PFC steel (Parallel Flange Channel) is one of the most commonly used structural steel sections in construction and fabrication. With its strong C-shaped design and parallel flanges, PFC steel provides excellent support for beams, frames, lintels, and general building structures. Whether you’re a builder, welder, or DIY fabricator, understanding how PFC steel works and where it’s used will help you choose the right size and get better performance from your project.

What Is PFC Steel?

PFC steel, also known as Parallel Flange Channel, is a C-shaped structural steel section with two parallel flanges and a straight web. This design gives the section excellent bending strength, stability, and ease of installation. Because of its shape, PFC steel is widely used in building frames, lintels, industrial structures, and general fabrication projects.

PFC is one of the most common structural sections in Australia thanks to its high strength-to-weight ratio, versatility, and ability to fit easily into welded or bolted connections.

Why PFC Steel Is Used in Construction

PFC steel offers several advantages that make it popular among builders, welders, and fabricators:

1. Strong and Stable Shape

The parallel flanges make the section stable and resistant to bending, especially when used as beams or lintels.

2. Easy to Weld and Bolt

Its open C shape allows for simple connections, drilling, welding, and cutting.

3. Wide Range of Sizes

PFC sections come in many depths and thicknesses, making them suitable for both light and heavy-duty work.

4. Reliable Load-Bearing Performance

PFC steel performs well under vertical loads and is often used where consistent, predictable strength is required.

5. Cost-Efficient

It offers strong structural performance without the heavy weight or high cost of larger beams.

Common Applications of PFC Steel

Because PFC steel is strong but easy to handle, it is used in many different types of builds:

• Lintels above doors and windows
• Floor joist supports and bearers
• Roof framing and purlins
• Stair stringers
• Support frames for factories and warehouses
• Truck and trailer chassis
• General welding and fabrication work
• Bracing components in structural frames

DIY builders and commercial contractors both rely on PFC steel for strength, versatility, and quick installation.

Common PFC Steel Sizes

PFC steel sizes are usually listed by depth × weight per metre.
Some common Australian sizes include:

• 75 PFC
• 100 PFC
• 125 PFC
• 150 PFC
• 180 PFC
• 200 PFC
• 230 PFC
• 250 PFC
• 300 PFC

Lengths are typically 6 m or 9 m, but custom cutting is available depending on your project needs.

How to Choose the Right PFC Steel for Your Project

Choosing the right PFC steel (Parallel Flange Channel) is important to make sure your structure is strong, safe, and long-lasting. Even though PFC sections look simple, each size is designed to handle different loads, spans, and installation methods. Below are the key factors you should look at before selecting a PFC size.

1. Span Length (How Far It Needs to Reach)

The longer the span, the deeper and stronger your PFC needs to be.
Shallow sections may bend or sag over long distances, especially when carrying heavy loads.
As a general idea:

• Short spans can use smaller PFC like 100–125 mm
• Medium spans may need 150–200 mm
• Large spans or heavy loads often require 230–300 mm

Always match the section depth to the distance between supports.

2. Load Requirements (How Much Weight It Carries)

Different projects place different loads on the steel:

• Roof loads
• Floor loads
• Wall loads
• Machines or equipment
• Vehicle or foot traffic

Heavier loads require PFC sections with:

• Thicker flanges
• Stronger webs
• Higher weight per metre

Using the wrong size can lead to bending, cracking of the structure above, or long-term structural failure.

3. How You Will Connect It (Bolting, Welding, or Screwing)

Connection methods affect which PFC size works best:

• Bolting needs enough flange width for bolts and washers.
• Welding works better with thicker, heavy PFC sections.
• Screwing or lightweight framing works well with smaller PFC used as lintels or bracing.

Choosing a section that matches your connection method saves time and ensures your structure is properly supported.

4. Indoor or Outdoor Use

Where your PFC steel will be installed makes a big difference:

• Indoor use: standard black steel is usually fine.
• Outdoor use: choose galvanised PFC to stop rust.
• Coastal or humid areas: thicker zinc coating or additional paint protection is recommended.

Environmental exposure can shorten steel lifespan if the wrong finish is selected.

5. Engineering and Building Standards

All PFC used in structural builds should follow AS/NZS, ASTM, or EN standards, depending on your region. These standards ensure:

• Correct steel grade
• Correct chemical composition
• Safe load-carrying capacity
• Proper dimensional accuracy

For structural beams or lintels in homes and commercial buildings, compliance is essential for safety and council approval.

6. Availability and Practicality

Standard PFC sizes like 100, 125, 150, 180, 200, 230, 250, 300 mm are easier to find and usually cheaper. Choosing common sizes helps ensure:

• Quick delivery
• Lower cost
• Easier replacement
• Better compatibility with brackets and hardware

Custom sizes help in special designs but may cost more and take longer.

7. Your Fabrication and Installation Needs

Think about how the steel will be handled:

• Do you need it cut to size?
• Will it need holes drilled?
• Will it be welded into a frame?
• Will you carry it on-site with limited space?

Lighter PFC is easier for DIY users to manage, while larger sections may need machinery or lifting tools.

PFC Steel Supplier in Perth – Lintel Steel

At Lintel Steel, we supply high-quality PFC steel to builders, fabricators, and homeowners across Perth. With over 11 years of experience, we stock a wide range of PFC sizes for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

We offer:

• Full range of PFC sections
• Custom cutting and processing
• Galvanised and black steel options
• Fast delivery across Perth
• Friendly support and technical advice
• Free quotes within 48 hours

Whether you need a small length for a DIY job or bulk orders for a commercial build, Lintel Steel provides reliable, affordable, and quality steel every time.

Conclusion

PFC steel is one of the most useful and versatile structural sections in modern construction. Its strong C-shape, easy installation, and wide range of sizes make it ideal for beams, lintels, frames, and fabrication projects of all kinds. Choosing the right PFC size ensures your structure stays safe, stable, and long-lasting.

For PFC steel supply in Perth, contact Lintel Steel today.

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