier cuts it, and it arrives ready to weld.
Ordering Steel Tubing Online: What to Check Before You Buy
Ordering this profile online comes down to four variables: dimensions, grade, cut length, and certification.
1-1/2" x 4" 11ga Rectangle Steel Tubing →
This profile ships in 11ga wall thickness only, in stock cut lengths from 6 inches to 96 inches, with free shipping and no minimum order quantity. Orders ship in 1-5 business days. MTRs are available on request.
The Compatibility Matrix: What This Profile Connects To
Mating Element |
Typical Fit on 1-1/2" x 4" x 11ga |
What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
Square/rectangular tube of same profile |
Butt, miter, or T-joint |
Wall match and corner radius |
Flat plate or gusset |
Surface weld or bolt-through |
Plate thickness vs. bolt grip length |
Angle or channel |
Lap or T-joint |
Leg width vs. 1-1/2" face |
Threaded rod or bolt through wall |
Through-hole |
Hole diameter vs. bolt shank, edge distance |
Insert or plug inside the tube |
Slip fit into ID |
ID after wall thickness, not nominal OD |
Bracket or clevis |
Bolt-on |
Hole pattern and face flatness |
Cut Length: The Math That Trips People Up
Order the cut length your drawing calls for, then add allowance for kerf and finish. When in doubt, add one spare piece to the count, a miscut on a deadline costs more in downtime than the spare costs in material.
The Pre-Purchase Checklist
- Confirm outside dimensions match the drawing
- Confirm wall thickness in gauge and in decimal inches (11ga on this profile)
- Confirm the material grade
- Confirm the cut length
- Request the MTR if the part is load-bearing or inspected
- Confirm the ship window against your deadline
MTRs and Material Verification
An MTR, or mill test report, ties a heat of steel to its chemistry and mechanical properties. It is how you prove the material meets the specification you ordered. MTRs are available on request for this profile.
Read the report against your specification: grade, chemistry, yield, and tensile.
Pricing Breakdown for 1-1/2x4 Steel Tubing
Pricing for 1-1/2x4 steel tubing is quoted per piece at the length you order. Current pricing for this profile is $26.19 per piece.
What drives the total:
Cost Factor |
What It Covers |
How to Control It |
|---|---|---|
Material |
Steel at the ordered length |
Order the exact length needed |
Cut charge |
Precision cut to your spec |
Combine cuts into one order |
Certification |
MTR documentation |
Request only when required |
Shipping |
Delivery to your location |
Free shipping on orders |
There are no minimum order requirements.
Installation Best Practices and Common Mistakes
For a load-bearing assembly, confirm design load, fastener size, and connection details against an engineer's drawings. Tubing is only as strong as the joint that ties it in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the wall thickness of 1-1/2x4 square steel tubing?
JWM Metal Supply stocks 1-1/2x4 steel tubing in 11ga wall thickness. The 11-gauge wall gives the tube a weight of 4.35 lb per foot. If your project calls for a different wall, you would need to step up to a different tube size entirely.
Can I order custom lengths of 1-1/2x4 steel tubing?
Yes. Every length is precision cut to your exact specification when you order steel tubing online from JWM Metal Supply. Stock lengths run from 6 inches up to 96 inches. There is no minimum order quantity.
What are the benefits of using 11ga steel tubing?
The 11-gauge wall has a weight of 4.35 lb per foot for the 1-1/2x4 size.
Are MTRs available for 1-1/2x4 steel tubing?
Material Test Reports are available on request for JWM Metal Supply tubing, covering the A500 or A513 grade depending on what the mill supplied for that run. If your project requires documented traceability, such as a load-bearing application or a job with an inspector, request the MTR when you place your order so it ships alongside the material. The report confirms the chemistry and mechanical properties of the heat, not just the dimensions.
Steel ordering gets frustrating when dimensions arrive wrong or lead times slip. JWM Metal Supply cuts American-made 1-1/2x4 11ga rectangle tubing to your exact length, ships in 1-5 business days with free shipping and no minimum order, and provides MTRs on request for load-bearing work. Get started with JWM Metal Supply and put the right material in your hands on schedule.