Why steel prices move and what it means for your project
Steel is a globally traded commodity, and the price your fabricator pays this month may not be the price next month. That is why quotes carry a validity period, and it is worth understanding rather than treating as a negotiating tactic.
What moves the price
Raw material and energy costs, since making steel is enormously energy intensive and electricity and gas prices feed straight through. Global demand, particularly from large construction economies. Shipping and freight costs. Trade measures such as tariffs and quotas. And exchange rates, since much of what arrives in Ireland is priced in another currency.
None of these are within a fabricator's control, and none of them move predictably.
Why quotes expire
A fabricator quoting a fixed price is taking the risk that material prices hold until the order is placed. Over a short window that risk is manageable, and over several months it is not.
If your project is delayed past the validity period, ask for a re quote rather than assuming the old figure stands. In a falling market it can work in your favour.
Protecting your budget
Order and confirm early where you can, since confirming an order fixes the price. Build a contingency into the steel line of a budget rather than treating the first quote as final. And avoid design changes after order, because a change means re pricing at current rates as well as paying for the change itself.
For long programmes, phasing orders so material is secured for the near term work is often sensible.
How we handle it
We quote a fixed price with a stated validity period and we honour it within that window. If prices move against us inside the window that is our risk, and if your drawings change we re price the affected items and tell you why.
Send drawings for a firm quote, or a description for a budget figure if you are still at feasibility stage.
Want this priced for your own job? Send us your drawings or a photo and we will come back with a fixed price, usually within one working day.
Common questions
Need this done properly? Talk to the workshop.
Send us drawings, a sketch or a site photo. We come back with a fixed price and a firm lead time, usually within one working day.