Stainless Steel True Bar vs. Flat Bar: What’s the Difference?
304 stainless steel rectangular bar stock is available in two popular forms: True Bar and Flat Bar. Though they look similar, differences in how they’re made can affect performance, precision, and appearance. Here’s what sets them apart—and how to choose the right one.
When selecting stainless steel rectangular bar stock, you’ll likely come across two common options: Rectangular Flat Bar and True Bar. They may appear nearly identical, but the way they’re manufactured—and how they perform in use—differs significantly.
Let’s walk through the key differences so you can make an informed decision.
Rectangular Flat Bar
True Bar
Rectangular Flat Bar: Cut From Plate
Our Stainless Steel Rectangular Flat Bar is made from 304 stainless steel that is slit from coil or cut from plate, then sheared or sawed to width. This offers flexibility in size and application, making it a popular choice for general-purpose fabrication.
In the broader metals industry, this type of product is sometimes referred to as Sheared and Edge Bar or Sheared and Gauered Bar. These terms describe the process: the bar is sheared (cut) from plate and may be straightened and flattened to improve uniformity. At Cut2SizeMetals, we keep it simple—Rectangular Flat Bar describes it best.
Key features of Rectangular Flat Bar:
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- Made from 304 stainless steel plate
- Standard mill finish on top and bottom faces
- Edges may show shear or saw marks
- Looser tolerances than True Bar
- A cost-effective choice for general fabrication
- Suitable for brackets, framing, and general fabrication
Looking for a specific width or thickness not listed on our site? Reach out to our team—we’re happy to help find a solution.
True Bar: Rolled and Finished for Consistency
Stainless Steel True Bar is manufactured using a different process. Rather than being cut from plate, it’s produced as bar stock from the start—hot rolled, annealed, and pickled to deliver a uniform finish and consistent dimensions on all four sides.
This process results in tighter tolerances and square corners with a consistent mill finish appearance on all four sides of the bar.
Key features of True Bar:
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- Produced as true bar stock (not cut from plate)
- Hot rolled, annealed, and pickled (HRAP)
- Uniform surface finish on all sides
- Square corners and precise dimensions
- Tighter tolerances than Flat Bar on squareness and size
- Ideal for visible, structural, or precision applications
Looking for a specific size or length not shown online? Get in touch- we can often help source or cut what you need.
Side-By-Side Comparison of Rectangular Flat Bar & True Bar
| Feature | Rectangular Flat Bar | True Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | Cut from plate | Rolled and finished as bar stock |
| Surface Finish | Mixed (mill faces, cut edges) | Uniform on all four sides |
| Dimensional Tolerances | Looser | Tighter |
| Corner Shape | May be slightly rounded or irregular | Squared and consistent |
| Best For | General fabrication | Precision or aesthetic projects |
| Cost | Lower | Higher due to extra processing |
What About Rectangular Bar in Other Metals?
You’ll also find Rectangular Bar Stock options in aluminum, brass, and copper on our site. Unlike our stainless Rectangular Flat Bar, these bars are extruded, not cut from plate. This manufacturing process pushes the material through a die to create a uniform cross-section with consistent dimensions.
They feature:
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- Standard mill finish from the extrusion process
- Standardized sizing across width and thickness
- Easily cut to custom lengths
- Practical versatility for a wide variety of fabrication needs
So while these bars share the same general shape, the manufacturing process is different—extruded for aluminum, brass, and copper, versus sheared from flat stock in stainless.
Which One Should You Choose?
If your project calls for dimensional consistency, square corners, or a uniform finish, True Bar is likely the best fit. If you’re looking for an affordable, customizable option for general fabrication, Rectangular Flat Bar delivers great flexibility and value.
Both are available at Cut2SizeMetals— ready to be cut to your specifications and shipped fast.
Flat Bar or True Bar? We’ll help make the choice easier.
Whether you’re a fabricator, builder, or DIYer, we’re here to help you choose the right stainless steel bar for your project.
Order online with confidence, or give us a call if you need help deciding between sizes, tolerances, or material options. Have questions about an application or don’t see the size you need? Just ask—we’re happy to help. Need something cut to length? We make it easy.
Working on a project? Share your photos or reach out with questions—we’re always happy to help.
Your custom stainless steel bar is just a few clicks away.