stainless steel
Stainless Channels
Versatile, corrosion-resistant stainless steel channels ideal for
structural, industrial, and fabrication applications.
Grade
Corrosion Resistance
Weldability
Finish Options
Applications
Stainless Steel Channel Sizes: Dimensions, Specs, and Cut-to-Length Ordering
Industrial and fabrication buyers searching for stainless steel channel sizes need more than a product listing. They need the flange widths, web heights, leg dimensions, and weight-per-foot data that allow them to spec material for a project, write a purchase order, or confirm that a standard size matches a design drawing. This page covers stainless steel channel sizes and dimensions across the most commonly stocked profiles, with ordering options for standard mill lengths and custom cut-to-length.
Stainless Shapes stocks stainless steel channel in 304 and 316 alloy grades, in both bar-size and structural profiles. If you know the size you need, use the dimension table below to confirm availability and request a quote. If you are still in the specification stage, the alloy and application sections below will help you select the right grade for your end use.
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Stainless Steel Channel Sizes and Dimensions
The table below covers standard stainless steel C-channel sizes stocked by Stainless Shapes. Dimensions are listed in inches. Weight is listed in pounds per foot. All profiles are available in 304 stainless steel. Select sizes are stocked in 316 stainless steel. Contact us to confirm current availability in your required alloy and length.
C3 – C4 Series
| Size | Web Height (in) | Flange Width (in) | Web Thickness (in) | Flange Thickness (in) | Weight (lb/ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C3 x 4.1 | 3.000 | 1.410 | 0.170 | 0.273 | 4.1 |
| C3 x 5.0 | 3.000 | 1.498 | 0.258 | 0.273 | 5.0 |
| C4 x 5.4 | 4.000 | 1.584 | 0.184 | 0.296 | 5.4 |
| C4 x 7.25 | 4.000 | 1.721 | 0.321 | 0.296 | 7.25 |
C5 – C12 Series
| Size | Web Height (in) | Flange Width (in) | Web Thickness (in) | Flange Thickness (in) | Weight (lb/ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C5 x 6.7 | 5.000 | 1.750 | 0.190 | 0.320 | 6.7 |
| C5 x 9.0 | 5.000 | 1.885 | 0.325 | 0.320 | 9.0 |
| C6 x 8.2 | 6.000 | 1.920 | 0.200 | 0.343 | 8.2 |
| C6 x 10.5 | 6.000 | 2.034 | 0.314 | 0.343 | 10.5 |
| C7 x 9.8 | 7.000 | 2.085 | 0.210 | 0.366 | 9.8 |
| C7 x 12.25 | 7.000 | 2.194 | 0.314 | 0.366 | 12.25 |
| C8 x 11.5 | 8.000 | 2.260 | 0.220 | 0.390 | 11.5 |
| C10 x 15.3 | 10.000 | 2.600 | 0.240 | 0.436 | 15.3 |
| C12 x 20.7 | 12.000 | 2.942 | 0.282 | 0.501 | 20.7 |
| C12 x 25 | 12.000 | 3.047 | 0.387 | 0.501 | 25.0 |
Sizes not listed above may be available on request. Custom cut-to-length is available on all stocked profiles. Contact Stainless Shapes for a quote on non-standard lengths, tight-tolerance requirements, or large-volume orders.
304 vs. 316 Stainless Steel Channel: Choosing the Right Alloy for Your Application
304 Stainless Steel Channel
316 Stainless Steel Channel
316 adds 2 to 3% molybdenum to the base alloy, which significantly increases resistance to chloride corrosion, pitting, and crevice corrosion in marine and chemical environments. 316 stainless channel is the specified grade for marine fabrication and boat fittings, pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, chemical processing components, coastal architectural applications, and food processing in saline or acidic wash-down environments. When the end-use environment includes salt water, chloride-bearing chemicals, or aggressive cleaning agents, 316 is the correct alloy.
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel
RECOMMENDED
304 Stainless Steel
Cost-effective, general-purpose grade. Ideal for most structural and industrial applications.
ALTERNATIVE
316 Stainless Steel
Superior corrosion resistance. Best for marine, chemical, and high-salinity environments.
Applications
Common Applications for Stainless Steel Channel
Marine and Boat Building
Marine fabricators specify 316 stainless channel for deck hardware, hatches, companionway tracks, and structural frame members on vessels where constant salt water exposure demands maximum pitting resistance. The dimensional stability and weldability of 316 stainless channel make it a reliable choice for both structural and finish applications in marine environments.
