Carbon steel has a higher level of carbon in relation to iron than other types of steel. This higher carbon content provides greater overall strength in the finished product. While other types of steel may have carbon content as low as 0.05%, carbon steel contains between 2% and 2.5% carbon.

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) indicates that carbon steel should also meet the following criteria to be considered true carbon steel:

▪ Copper content must be a minimum of 0.4% and no more than a maximum of 0.6%.

▪ Manganese content must not exceed 1.65%.

▪ Silicon content must not exceed 0.6%.

Within the category of carbon steel, there are the subgroups of high carbon steel (0.60% or higher carbon content) and low carbon steel (up to 0.30% carbon content). The advantages of using high carbon steel for construction applications include:

▪ Durability- The biggest benefit of carbon steel is its durability. It is strong and shock resistant, which is why it makes such a beneficial material for construction projects. Business places, government buildings, and residences constructed with steel materials are more resistant to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes.

▪ Sustainability- Carbon steel is sustainable and easy to recycle and reuse.

▪ Affordability- It’s far cheaper to manufacture certain products out of carbon steel than other metals, as a little can go a long way. Its durability means less metal can be used while still performing the same function as materials – such as piping – that may be made of another metal like copper.

▪ Safety- Steel is relatively easy and safe to handle. It’s also commonly used in cookware because it does not shed potentially harmful chemicals into food

Because of its lower carbon content, low carbon steel has a lower cost than high carbon steel. However, low carbon steel is not near as strong or durable.

The number of construction uses for various types of carbon steel are virtually limitless, and the modern world as we know it wouldn’t be possible without this alloy.

Low-carbon steel is the metal of choice for building frames in commercial, government, and residential buildings. Bridges, steel piping, and many automotive parts are also made from low-carbon steel. Smaller products made of low-carbon steel include nails, wires, pipes, and chain.

High-carbon steel, with its even greater durability, is often used in cutting tools, springs, coils, wrenches, hammers, and other types of tools and equipment used in the building process.