Steel Shim Plates for Column Leveling and Base Plate Setting
ASTM A36 Hot Rolled Plates Stocked for Fast Pickup and Delivery
What Are Steel Shim Plates?
Steel shim plates are thin, flat steel spacers placed between a column base plate and the foundation to adjust elevation and hold columns level and plumb. Contractors and steel fabricators working throughout the United States use them throughout column erection to make precise adjustments before final grouting. At Oates Metal Deck, we now stock ASTM A36 hot rolled steel shim plates in common, jobsite-ready sizes, so your crews can keep setting columns instead of waiting on fabricated spacers.
In structural steel work, concrete is rarely poured perfectly level, and a shim plate gives your crew a fast way to correct for it. Shim plates are placed between the base plate and the footing to:
Steel Shim Plate Sizes and Specifications
We stock ASTM A36 hot rolled steel shim plates in three common thicknesses, all in a 3″ x 3″ footprint that fits most standard column base plate layouts:
These are standard sizes chosen to make column setting faster and more precise, with no custom fabrication required to get started.
Choosing the Right Thickness
Having multiple thicknesses on hand lets your crew fine-tune elevation without overbuilding a stack. Use 1/8″ plates for fine adjustments, 1/4″ plates for standard leveling, and 1/2″ plates for larger corrections. By combining sizes into a shim stack, installers can hit precise elevations while keeping the stack as low and stable as possible.
Steel vs Plastic Shims for Structural Steel
Why Choose Us
Plastic shims show up on lighter construction, but for structural steel work most contractors reach for steel. The difference comes down to how each material behaves under sustained structural load.
For permanent column support, steel is the more dependable choice. It holds elevation, transfers load cleanly, and stays put once the column is set and grouted.
| Factor | Steel Shim Plates (ASTM A36) | Plastic Shims |
|---|---|---|
| Load-bearing | Carry heavy column loads without compressing | Can compress under sustained load |
| Long-term stability | Resist creep and hold elevation over time | Can deform or lose shape over time |
| Durability | Hold up to heat and temperature changes | Can grow brittle or degrade with UV and heat |
| Best fit | Permanent structural applications | Lighter, non-structural work |
Steel Shim Plates for Column Setting
Accurate column installation is critical on any structural steel project, and shim plates are one of the simplest tools for getting it right. Placed beneath the base plate, they let crews dial in elevation and alignment before the column is grouted in place. Stocking them in standard sizes means the material is ready when the steel is.
Features of Our ASTM A36 Shim Plates
- Consistent thickness: Each plate holds a uniform thickness, so stacked plates produce a predictable, repeatable elevation. That consistency matters when several columns need to match.
- High load-bearing capacity: ASTM A36 steel carries heavy structural loads without compressing or deforming, so the elevation you set is the elevation that holds.
- Stable footprint: The 3″ x 3″ plate gives a broad, solid bearing point under the base plate during alignment and grouting.
- Grout-compatible: Steel shims stay integrated with the system after grouting and don’t interfere with grout performance.
Benefits on the Jobsite
- Faster column setting: With shim plates in stock, crews aren’t waiting on fabricated spacers, which keeps erection moving.
- Fewer callbacks: Steel won’t creep or compress over time the way plastic can, so columns stay where they were set.
- Less rework: Precise, repeatable leveling reduces the chance of misalignment that has to be corrected later.
- Project efficiency: Keeping standard sizes on the truck means one less item to chase down mid-pour.
Steel Shim Plates From Oates Metal Deck
Oates Metal Deck has supplied metal deck and building products to contractors and steel fabricators since 2004, with branches in Houston, Fort Worth, Buda, and Greenville. Adding ASTM A36 plates makes us a steel shim plates supplier that stocks the accessories crews actually need to finish the job, not just the deck itself. When you need shim plates, leveling material, or related products, our team can help you get the right material on schedule.
Q1: How do you use steel shim plates to level a column base plate?
Set the column over the anchor bolts, then slide steel shim plates under the base plate where it needs to come up. Add or remove plates until the base plate reads level and plumb, then verify before grouting. The shims hold the elevation while grout is placed beneath the plate.
Q2: What is a shim stack and how is it used in steel erection?
A shim stack is simply two or more shim plates stacked together to reach a target elevation. During steel erection, crews build small stacks under each base plate to correct for uneven concrete. Combining thicknesses (for example, a 1/2″ plate with a 1/8″ plate) lets them hit an exact height without overbuilding the stack.
Q3: What is the difference between steel shim plates and leveling nuts?
Leveling nuts thread onto the anchor bolts and support the base plate from below, while shim plates sit directly under the plate as solid bearing. Many crews use both: leveling nuts for initial height, shim plates to fill and stabilize the bearing surface before grouting. Steel shims provide a broad, solid contact point that helps transfer load evenly.
Q4: How many shim plates are typically used per column base plate?
It varies with how far off level the concrete is, but crews commonly place shim stacks at two or more points under each base plate, often near the anchor bolts. The goal is enough bearing to hold the plate level and stable, not a single tall stack. Keeping several thicknesses on hand makes it easier to dial in each point.
Q5: Do you offer custom-sized steel shim plates?
We stock 1/8″, 1/4″, and 1/2″ plates in a 3″ x 3″ size, and we can source other sizes and materials, including stainless steel shim plates, when a project calls for them. If you need a specific dimension or quantity, reach out and we’ll work out availability and lead time.
Need Steel Shim Plates for Your Next Project?
Contact Oates Metal Deck for pricing, availability, and fast pickup or delivery from our Houston, Fort Worth, Buda, or Greenville branches. We’re here to support your project from the ground up.