Food Processing and Pharmaceutical Equipment
Equipment frames, conveyor supports, and processing line structures in food and pharmaceutical manufacturing require a material that withstands repeated wet wash-down, sanitizing chemicals, and FDA compliance requirements. 304 and 316 stainless channel are both used in these environments depending on the specific chemical exposure. 316 is typically specified for direct food contact and acidic or saline wash-down environments.
Architectural and Structural Fabrication
Architects and structural fabricators use stainless channel for curtain wall framing, window and door trim, cable railing support structures, and decorative element framing where a clean stainless finish is part of the design specification. 304 stainless channel in a mill or polished finish provides the combination of structural performance and visual quality required in commercial and high-end residential architectural projects.
Industrial and Chemical Processing
Chemical processing facilities, water treatment plants, and industrial manufacturing environments use stainless channel for equipment framing, pipe supports, cable trays, and structural members in corrosive atmospheres where carbon steel would fail without continuous maintenance. 316 stainless is typically the specified alloy in environments with direct chemical exposure.
Ordering Stainless Steel Channel: Standard Lengths and Cut-to- Length Options
Request a quote for stainless steel channel in your required size, alloy, length, and quantity. Stainless Shapes serves fabricators, distributors, and industrial buyers across the United States. Contact us for pricing, lead times, and availability.
Specifications and Standards for Stainless Steel Channel
ASTM A276: Standard specification for stainless steel bars and shapes, covering the chemical composition and mechanical properties of hot-finished and cold-finished stainless channel. ASTM A484: Standard specification for general requirements for stainless steel bars, billets, and forgings, covering dimensional tolerances, finish, and marking. ASTM A479: Standard specification for stainless steel bars and shapes for use in boilers and other pressure vessels, applicable to channel ordered for pressure service. Available finishes include mill finish (as-rolled surface) and polished finishes on request. Confirm finish requirements when requesting a quote for architectural or sanitary applications.
Copy of Stainless Steel Channel Sizes
| Products | Production | H | B | TW | TF | EST-WT | Alloys | Request for Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C3 X 4.1 | Hot Rolled | 3 | 1.41 | 0.17 | 0.273 | 4.1 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C3 X 5 | Laser Fused | 3 | 1.5 | 0.258 | 0.273 | 5 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C3 X 6 | Laser Fused | 3 | 1.6 | 0.356 | 0.273 | 6 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C4 X 5.4 | Hot Rolled | 4 | 1.58 | 0.184 | 0.296 | 5.4 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C4 X 6.25 | Hot Rolled | 4 | 1.65 | 0.247 | 0.272 | 6.25 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C5 X 6.7 | Hot Rolled | 5 | 1.75 | 0.19 | 0.32 | 6.7 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C5 X 9 | Hot Rolled | 5 | 1.89 | 0.325 | 0.32 | 9 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C6 X 8.2 | Hot Rolled | 6 | 1.92 | 0.2 | 0.343 | 8.2 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C6 X 10.5 | Hot Rolled | 6 | 2.03 | 0.214 | 0.343 | 10.5 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C6 X 13 | Hot Rolled | 6 | 2.16 | 0.437 | 0.343 | 13 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C7 X 9.8 | Laser Fused | 7 | 2.09 | 0.21 | 0.366 | 9.8 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C7 X 12.5 | Laser Fused | 7 | 2.19 | 0.314 | 0.366 | 12.25 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C7 X 14.75 | Laser Fused | 7 | 2.3 | 0.419 | 0.366 | 14.75 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C8 X 11.5 | Laser Fused | 8 | 2.26 | 0.22 | 0.39 | 11.5 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C8 X 13.75 | Laser Fused | 8 | 2.34 | 0.303 | 0.39 | 13.75 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C8 X 18.75 | Laser Fused | 8 | 2.53 | 0.487 | 0.39 | 18.75 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C9 X 13.4 | Laser Fused | 9 | 2.43 | 0.233 | 0.413 | 13.4 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C9 X 15 | Laser Fused | 9 | 2.49 | 0.285 | 0.413 | 15 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C9 X 20 | Laser Fused | 9 | 2.65 | 0.448 | 0.413 | 15 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C10 X 25 | Laser Fused | 10 | 2.89 | 0.526 | 0.436 | 25 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C10 X 30 | Laser Fused | 10 | 3.03 | 0.673 | 0.436 | 30 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C12 X 20.7 | Laser Fused | 12 | 2.94 | 0.282 | 0.501 | 20.7 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C12 X 25 | Laser Fused | 12 | 3.05 | 0.387 | 0.501 | 25 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C12 X 30 | Laser Fused | 12 | 3.17 | 0.51 | 0.501 | 30 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C15 X 33.9 | Laser Fused | 15 | 3.4 | 0.4 | 0.65 | 33.9 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C15 X 40 | Laser Fused | 15 | 3.52 | 0.52 | 0.65 | 40 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
