Steel as a material is durable and strong, and less likely to bend or warp under pressure from heat, weight or force, making it perfect for use as a building material. However, there are some more unusual uses for steel, from a custom pair of shoes to repairing broken bones. If you want to know more about the many ways steel can be used, then see below for just a few more unusual uses for this material. 

Swedish fashion designer Naim Josefi created a pair of 3D printed shoes made from stainless steel, which were made by building up layers and layers of fine metal powder. The architecture-inspired shoes are 100% recyclable, and were also produced in 3D printed plastic in 2012, in what was described as ‘the first 3D printed couture shoe’.

Stainless steel is antiseptic, which makes it the perfect material to use for pins and screws to mend broken bones or joints. Before this method was discovered, broken limbs often had to amputated, but thanks to stainless steel technology patients can now make a full recovery.

Antique mirrors were made entirely of polished silver, making them a rare and expensive luxury. Advances in technology found that a thin silver coating on top of glass was just as effective, and metal and stainless steel were found to be effective mirror materials that are still used today. Some old cars even feature side mirrors made entirely from stainless steel. 

Sculptor Robert Bruno handcrafted this highly unusual house from 1973 until his death in 2008. Situated in Ransom Canyon, Texas, the property is made from 150 tons of blackened steel, with each piece being welded by hand. Although the steel house was never fully completed, it is kept running by Bruno’s neighbour, Charles Hobbs, who serves as the property’s manager and tour guide. 

You may not need steel for any of the unusual reasons above, but if you’re in need of high quality structural steel and aluminium projects for a more conventional construction project, get in touch with Underwoods Steels. Based in Hereford and Worcester, we have everything you need for your next residential or commercial building project, including beams, sheets, channels, rounds and much more. For more information, give us a call today or visit our website to browse our full range of steel products.