Back to blog
Article

Thickness of Steel Plate for Prefabricated Houses

Admin September 18, 2026

The thickness range of steel plates used in prefabricated houses typically falls between 3mm and 25mm, with the specific thickness determined by the intended use and structural requirements. The following provides an explanation based on different application scenarios and design requirements:

1. Common Thickness Range and Typical Applications
The selection of steel plate thickness for prefabricated houses requires balancing structural strength, material cost, and construction convenience. Steel plates with thicknesses of 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm are the most common choices in civil construction, such as load-bearing frames and wall supports in light steel structure houses. For structures requiring higher strength, such as load-bearing beams in industrial plants or frames in large public buildings, steel plate thickness may reach 12mm to 25mm to accommodate greater loads or spans.

2. Special Requirements for Formwork Steel Plates
In the construction of cast-in-place structures for prefabricated houses, the thickness of formwork steel plates is typically thinner. For example, ordinary floor beam and slab formwork often uses 2.75mm or 3mm thick cold-rolled steel plates, which need to have sufficient stiffness to prevent deformation during concrete pouring while also being lightweight for easy disassembly and reuse. Frame column formwork commonly uses 3.5mm or 4mm thick steel plates, as columns bear greater lateral pressure and require increased thickness to enhance bending resistance.

3. Core Considerations for Thickness Selection

  • Usage Scenario: Load-bearing structures (such as beams and columns) must prioritize strength, with thickness typically ≥8mm; non-load-bearing structures (such as partition walls and decorative panels) can use thinner plates ranging from 3mm to 6mm to reduce costs.
  • Structural Requirements: The greater the span and load, the thicker the steel plate needs to be. For example, roof purlins in single-story industrial plants may use 6mm steel plates, while floor beams in multi-story residential buildings may require 10mm to 12mm.
  • Material Properties: High-strength steels (such as Q345 and Q390) can reduce thickness while maintaining performance, but at a higher cost; ordinary carbon steels (such as Q235) require increased thickness to meet design requirements.
  • Budget Constraints: Each 1mm increase in thickness significantly raises material costs and construction difficulty, so a balance must be struck between safety and economy.

4. Thickness Adjustments for Special Scenarios
In extreme environments (such as areas with high wind pressure or frequent earthquakes) or for special functional requirements (such as fire resistance or corrosion resistance), steel plate thickness may exceed conventional ranges. For example, wind-resistant structures in coastal areas may use thickened steel plates ranging from 12mm to 15mm, while areas requiring fire-resistant coatings may increase thickness to accommodate coating space.