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Material thickness and construction in steel


More about why we choose 2, 3 and 5 mm material thickness

When working with steel, choosing the material alone is not enough. Material thickness and construction are decisive for how a solution performs in practice – both today and many years from now.

At byJEMA, we dimension our products according to their actual load and intended use. This means that we work with different material thicknesses and construction principles depending on the task – not based on standards or trends.

Why material thickness matters

Material thickness has a direct impact on:

  • stability and load-bearing capacity
  • whether the construction flexes over time
  • how the product ages under load
  • the overall perception of quality

Steel that is too thin may look right visually, but will often lose shape, flex or feel unstable in use. Steel that is too thick can be unnecessarily heavy and compromise the architectural expression.

Material thickness is therefore not about overdimensioning – but about dimensioning correctly.

2 mm steel – the balance between strength and lightness

The majority of our range is produced in 2 mm steel. This thickness provides an optimal balance between strength, stability and a light, calm expression.

2 mm steel means that:

  • the construction remains stable during everyday use
  • profiles can be kept slim without losing load-bearing capacity
  • the product feels solid without visually dominating the space

We typically use 2 mm steel for:

  • the CUBY series
  • planters and raised garden beds
  • indoor furniture and storage solutions
  • fire pit grills and outdoor kitchen elements

It is a thoroughly tested solution that retains form and function over time – both indoors and outdoors.

3 mm steel – when loads are higher

For solutions exposed to greater loads, we use 3 mm steel. Here, higher demands are placed on stiffness and resistance, especially where long runs, soil pressure or mechanical impact are part of the application.

3 mm steel is used, among other things, for:

The increased thickness ensures that profiles and edges remain straight and stable – even over time and under the influence of weather, soil and substrate.

Retaining walls – 3 or 5 mm depending on the task

For retaining walls, we work with either 3 mm or 5 mm steel, depending on:

  • the height of the wall
  • soil pressure and load
  • the specific construction

Here, material thickness is a technical decision, not an aesthetic one. The additional thickness is necessary to ensure that the retaining wall can withstand constant soil pressure without deforming or losing function.

The choice between 3 and 5 mm is always made based on the specific project – not fixed standard solutions.

Why we bend profiles instead of welding

Construction is just as important as the material itself.

While many solutions on the market are built from welded plates, we choose, wherever possible, to work with bent profiles.

We do this because bent profiles:

  • utilise the strength of the material more effectively
  • provide higher structural stiffness
  • reduce the risk of twisting and internal stress
  • create fewer joints – and therefore fewer weak points

A bent profile is inherently stronger than a welded joint and results in a more uniform construction – both technically and visually. Welding is used where necessary, but never as a shortcut.

This approach is closely connected to how we work with production and craftsmanship in steel.

Construction that lasts over time

When material thickness and construction work together, the result is solutions that:

  • retain form and function
  • age gracefully
  • require minimal maintenance

This is the difference between products that look right in images – and products that perform in real life.

At byJEMA, quality is not about making things thicker than necessary. It is about doing things right from the start.

Surface treatment – function before finish

Surface treatment plays a crucial role in both appearance and durability – especially in outdoor use, where materials are exposed to weather, moisture and temperature changes. At byJEMA, we choose surfaces based on our experience of what performs best over time in practice – not based on trends alone.

Wet-lacquered vs. powder-coated steel

For the majority of our solutions, we use wet-lacquered steel – also for outdoor use. This is a conscious choice based on experience: when applied correctly, wet lacquering provides a more elastic and uniform surface that, in practice, performs significantly better over time when the steel moves under changing weather conditions.

Wet lacquering also allows us to work with thinner layers and precise details, resulting in a calm and refined expression without visually “closing” the construction.

Powder-coated steel is more common in mass production and is typically characterised by a thicker, more closed surface. In some contexts this can be an advantage, but for outdoor use the harder surface can be more vulnerable to impact and internal stress.

The choice between wet lacquering and powder coating is therefore not about right or wrong – but about application, load and long-term durability.

Material types – steel is not just steel

Although steel is often referred to as a single material, its properties vary significantly depending on type and surface treatment.

Corten steel – patina and lifespan

Corten steel is known for its living patina, which develops over time. The surface rust protects the underlying steel and makes the material particularly suitable for outdoor use. The expression changes, but strength and functionality are preserved.

It is important to understand that the patina is a natural part of the material’s character – not a sign of deterioration or wear.

Galvanised steel – when and why

Galvanised steel is used where high demands are placed on wear resistance and protection against moisture and external impact. The surface treatment effectively protects the steel, making it suitable for both outdoor environments and areas exposed to heavy use.

Dimensioned – not overdimensioned

Quality is not about using as much material as possible, but about using it correctly. When material thickness, construction, surface treatment and steel type work together, solutions emerge that retain form and function over time.

This is the approach that makes the difference between products that merely look right – and products that truly perform in practice.

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