| C15 X 50 | Laser Fused | 15 | 3.72 | 0.716 | 0.65 | 50 | •304-304/L •316-316/L | Request for Quote |
Request a Quote for Stainless Steel Channel
Stainless Shapes supplies stainless steel channel to fabricators, distributors, and industrial buyers across the United States. Whether you need a single cut piece or a volume order of a specific size and alloy, we can provide pricing and availability quickly. Use the dimension table on this page to identify your required size. Then contact us with your size, alloy grade, required length, quantity, and any applicable tolerance or finish specifications. Our team will respond with pricing and lead time for your order.
Ready to order or need a quote? Contact Stainless Shapes for stainless steel channel in 304 or 316 alloy, any size in the table above, standard or cut-to-length. Request a quote online or call us directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Stainless steel channels are used in a wide range of structural and industrial applications including framing systems, support structures, conveyor guides, architectural trim, marine components, food-processing equipment, and wastewater treatment facilities. Their open C or U profile provides rigidity along the length while keeping weight lower than solid bar stock.
A C-channel (also called an American Standard Channel) has a slightly tapered inner flange, whereas a U-channel has flat, parallel inner flanges. Both are open cross-section shapes, but U-channels provide more uniform contact surface on the flanges, making them preferable for sliding or guiding applications. C-channels are more common in structural framing. Stainless Shapes supplies both types in 304 and 316 grades.
Stainless Shapes primarily distributes stainless steel channels in Grade 304 and Grade 316. Grade 304 is the most widely used, offering good corrosion resistance at a lower cost. Grade 316 contains molybdenum for enhanced resistance to chlorides and is preferred in marine, chemical, and coastal environments.
Stainless steel channels are measured by their leg depth (the distance from the back to the tip of the flange), flange width, and web thickness. Standard sizing follows ASTM designations expressed in inches, such as 3" × 1-1/2" × 3/16". Stainless Shapes lists stock in standard sizes and can provide certified material test reports.
Yes, stainless steel channels can be welded using standard TIG (GTAW) or MIG (GMAW) processes. For 304 channels, ER308L filler is recommended; for 316, ER316L filler is used. Post-weld passivation or pickling may be applied to restore full corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zone.
Whether stainless steel channels are magnetic depends on the grade. Grade 304 is typically non-magnetic in its annealed state but can become slightly magnetic when cold-worked. Grade 316 is also austenitic and generally non-magnetic. Both grades pass a magnet test differently than carbon steel, but may show slight magnetic response after fabrication.
Stainless Shapes maintains one of the largest selections of stainless steel channels in the industry, stocking standard sizes in both 304 and 316 grades. Their inventory includes a broad range of depths and flange widths suitable for structural and industrial applications. Custom sizes are available upon request—contact their team at 800-748-9811 for current stock dimensions.
The choice between 304 and 316 depends on the environment. Grade 304 is suitable for most indoor, atmospheric, and mildly corrosive applications and is the more economical option. Grade 316 adds molybdenum, which significantly improves resistance to chloride pitting and crevice corrosion—making it the right choice for marine, coastal, food-processing, and chemical environments.
A standard channel (American Standard) follows ASTM A276 or A484 and is commonly used in general structural and industrial fabrication. A structural channel (like a MC or C-shape per AISC) is engineered to carry defined loads and follows stricter dimensional and mechanical property tolerances. Both types are available from Stainless Shapes, ISO-certified for quality assurance.
Yes, Stainless Shapes offers custom cutting services. Channels can be cut to your specified lengths to reduce fabrication time and material waste. Contact the Stainless Shapes team to discuss custom cutting options and lead times.