1.5" vs. 2" Truss Material

A buyer’s guide from Blackwater Truss Systems

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Quick Take

Choosing between 1.5-inch and 2-inch material for your trusses—whether angle iron or square tube—comes down to a balance of cost, strength, and application needs.

- 1.5" material: Cost-effective, lighter, and sufficient for many small to mid-size pole barns up to 40' spans.

- 2" material: Stronger, stiffer, and preferred for larger spans, higher snow/wind loads, or when long-term durability is a priority. Required for all square tube trusses over 40' spans.

Bottom line: If your project is smaller and budget-driven, 1.5" is a smart choice. For larger, heavier-duty, or long-lasting builds, 2" gives peace of mind.

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Angle Iron: 1.5" vs. 2"

1.5" Angle Iron

- Often the more economical choice for agricultural storage or smaller barns.

- Lighter weight makes handling and installation easier.

- Meets engineering requirements for many moderate spans under standard loads.

- Lower freight costs due to lighter bundles.

- Available in spans up to 40' maximum.

2" Angle Iron

- Provides greater cross-sectional area, increasing load-carrying capacity and reducing deflection.

- Better suited for heavy snow/wind regions, or buildings with higher structural demands.

- Added strength can reduce the need for extra bracing in some designs.

- Slightly higher upfront cost but pays off in stiffness and durability.

- Also limited to 40' maximum spans with angle construction.

Finish Options for Angle Iron

- Can be supplied with either primer coating or hot-dip galvanizing, depending on your environment and preference.

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Square Tube: 1.5" vs. 2"

1.5" Square Tube

- Offers a clean, professional look at a lower cost than 2" tube.

- Works well in smaller spans or buildings where loads are moderate.

- Lighter weight aids handling, though tubes remain heavier than angles at equal size.

- Suitable for spans up to 40' maximum only when allowed by engineering.

2" Square Tube

- Considerably stronger, with superior torsional rigidity for wide spans or heavy eccentric loads.

- Required by Blackwater Truss Systems for all tube trusses over 40' spans.

- Ideal for larger barns, shops, or any structure where appearance and longevity matter.

- Provides greater resistance to local buckling, making it the premium option for demanding applications.

Finish Options for Square Tube

- All tube trusses are provided with a solid coat of primer only for protection and appearance.

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Cost vs. Performance

- Upfront Cost: 1.5" material will nearly always be less expensive, both in steel cost and freight.

- Strength & Span: 2" delivers more capacity, often required as building width, height, or snow/wind loads increase.

- Longevity: 2" sections handle wear and tear better, deflect less, and maintain straighter rooflines over decades.

- Appearance: Larger tubes or angles provide a heavier, more substantial look, which can be a selling point in exposed structures.

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Choosing the Right Fit

- Small barns, sheds, and storage (budget-driven): 1.5" angle or tube is often sufficient.

- Medium barns with moderate spans: 1.5" can work, but 2" may be chosen for extra stiffness or longevity.

- Large spans, heavy snow/wind loads, or exposed interiors: 2" angle (to 40') or 2" tube (40'+) is strongly recommended.

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What You Get with Blackwater Truss Systems

- Stamped engineering that matches your local code requirements (if purchased)

- Primer coating on all tube trusses for consistent protection and appearance

- Primer or hot-dip galvanizing options for angle iron trusses

- Proven fabrication standards for both 1.5" and 2" materials

- Responsive lead times and coordinated delivery

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With the right size and profile chosen, you can balance budget and performance while knowing your trusses are backed by Blackwater’s engineering and fabrication expertise.