General structural steels find use in parts or constructions, both with or without welding, where strength requirements are moderate. Weldable structural steels with low carbon content have a chemical composition which is amenable to simplicity in welding, e.g. without the need to pre-heat. Medium-carbon machine steels have poorer weldability but can be heat treated to achieve a wider range of properties. Furthermore, they exhibit better machinability than low-carbon steels.

For the most part, structural steels are supplied and used in the hot-rolled and straightened condition. However, larger dimensions can be normalised in order to improve impact toughness.