Custom sheet steel
Custom sheet steel is the right choice when a part needs to be strong, dimensionally stable and practical to use. Think of mounting plates, brackets, base plates, covers, steel profiles, structural details, technical housings or parts that will become part of a larger steel structure.
At De Graaf Metaalwerken, we produce custom sheet steel for contractors, structural specialists, companies, interior builders and private clients. We look beyond dimensions alone: load, fastening, weldability, finish and installation are just as important with sheet steel. This results in a steel part that fits its function and works in practice on site.

What is custom sheet steel?
Custom sheet steel is steel sheet material that is processed into a part with a specific shape, thickness and function. This can involve cutting, bending, drilling, welding, grinding, assembling or finishing. Because steel is strong and easy to join, sheet steel is often chosen for parts that need to be robust or become part of a larger whole.
What is sheet steel used for?
Sheet steel is used for applications where strength, fastening and dimensions are important. Think of mounting plates, brackets, frames, covers, reinforcement plates, steel profiles and technical parts. In construction and industry, sheet steel is often used in places where a part must not only fit, but also be able to carry load.
Who is custom sheet steel suitable for?
Custom sheet steel is suitable for contractors, structural specialists, installers, interior builders and companies that need a robust part. It is especially relevant for projects where standard sheet material or standard profiles do not align well with the structure, dimensions or the way the part needs to be installed.
The benefits of custom sheet steel
Steel has different properties to aluminium or stainless steel. Whilst aluminium is often chosen for its light weight, sheet steel becomes the preferred option when strength, joinability and load-bearing capacity are more important.
Advantages include:
- High strength and load-bearing capacity:
Sheet steel is suitable for parts that need to withstand load, pressure or intensive use. That is why it is often used for mounting plates, base plates, brackets, frames, supports and technical parts. Especially when a sheet metal part becomes part of a structure, steel offers a high degree of certainty. - Easy to weld and assemble:
An important advantage of sheet steel is that it can be welded and combined well with other steel parts. This makes it suitable for assembled structures, reinforcements and custom parts that are not made from a single sheet. Steel is particularly strong in projects where sheet metal, tubes, profiles and fastening points come together. - Accurate bending and forming:
Sheet steel can be cut, bent and formed into profiles, edges, covers or connection pieces. The material is more robust than aluminium and therefore requires the right machinery, dimensions and bending radius. With proper preparation, steel bending work is created that fits well and is strong enough for the application. - Finish matched to use and environment:
Sheet steel can be finished based on the environment in which it will be used. Indoor applications may require a different finish than outdoor work or damp conditions. Think of powder coating, painting, galvanising or another protective treatment. With coated steel sheet, careful maintenance remains important; Bouwen met Staal advises, among other things, to choose a durable coating and carry out regular maintenance. - Long service life and good reusability:
Steel is strong, wear-resistant and can be reused or recycled effectively. This makes it interesting for projects where service life and material-conscious building are important. According to Koninklijke Metaalunie, structural and reinforcing steel already consists of 95% recycled content.

Sheet steel within a bending project
Many sheet steel parts start as flat steel sheet. By cutting, bending or forming the material, profiles, covers, edges, brackets and connection pieces are created that fit precisely within an architectural or technical design.
Sheet steel requires different choices than aluminium when it comes to bending. Steel is heavier and stronger, which makes sheet thickness, bending radius, fastening and finishing especially important. A steel part must not only have the right shape, but also suit the load and the way it will be installed or welded.
Anyone looking for custom sheet steel usually already has a specific application in mind. For example, a strong mounting plate, a cover around a structure, a steel profile for a renovation or a part that will later be integrated into a larger frame.
Sheet steel or aluminium sheet metal?
Both custom-made steel sheet and aluminium sheet metal are cut to size, but they are not chosen for the same applications. The main differences lie in their weight, strength, finish and intended use.
Sheet steel is usually the better choice when a part needs to be strong, load-bearing or easy to weld. Think of mounting points, brackets, structural details, frames or parts that are used intensively. The material is heavier, but offers a lot of strength and combines well with other steel components.
Aluminium sheet metal is more interesting when low weight, corrosion resistance and a clean visible finish are important. For façade details, lightweight covers, casings and visible work, aluminium can therefore be the more logical option. When in doubt, the application should lead: if the part mainly needs to be strong, steel is often the obvious choice; if it mainly needs to be light and corrosion-resistant, aluminium may be a better fit.
When should you choose sheet steel?
Sheet steel is especially suitable when a part needs to do more than simply finish something. The material comes into its own when strength, fastening, protection or integration with a steel structure is important.
- For structural parts:
For base plates, mounting plates, brackets, frames, supports and reinforcements, sheet steel is often a practical choice. The material is strong, easy to weld and suitable for parts that need to absorb or transfer forces. - For renovation and custom work on site:
In renovation projects, standard material often does not match the existing situation exactly. Custom sheet steel makes it possible to produce parts that connect to existing structures, unusual dimensions or specific fastening points. - For technical and industrial applications:
In technical environments, sheet steel is used for protective plates, machine parts, casings, base plates and other robust custom parts. In these cases, the key requirements are that the part is functional, strong and easy to install. - For finishing that needs to withstand impact:
Not every visible application requires aluminium or stainless steel. Sometimes steel is the right choice because the part needs to be robust and can then be neatly finished with coating, paint or galvanising.


