SHS Cleat Sizes Explained: How to Choose the Right Size for Your Project
When selecting an SHS cleat, one of the first specifications to check is the SHS post size. Choosing the correct size is important because the cleat needs to suit the Square Hollow Section (SHS) column and the structural member being connected.
However, SHS cleat sizing isn't simply about matching one number to another. The SHS post dimensions, connected beam, connection configuration, loading, fasteners, and installation requirements all need to be considered.
This guide explains the common SHS sizes used with SHS Cleats and what builders, fabricators, and designers should consider before selecting a connection.
What Does SHS Size Mean?
SHS stands for Square Hollow Section.
An SHS is a square-shaped hollow steel section commonly used for posts, columns, and structural frames.
For example:
65 × 65 mm SHS
75 × 75 mm SHS
89 × 89 mm SHS
100 × 100 mm SHS
125 × 125 mm SHS
150 × 150 mm SHS
200 × 200 mm SHS
SHS Cleats' published product information lists these seven SHS post sizes as part of its range.
Important: The SHS size refers to the post or column section, not necessarily the physical dimensions of the cleat itself.
Common SHS Cleat Sizes
65 × 65 mm SHS
The 65 × 65 mm section is one of the smaller SHS sizes supported by the SHS Cleats range.
It may be relevant to lighter structural applications where the engineering design specifies a 65 × 65 mm SHS post.
Before selecting a cleat, check the required connection configuration and the dimensions of the member being attached.
75 × 75 mm SHS
75 × 75 mm SHS is another commonly specified section within the product range.
It can be used with different SHS cleat configurations depending on the application, including timber beam and top plate connections.
For example, the SHS Timber Beam-Top Plate Cleat range is designed for supporting timber floor bearers on SHS columns and is available in configurations suited to different beam and SHS post sizes.
89 × 89 mm SHS
89 × 89 mm is another size included in the published SHS Cleats range.
The correct cleat configuration still depends on what is being connected to the post. A timber beam connection, PFC connection and bracing connection may require different cleat designs even when the SHS post size is the same.
100 × 100 mm SHS
100 × 100 mm SHS is widely relevant to structural post applications and is supported by the SHS Cleats range.
At this size, there can still be substantial differences between connection requirements depending on the application.
For example, the SHS Timber Beam Cleat range includes five different configurations designed for different beam and SHS post arrangements.
125 × 125 mm SHS
125 × 125 mm SHS provides a larger square post section and is included among the SHS sizes supported by SHS cleats.
The correct connection should still be selected based on:
Beam dimensions
Connection configuration
Design loads
Fastener requirements
Installation method
Simply choosing a larger cleat because the post is larger is not sufficient.
150 × 150 mm SHS
150 × 150 mm SHS is another supported post size.
Larger SHS sections may be used in applications requiring larger structural members, but the connection design remains important.
The cleat must work with both the SHS post and the member being connected.
200 × 200 mm SHS
200 × 200 mm is the largest SHS post size listed in the current published SHS Cleats range.
For larger structural posts, connection geometry, access and loading should be carefully reviewed during the design stage.
Does a Bigger SHS Post Need a Bigger Cleat?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the most important points when discussing SHS cleat sizes.
A 150 × 150 mm SHS post does not automatically mean that every connection needs a physically larger version of the same cleat.
The required configuration depends on the complete connection.
For example, a project may have:
A 100 × 100 mm SHS post supporting a timber beam
A 100 × 100 mm SHS post supporting a PFC beam
A 100 × 100 mm SHS post with structural bracing
All three use the same SHS post size, but the connection requirements can be different.
SHS Cleat Size vs Beam Size
Another common misunderstanding is assuming that the SHS post size determines the entire connection.
It doesn't.
The connected beam also needs to be considered.
For a timber beam, relevant information may include:
Beam width
Beam depth
Connection position
Number of connection points
Structural loading
For a PFC beam, additional information such as the PFC section and connection arrangement becomes relevant.
SHS Cleats provides a dedicated SHS-PFC Beam Cleat range with three configurations designed for different beam and SHS post sizes.
Connection Configuration Also Matters
The same SHS size can require different cleat configurations.
For example, timber beam cleats are available in configurations including:
Single-side cleat
Two-way inline
Three-way intermediate
Corner configurations
Rear/single configurations
SHS Cleats currently describes five timber beam cleat configurations for different beam and post arrangements.
This means you should identify the location of the connection before ordering the component.
SHS Cleat Sizes for Baseplates
The bottom of an SHS post presents another type of connection.
SHS Cleats provides square, rectangular, and corner baseplate configurations. The published information states that these baseplates are available in thicknesses of 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20 mm, with dimensions designed to suit SHS columns.
These can be relevant when SHS posts are:
Embedded into concrete piers
Mounted on concrete pads
Mounted on concrete piers
SHS Cleat Sizes for Bracing
Bracing connections introduce another sizing consideration.
The SHS Steel Angle Bracing Cleats range includes 11 different configurations, designed for different SHS post sizes and equal-angle arrangements.
These products are described for applications including:
Sub-floor bracing
Steel-framed bracing bays
High-wind-load applications
Small communication towers
How to Select the Correct SHS Cleat Size
Before selecting a cleat, collect the following information.
1. Measure the SHS Post
Confirm:
Width × depth × wall thickness
Do not rely on visual measurements.
2. Identify the Connected Member
Determine whether you are connecting:
Timber
PFC
Steel beam
Bracing
Floor bearer
Other structural members
3. Identify the Connection Configuration
Determine whether it is:
Single
Corner
Inline
Intermediate
Multi-directional
4. Check the Structural Loads
The engineer should establish the relevant design loads and connection requirements.
5. Check the Manufacturer's Specifications
Confirm that the selected cleat is suitable for the SHS section and connected member.
6. Consider the Environment
Outdoor and coastal applications may require appropriate corrosion protection.
Don't Choose an SHS Cleat by Post Size Alone
Imagine a project using 100 × 100 mm SHS posts.
You might need:
A timber beam cleat at one post
A corner cleat at another
A PFC beam cleat at another
A bracing cleat at another
The SHS post size hasn't changed, but the connection requirements have.
Therefore, SHS size is only one part of the selection process.
What About SHS Wall Thickness?
The outside dimensions of an SHS post don't tell the entire story.
Two posts could both measure 100 × 100 mm externally but have different wall thicknesses.
Wall thickness can influence:
Connection behaviour
Fastener selection
Welding requirements
Structural capacity
Engineering design
For load-bearing connections, always use the actual section specification provided for the project.
Installation Considerations
Once the correct cleat has been selected, installation is equally important.
Check:
Post dimensions
Cleat orientation
Beam position
Hole alignment
Fasteners
Required fixing method
Final connection position
Some SHS Cleats products are designed so the cleat can be positioned along the SHS post before final fixing. For example, the published timber beam cleat information describes sliding the cleat into position before temporary fixing and final connection.
For your installation content, use the anchor:
SHS Cleat Installation Guide → your verified installation guide/PDF URL
Quick SHS Size Reference
These are the SHS post sizes currently identified in SHS Cleats' published product information.
Final Thoughts
Understanding SHS cleat sizes starts with understanding the difference between post size and connection requirements.
SHS Cleats' published range covers SHS post sizes from 65 × 65 mm through to 200 × 200 mm, while different cleat configurations are available for timber beams, top plates, PFC beams, baseplates and bracing applications.
The correct choice should be based on the complete connection—not just the size of the SHS post.
For structural applications, always confirm the product selection against the project's engineering documentation and the manufacturer's current specifications.
Explore the range at SHSCleats.com.
Comments
Post a Comment