Superstrut vs. Unistrut: Which is the Best Choice for Strut Channel?

Two of the most popular strut channels on the market today are Superstrut and Unistrut. But which one is the better choice? In this blog post, we'll compare and contrast the two products based on build, quality, applications, and value. So, if you're in the market for strut channel, read on to find out which one is right for your needs.

Who Makes Superstrut?

Superstrut is made by Thomas & Betts, a subsidiary of ABB Group, a global corporation focused on power and automation technologies.

Who Makes Unistrut?

Unistrut was acquired by Tyco International in 1995 and later sold to Atkore International in 2010. Atkore International is a global leader in electrical, safety, and infrastructure solutions.

Unistrut Vs. Superstrut

History

Unistrut is the original metal framing system, created in 1924, upon which all other metal framing systems are modeled. As such, Unistrut has been setting the standard for product design, quality and performance for close to a century. Superstrut created their own, less comprehensive copycat line of metal framing products in 1955.

Build

As members of the Metal Framing Manufacturers Association (MFMA), both Unistrut and Superstrut must adhere to specific guidelines for the design, test, and manufacture of their  metal framing (continuous slot metal channel systems). This allows multiple manufacturers' channels to be compatible, while not necessarily completely interchangeable. As such, both Unistrut and Superstrut channels do look and perform similarly.

Quality

Both Superstrut and Unistrut are known for their high-quality standards and adherence to UL/NEC requirements. However, the thickness of the steel used to manufacture the channels differs. Superstrut’s 1-⅝” line of channels is available in both 12 and 14 gauge, while Unistrut’s 1-⅝” channel series is available in a wider range of material thicknesses, including  12, 14, and 16 gauge. Furthermore, while Superstrut is limited to providing only 1-⅝” wide strut channel, Unistrut manufactures channel in several additional widths, including 1-4”, 1-½”, and 13/16”.

Applications

Superstrut and Unistrut are both versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications, from electrical work, support fixtures and installations in residential and commercial buildings, to broader applications, such as in the construction of HVAC systems, solar panel installations, and even in the automotive industry. However, Unistrut’s more comprehensive catalog of products includes a wider range of compatible fittings and hardware, as well as channel series in additional widths besides 1-⅝”, making it the more versatile option by far.

Value

When it comes to cost, Superstrut does tend to be slightly cheaper, and also more readily available since it is sold through major box store chains. However, Unistrut's more comprehensive product offerings and network of independent distributors who provide superior customer service and unparalleled product knowledge can make it a more attractive option for those who are willing to pay slightly more for access to that priceless network or resources. 

It’s easy to think of value in terms of product cost alone, but you can’t truly talk about the value of Superstrut vs Unistrut channel without talking about value added services. When was the last time you walked into a Lowe’s or Home Depot store to pick up a few sticks of strut and had someone in an orange or blue vest offer you the material certifications, certificate of conformance, or certificate of compliance on your way out the door?

Good luck trying to give your cut list to a worker there and getting them to cut and debur your strut channel order for you in store. Any Unistrut distributor will happily offer you a quote to cut your material to your exact specifications and clean the ends off before carefully strapping your channel for transport. Some distributors will even offer fabrication services, such as welding and punching, along with other valuable conveniences, like product kitting, special packaging and labeling.

If you need your strut to match your business’ brand colors, your Unistrut distributor will guide you towards selecting a paintable finish or even furnish you with a quote to have your channel powder coated to your exact color specifications.

If you need help engineering and designing the correct solution for your application, your Unistrut distributor has engineers who specialize in building those systems and can offer you the design support you need to complete your project in the most cost effective way possible, without sacrificing anything in quality or safety. You won’t find a resource like that at a big box store.

The Bottom Line: Which To Choose?

The bottom line is that the choice between Superstrut and Unistrut depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option for residential or light commercial projects, and you don’t need any help with your project or any special services, Superstrut could be the right choice for you. However, if you need a high-quality, versatile and aesthetically pleasing strut channel for industrial or heavy-duty construction projects, Unistrut might  be a better option. Ultimately, both brands have passed rigorous quality standards and are trusted by industry professionals worldwide, but only one is backed by a powerful network of customer service oriented metal framing experts who specialize in providing every resource a customer could possibly need to succeed with their project.

Unistrut Buffalo Supports

If you do decide you want to go with Unistrut, we’d be happy to talk to you about your project. Here at Unistrut Buffalo Supports, we’re the longest standing distributor of Unistrut parts and we KNOW Unistrut. We won’t just get you the channel you need, we also offer a variety of services to fit your needs, from design to fabrication to cost estimating.

Whether you’re looking for assistance designing a project, looking for technical information, or just need to purchase genuine Unistrut parts and channel, we’re happy to help.

Our friendly and knowledgeable customer service staff is on hand to answer your questions, and to provide you with detailed product knowledge and training, product certifications and submittals, respond to quote requests, process orders, provide logistics support and anything else you might need.

Our dedicated project coordinators are also on hand to assist you throughout every step of your custom project, from takeoff and design to delivery and completion.

Our experienced team can help you with any project you can dream up. The sky is the limit.