In the fast-growing world of e-commerce furniture, steel tubing has become one of the most reliable materials for structure and support. From desks and chairs to shelving units and bed frames, steel tubes offer the perfect combination of durability, functionality, and visual appeal. Among various available sizes, 20mm and 25mm diameter steel tubes are the most commonly used in both household and commercial furniture. This article explores these two core sizes, as well as larger specifications used for heavy-duty applications.
Why Is Steel Tubing So Widely Used in Furniture?
Especially in e-commerce furniture, where easy assembly, compact shipping, and long-term reliability are critical, steel tubes stand out for several reasons:
High strength-to-weight ratio: Offers excellent support while remaining light
Durability: Resistant to rust and deformation when powder-coated
Flexible for design: Can be bent, welded, or shaped into various forms
Modern aesthetic: Suits minimalist, contemporary, or industrial styles
Cost-effective: Ideal for scalable production and online retail pricing
Most Common Steel Tube Sizes in Furniture
1. 20mm Diameter Tubes
Used In:Nightstands,coffe tables, side tables
Benefits: Affordable, minimalist look, suitable for low to medium loads
Ideal For: Suitable for small-sized furniture with low load-bearing requirements.
2. 25mm Diameter Tubes
Used In: Office desks, Computer desk,console tables, multi-layer shelving
Benefits: Balanced performance in terms of strength, cost, and appearance
Ideal For: Furniture with higher load-bearing requirements.
Larger Options: 28mm, 30mm, and 32mm Steel Tubes
For products that need to support more weight or convey a stronger, premium look, many manufacturers opt for larger steel tube sizes.
3. 28mm Tubes
Used In: Executive desks, ergonomic chairs, robust racks
Features: Higher stability, still easy to assemble and ship
Popular In: Heavy-use areas or premium e-commerce furniture targeting long-term home office setups
4. 30mm–32mm Tubes
Used In: Bed frames, dining sets, commercial-use desks
Advantages: Maximum strength and durability for high-traffic environments
Best For: Furniture for schools, restaurants, or hotels—also suitable for top-tier e-commerce lines promoting “heavy-duty” features
Common Steel Tube Specifications and Thickness in Furniture
To help furniture designers and buyers make informed material choices, below is a breakdown of the most common tube shapes, dimensions, and wall thicknesses used in both steel-wood and e-commerce furniture:
| Shape | Common Sizes (mm) | Common Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Round Tubes | ø15, ø19, ø22, ø25, ø38, ø50 | 0.7 / 0.8 / 0.9 / 1.0 / 1.2 / 1.5 / 1.8 / 2.0 |
| Square & Rectangular Tubes | 20×20, 25×25, 30×30, 40×20, 15×20 | 0.7 / 0.8 / 0.9 / 1.0 / 1.2 / 1.5 / 1.8 / 2.0 |
| Oval Tubes | 40×20, 50×25 | 1.2 / 1.5 / 1.8 |
Steel-Wood Combination vs. Full Panel Furniture
A major design choice in furniture construction is whether to use a steel-wood combination or go with full panel (all-board) furniture. Both are popular in the e-commerce furniture market but serve different needs.
Steel-Wood Combination
Structure: Steel tube frame with engineered wood surfaces
Pros: Stronger frame, lighter packaging, more durable under pressure
Look: Matches modern, loft-style, and minimalist aesthetics
Assembly: Easier to assemble/disassemble; ideal for flat-pack delivery
Full Panel Furniture
Structure: Fully made of particleboard, MDF, or plywood
Pros: Seamless all-wood look, traditional appeal
Considerations: May require thicker boards for strength; heavier to ship
Summary: For online furniture sales, steel-wood products are often preferred due to their better balance between cost, stability, and shipping efficiency.
Choosing the Right Tube Size
When developing new e-commerce furniture products or sourcing from suppliers, consider the following:
Weight capacity: Use thicker tubes (25mm+) for large or load-bearing furniture
Target price point: 20mm tubes offer cost savings, suitable for lower-budget markets
Design aesthetics: Slim or bold, depending on brand positioning
Shipping & logistics: Thicker steel adds weight and cost to transportation
End-user expectations: Match product performance to your customer's usage habits (e.g., student desks vs. home office desks)
Conclusion
Whether you're producing budget-friendly student desks or heavy-duty office furniture, the choice of steel tube size plays a key role in the product’s structure, pricing, and positioning. 20mm and 25mm tubes remain the core options for most mainstream items, while 28–32mm tubes support high-performance and commercial-grade product lines.
At Delux Furniture, we manufacture and supply a wide range of e-commerce furniture using custom steel tube sizes and frame structures. Whether you need steel-wood hybrid designs or full-board solutions, we help you build high-value furniture products ready for global online markets.
Need help choosing the right frame for your new furniture line?
Contact us today for expert advice, OEM support, and product customization.
