Galvanized square tubing begins as low-carbon steel (typically ASTM A36 or A500 Grade B). Steel provides high tensile strength (58–80 ksi) and modulus of elasticity (29,000 ksi), allowing carports to withstand snow loads and wind uplift.
Square tubing (e.g., 2”x2”, 2.5”x2.5”, 3”x3”) offers uniform moment of inertia about both axes, simplifying load calculations. Flat sides facilitate bolted connections and welding, and square corners shed water and debris more effectively than round tube saddles. galvanized square tubing for carports
| Property | Galvanized Square Tube | Wood (Pine) | Aluminum | Bare Steel | |----------|------------------------|-------------|----------|-------------| | Tensile strength | High (58 ksi) | Low (2 ksi parallel grain) | Moderate (40 ksi) | High (58 ksi) | | Corrosion life | 50+ years | 10–15 yrs (treated) | 40+ yrs | 2–5 yrs (unpainted) | | Weight (per ft, 2.5” x 2.5” x 0.083”) | 2.7 lbs | 1.2 lbs | 0.9 lbs | 2.7 lbs | | Annual maintenance cost | $0 | $0.50/sq ft (sealant) | $0.10 (clean) | $0.80 (paint/rust) | Flat sides facilitate bolted connections and welding, and