What Are SHS Cleats and Why Every Builder Needs Them

SHS Cleats

Introduction

In residential construction, secure beam-to-column connections are crucial for structural integrity and long-term performance. For builders and contractors working with timber or PFC steel beams, finding a solution that’s easy to install, reliable, and adaptable is key.

SHS Cleats is a patented solution designed specifically to simplify and enhance structural beam connections to SHS steel columns. In this blog, we’ll explore how SHS Cleats work, their benefits, and why builders across Australia trust them.

What Are SHS Cleats?

SHS Cleats are PCT patented galvanized steel channels with pre-welded cleats that can slide up and down SHS (Square Hollow Section) steel tube columns. Once positioned, they are fastened using methods like:

  • Tek screws
  • Tek screws + weld
  • Weld only
  • Bolt only

This makes them incredibly flexible and efficient to install to the correct level required on site.

Key Benefits of Using SHS Cleats

✅ Fast & Simple Installation

With SHS Cleats, builders no longer need factory welded cleats and baseplate to shs post  systems. The cleats simply slide into position and fasten securely on site

✅ Adjustable Positioning

Cleats can be adjusted vertically to the required beam level—no need for cutting or modifying steel on-site or trying to install a pre-welded factory post & cleat system on site.

✅ Corrosion-Resistant Finish

SHS Cleats come galvanized for durability, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use & look great painted with the shs post  to the colour of your choice.

✅ Multiple Fastening Options

Choose the fastening method that suits your structural and site requirements:

  • Tek-only – for shear loads < 45kN
  • Tek + weld
  • Weld-only
  • Bolt-only

Applications of SHS Cleats

SHS Cleats are ideal for:

  • Timber beam to SHS column connections
  • Steel PFC beam to SHS column connections
  • Residential and light commercial framing
  • Balcony bearers, verandah & roof beams
  • Floor bearers to SHS posts on sloping sites

👉 Learn more about SHS Steel Sizes and how our cleats match your structural needs.

Why Builders Prefer SHS Cleats

Builders in Brisbane, Sydney, and Coffs Harbour rely on SHS Cleats because they:

  • Save assembly time on site 
  • Save time not waiting for pre-fabricated steel deliveries from the factory
  • No cranage fees for unloading pre-welded assemblies from the factory
  • Offer engineered certified strength
  • Allows easy and accurate beam level connection
  • Save on purchase cost in comparison to pre-welded assemblies from the factory 
  • Assemble your own post, baseplates & cleats on site with ease

🛠️ Use Case: One of our clients saved over 6 hours on a roofed balcony build by using SHS Cleats for both bearer & roof beam-to-column connections.

Why SHS Cleats Are a Superior & More Flexible Choice Over Traditional Factory Pre-Fabricated Methods

One of the most common issues builders face during the construction phase is the inflexible and error-prone nature of traditional pre-fabricated cleat installation methods. Typically, this process involves:

  • Welding 10mm thick steel cleats & baseplates onto SHS tube posts at the factory.
  • These cleats are sized to fit 2 or 3 bolt holes and are welded at precise heights (e.g., mid-height and top of the SHS post).
  • The entire post, along with the welded baseplate and cleats, is then freighted to the site.
  • On site, the builder must position and level the post with extreme accuracy — a process that is time-consuming, prone to human error, and often involves other packing or levelling techniques to align the posts verticall & horizontally perfectly.

Enter SHS Cleats’ Innovative System

SHS Cleats revolutionize this process by enabling on-site flexibility, speed, and accuracy:

  • Builders can install &  attach both the baseplate and SHS Cleats on site.
  • After placing the SHS post with baseplate into a concrete pier or on a concrete slab, the SHS Cleats can be slide up or down the post to the required correct level for beam attachment.
  • Once aligned, the builder can secure the SHS cleats to the SHS posts using metal series 500 12g-35 Tek screws making it a highly efficient installation process.
  • This eliminates the need to pre-weld cleats and avoids the associated errors in height and leveling.

Additional fixing for High Shear Loads

  • In cases where the shear load exceeds 45–50kN, for sliding timber beam cleats, a 5mm stitch weld (40-40-40) can be applied to further secure the cleat channel to the SHS post if required.
  •  Top plate cleats generally do not require this additional stitch weld, as most of the load is directly transferred onto the SHS post itself.

Benefits at a Glance:

  • ✅ Faster on-site installation
  • ✅ Greater flexibility in positioning & levelling
  • ✅ Reduced freight and handling complexity
  • ✅ Lower error margins
  • ✅ Strength customization (e.g., optional stitch welds or bolting)
  • ✅ Clean and professional appearance

🛠️ With SHS Cleats, you’re not just buying a product — you’re adopting a smarter, more efficient building process.

Traditional Method vs SHS Cleats System

🔧 Traditional Pre-Fabricated Method:

  • ❌ Time-consuming to produce and install
  • ❌ More expensive due to factory welding and transport
  • ❌ Fixed — cleats are not adjustable on site
  • ❌ Requires extremely accurate post leveling & alignment  during installation
  • ❌ Often needs a crane for unloading and positioning

✅ SHS Cleats Modern System:

  • ✅ Easy to assemble and level directly on site
  • ✅ More cost-effective with fewer fabrication steps
  • ✅ Fully adjustable cleat height on site as needed
  • ✅ No crane required for unloading or positioning
  • ✅ Flexible, builder-controlled installation process
  • ✅ Quicker installation time with less room for error
  • ✅ Allows for multiple corner or inline beam connections 

💡 Conclusion: SHS Cleats not only simplify on-site installation but also significantly reduce time, cost, and complexity compared to traditional pre-fabricated post-baseplate-welded cleat systems.

Conclusion

If you’re a builder or contractor looking for a fast, adjustable, and long-lasting solution for timber or steel beam connections to SHS columns, SHS Cleats offer unmatched advantages.

They’re engineered for simplicity, strength, and speed—designed with builder efficiency in mind.

Want to Learn More?

Check out our other articles:
👉 Timber Connections Using SHS Cleats
👉 Understanding Steel PFC Beam and Column Integration
👉 SHS Steel Sizes and Load-Bearing Considerations

📞 Need help choosing the right cleats? Contact us today.