Steel, aluminium or stainless steel sheet metal?
The right material depends on the application. Steel is strong and easy to join, aluminium is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, and stainless steel is suitable for high-end or damp environments.
| Material | Well suited for | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | Mounting plates, brackets, frames, supports, robust sheet metal and structural details | Strong, weldable and widely applicable |
| Aluminium | Lightweight covers, façade details, profiles, casings and visible work | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant and cleanly finished |
| Stainless steel | Wet, hygienic or representative environments | Rust-resistant, durable and high-end appearance |
Are you unsure whether to choose custom-made steel, aluminium or stainless steel sheet metal? If so, it’s best to focus on the intended application. The best material depends on the load, the environment, the appearance, the installation method and your budget.
Specialised in custom steel, stainless steel and aluminium work
From our workshop in Maarssen, we produce metal parts and structures for residential construction, utility buildings, interior construction and business applications.
Steel parts suited to the load
We advise on shape, thickness, fastening and application, so the part does what it needs to do.
Dimensions that work during installation
We pay attention to practical manufacturability, tolerances and connection to existing parts or structures.
Finishing matched to the environment
We advise on protection and finish, so the sheet steel suits indoor use, outdoor use or visible applications.
Custom sheet steel vs standard steel sheet
Standard sheet steel or standard profiles can work well when the dimensions are simple and the part has few project-specific requirements. In practice, this often means the part still needs to be adjusted, drilled, ground or fitted on site.
With custom sheet steel, the part is aligned with the application in advance. The right sheet thickness, shape, holes, edges, welds and finish can be included from the start. This makes installation more predictable and reduces the risk of adjustments afterwards. Especially for structural details, renovations and technical parts, custom work provides more certainty.
Need sheet steel?
Do you need custom sheet steel for a construction project, structural application, technical solution or renovation? De Graaf Metaalwerken is happy to help with advice, production and installation.
Contact us to discuss your request, drawing or idea. Together, we will determine which shape, dimensions, sheet thickness and finish best suit your project.
Frequently asked questions about custom sheet steel
What is custom sheet steel?
Custom sheet steel is steel sheet material that is processed into a specific part. Think of mounting plates, brackets, profiles, covers, supports, casings or technical parts.
Is sheet steel the same as steel sheet bending?
Not always. Sheet metal bending is a form of sheet metal processing in which steel sheet is bent. Custom sheet steel is broader and can also include cutting, welding, drilling, grinding, finishing and assembly.
What is sheet steel used for?
Sheet steel is used for structural details, mounting plates, brackets, profiles, covers, casings, technical parts, interior construction and renovation solutions.
Is sheet steel suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, provided the right finish is chosen. For outdoor applications, sheet steel can for example be galvanised, coated, powder coated or painted to better protect it against weather influences.
Can sheet steel be fully customised?
Yes. Sheet steel can be produced based on a technical drawing, sketch, example, photo or measured situation.
What sheet steel thickness do I need?
That depends on the load, dimensions, fastening, application and desired finish. De Graaf Metaalwerken can advise which sheet thickness is suitable for your project.
Can De Graaf Metaalwerken also weld and install?
Yes. Depending on the assignment, De Graaf Metaalwerken can process, assemble, weld and install sheet steel.
When should I choose steel instead of aluminium or stainless steel?
Steel is a good choice when strength, load-bearing capacity, weldability and durability are important. Aluminium sheet metal is more suitable when low weight is a priority. Stainless steel is often suitable for damp, hygienic or high-specification environments.
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Why De Graaf Metaalwerken?
Materials and engineering
We are highly versatile in this area. Thanks to our extensive knowledge and experience, we can use the most suitable material for every project. This means we always offer a sustainable, well-thought-out and high-quality solution, perfectly tailored to your needs. We also take care of all the engineering and drawing work for your project in-house.
Production and assembly
The production of your project is carefully handled using our modern machinery and with attention to safe & healthy working conditions. We work quickly, flexibly and with an eye for quality, so that your project is always delivered on time and according to plan. Our VCA-certified engineers can also take care of the entire installation process for you.
Complete peace of mind
We take care of your project from start to finish. Our specialists ensure that everything is carried out accurately, efficiently and safely, while you benefit from a single point of contact for the entire process. This means you can count on a hassle-free implementation, optimal quality and a project that is delivered on time and according to plan, without any surprises.
Quality & Certification
We work in accordance with recognised standards and have the necessary certifications, such as NEN-EN 1090-1, which allows us to issue the CE certificate for our construction work.
Please contact us
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
De Graaf Metaalwerken B.V.
Gageldijk 2
3602 AL Maarssen
+3130 – 2613843
info@degraafmetaalwerken.nl
