Where can I buy sheet metal?

[stuckmotor]

That size and price would suit me fine, but I haven't seen any at Lowes. Is it in the heating section?

How big of a sheet is needed? You can get galvanized HVAC sheet at Lowes/HD for pretty cheap. I think they have 36"x48" sheets for about $8 if I remember right.

 

[newbury]

How big of a sheet is needed? You can get galvanized HVAC sheet at Lowes/HD for pretty cheap. I think they have 36"x48" sheets for about $8 if I remember right.

Lowes shows 24" x 36" GV flat sheet for $9.34 (near plumbing and a/c) Shop IMPERIAL 24-in x 36-in GV Flat Sheet at Lowes.com, Home Depot sells 30 gauge 24" x 36" for $9.34, Master Flow 24 in. x 36 in. Galvanized Steel Flat Sheet-GFS24X361P at The Home Depot.

That size and price would suit me fine, but I haven't seen any at Lowes. Is it in the heating section?

If all you need is thin stuff in small quantity easy that's probably easiest.

For reference I needed some 1/8 steel, 2' x 5' to weld patches on my brush hog deck. What I priced at Lowes/HD was about $40. I picked it up a place that sells steel for welders for $8.

 

[PILOON]

A lumber yard (real one, not big box) that sells metal roofing and siding will be able to special order for you.
If 24" wide is what you need they also can supply aluminum in a variety of colors and a few gauges.
Note however that the above sources will only have material suitable for decorative purposes.
For structural requirements you'll need to find a steel wholesaler, I say wholesaler as retailers as such just don't exist.

 

[stuckmotor]

Newbury,
Thanks for the links. Lowes is a couple of miles from my house. They should solve my problem.

 

[PILOON]

Another thought! (done that)
A steel shelf as used for industrial racking (often 24 X 48") is a nice gauge and workable once you trim away the fold overs.

 

[timswi]

I buy mine from an auto body supply shop...The have various selections of gauges of sheet metal...I like non-galvanized if I'm building something due to the welding issues.

 

[SPIKER]

look for welding or metal fab shops, the stuff you buy at HD or Lowes is 26gauge or thinner that can be cut with snips or a good pare of scissors so not very strong or ding resistant.

ask for 16Gauge or 14 for shelfs or laying on top of a bench at least. That can go on up for as thick as you want like 1/4" or 1/2" plate etc. Have a paper size plan and have then cut it to size usually a couple few bucks per cut to cover cost of guy to set shear up.

Mark

 

[M5farms]

I suggested a roofing supply or a metal shop( most large commercial roofers have one) and will shear it and break it for you at a minimal charge. I pay my bills by selling roofing and supplies. If all your wanting is a 29 GA galvanized metal you can buy a roll in the roofing section 20"x 50' for about 45 bucks. I still recommend a real hardware or supply house as you will encounter a professional that can help you get the right metals for your project.

 

[Chopperhed]

A decade or so ago, I needed sheet metal for a truck box I was working on.

I cut the sides off of a refrigerator and used them. Other sources are old washing machines, dryers, stoves, and deep freezes.

 

[KennyG]

A decade or so ago, I needed sheet metal for a truck box I was working on.

I cut the sides off of a refrigerator and used them. Other sources are old washing machines, dryers, stoves, and deep freezes.

I've got a couple of old file cabinets behind the barn as a source for small sheet metal pieces.