Key points
- Black and galvanized steel pipe in Schedule 40 (standard) and Schedule 80 (extra strong).
- Pipe is ordered by nominal pipe size (NPS) and schedule, not by actual outside diameter.
- Common uses: bollards, handrails, columns, posts and fence frames.
Steel pipe is sized differently from tubing. You order it by nominal pipe size (NPS) and schedule, and the schedule sets the wall thickness. Iron Wei Steel Corp supplies Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 steel pipe for structural and fabrication work across New York City.
The chart below lists the actual outside diameter and wall thickness for common sizes. It is useful when your drawings call for "1-1/2 inch Schedule 40 handrail" or "6 inch Schedule 80 bollards."
Pipe Schedule we supply
- Schedule 40 (standard weight). The most common wall thickness for handrails, posts, fence frames and general structural use.
- Schedule 80 (extra strong). Thicker wall for bollards, columns and heavier loads.
- Black and galvanized pipe. Black pipe for painting or powder coating; galvanized pipe for outdoor corrosion protection. Pipe is commonly produced to ASTM A53.
Pipe schedule chart (steel pipe, ASME B36.10)
Outside diameter (OD) stays the same for each nominal size; the schedule changes the wall thickness. Dimensions are in inches.
| NPS | OD | Sch 40 wall | Sch 80 wall |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 0.840 | 0.109 | 0.147 |
| 3/4 | 1.050 | 0.113 | 0.154 |
| 1 | 1.315 | 0.133 | 0.179 |
| 1-1/4 | 1.660 | 0.140 | 0.191 |
| 1-1/2 | 1.900 | 0.145 | 0.200 |
| 2 | 2.375 | 0.154 | 0.218 |
| 3 | 3.500 | 0.216 | 0.300 |
| 4 | 4.500 | 0.237 | 0.337 |
| 6 | 6.625 | 0.280 | 0.432 |
| 8 | 8.625 | 0.322 | 0.500 |
Reference information only. Sizes and grades in stock change, so please call (929) 447-5588 or (929) 708-1155 to confirm availability for your order.
Typical applications
- Handrails and guardrails (often 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" Sch 40)
- Bollards and traffic protection
- Columns and posts
- Fence and gate frames
- Canopy and structure supports
Cutting and fabrication
We can cut pipe schedule to length and drill, bend or weld it to your drawings in our Jamaica, Queens shop. Learn more about our custom processing services, or have our team build and install the finished work through our structural works and stairs and railings services.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 pipe?
Both have the same outside diameter for a given nominal size, but Schedule 80 has a thicker wall. That makes it heavier and stronger, so it is often used for bollards and heavier structural work.
Why is 1-1/2 inch pipe almost 2 inches across?
Nominal pipe size is a name, not a measurement. A 1-1/2" NPS pipe has an actual outside diameter of 1.900 inches, which is why it is a popular handrail size.
Request a quote for pipe schedule
Send your sizes, lengths and quantities, or a copy of your drawings. We reply to online inquiries within 48 hours.
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