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19 March 2026 at 16:58 • 4 mins read
You may have heard of both hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel,
but do you know the difference between them? If not, we’re here to
help.
Production of both hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel starts
with the same steps. They're both initially processed at extremely
high temperatures. However, once the treated steel is ready, cold
rolled steel goes through a few extra steps. The mill lets the metal
cool off until it's room temperature, then draws it through rollers or
puts it through annealing treatment. This additional labor makes it
more expensive than hot rolled steel.
There are three main visual differences between hot rolled steel
and cold rolled steel. Hot rolled steel has rounded edges, a rough
surface texture, and no grease on its finish. Alternatively, cold
rolled steel has sharp edges, a very smooth surface texture, and an
oily or greasy feel to it.
The pros and cons of hot rolled steel come down to strength
versus price. Hot rolled steel is weaker than cold rolled, but it’s
also cheaper since it doesn’t go through the second production
process. However, this doesn't automatically mean cold is better
just because it's stronger and more expensive.
The more
significant difference in how to use it is how specific your
material needs are. Hot rolled steel is perfect for welding,
railroad tracks, and I-beams because there is less concern for
smooth finishes and precise shapes. The tolerance range is also
wider because the metal shrinks during the cooling process, so you
can't be as exact with the measurements.
While hot rolled
steel has a rougher surface, the aesthetic difference is fixable if
that's your only reason for avoiding it. It will add to the total
cost, but you can grind or sandblast the steel to a smooth finish.
While hot rolled steel has a rougher surface, the aesthetic difference is fixable if that's your only reason for avoiding it. It will add to the total cost, but you can grind or sandblast the steel to a smooth finish. Hot rolled steel applications include:
Cold rolled steel is going to cost more, but it may be worth the
higher price tag if it fits your needs. You're going to pay for tight
tolerance, smooth finish, and consistency between pieces.
So
when should you splurge on the higher-cost option? In addition to the
visual benefits of a smooth surface, cold rolled steel is best when
you need consistency and tight tolerances on a project. Workers shape
the steel at room temperature, so there's no risk of shrinkage
during the cooling process. You'll know the exact dimensions you're
getting, and every piece is uniform.
Within the cold rolling process, steel sheet is cooled at room temperature (after hot rolling) and is then annealed or tempers rolled. Although “cold rolled steel” is a specific type of steel, the term is often used to mean all kinds of carbon steel materials. Cold rolled steel applications include:
As a side note, while shopping around for options, sometimes cold-rolled steel is also called cold-finished or cold-drawn steel. These names are ubiquitous when referring to bars.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer on which one is better. Both have benefits and drawbacks that make the ideal option change from project to project. Whichever product suits your needs, Industrial Metal Supply is here to help.
IMS is an industry-leading supplier of premium hot rolled and cold rolled steel products. We offer convenient purchase options that include next-day delivery and will-call pickup options. Whether you’re located in California, Arizona, or Nevada, Industrial Metal Supply provides the hot rolled and cold rolled steel products your project requires.