1/4 Aluminum Plate & 4×8 Aluminum Sheet – Price, Specs, and Guide to 6061 & 6063 Metal Materials
When it comes to choosing the right metal material for industrial, construction, or DIY applications, 1/4 aluminum plate and 4×8 aluminum sheet are two of the most widely used and reliable options. In particular, 6061 and 6063 aluminum alloys are known for their excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and versatility. In this guide, we provide a full breakdown of these materials, including technical specs, current prices, use cases, and where to buy.
What Is a 1/4 Aluminum Plate?
A 1/4 inch aluminum plate is a flat sheet of aluminum that is 0.25 inches thick. This thickness provides significant structural strength while still being easy to machine, weld, and transport. It is commonly used in:
- Structural framing
- Truck beds
- Tooling plates
- Marine applications
- Heavy-duty floors and platforms
Features of 1/4 Aluminum Plate:
- Thickness: 0.25 inches
- Available in 6061 and 6063 grades
- High weight-to-strength ratio
- Suitable for welding and machining
- Corrosion resistant
What Is a 4×8 Aluminum Sheet?
A 4×8 aluminum sheet measures 48 inches by 96 inches. This is the most standard and requested size in metalworking. Sheets can range from very thin (0.032″) to thick plate sizes (over 0.25″).
Common Applications:
- Construction panels
- Signage and display boards
- Enclosures and housing units
- Automotive and aerospace skin
- Decorative panels
Comparison Between 6061 and 6063 Aluminum
| Property | 6061 Aluminum (T6) | 6063 Aluminum (T5) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ~45,000 psi | ~27,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | ~40,000 psi | ~21,000 psi |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Machinability | Good | Fair |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Surface Finish | Moderate | High |
6061-T6 is ideal for structural use, frames, aerospace, and high-strength components.
6063-T5 is commonly used in architectural trim, doors, windows, and aesthetic applications.
Standard Sizes and Thicknesses
- 4×8 Sheet: Most popular format (48″ x 96″)
- 1/4 Plate: 0.25″ thick; strong and versatile
- Other common thicknesses: 1/8″, 1/2″, 3/8″
Weight Calculation Formula:
Weight (lbs) = Length (in) x Width (in) x Thickness (in) x 0.0975For example:
- 4×8 (48″ x 96″) 1/4″ aluminum plate ≈ 130 lbs
Price Chart for 6061 & 6063 Aluminum (2025 Market Estimate)
| Alloy | Temper | Thickness | Size | Weight | Price Range (USD) |
| 6061 | T6 | 1/4″ | 4×8 | ~130lb | $400 – $500 |
| 6063 | T5 | 1/4″ | 4×8 | ~130lb | $360 – $460 |
| 6061 | T6 | 1/8″ | 4×8 | ~65lb | $200 – $250 |
| 6061 | T6 | 3/8″ | 4×8 | ~195lb | $600 – $750 |
| 6061 | T6 | 1/2″ | 4×8 | ~260lb | $800 – $1000 |
Note: Prices are subject to change based on region, market demand, and supplier.
Where to Buy Aluminum Sheet and Plate
You can purchase aluminum sheet and plate from both local metal supply stores and online retailers. Reliable suppliers include:
- OnlineMetals.com
- Metal Supermarkets
- Midwest Steel & Aluminum
- Alro Metals
Tips:
- Always confirm the alloy (6061 vs 6063)
- Check temper (T6 for 6061, T5 for 6063)
- Compare per-lb and per-sheet prices
- Ask for bulk order discounts
Benefits of Aluminum Over Other Metals
- Lighter than steel with excellent strength
- Better corrosion resistance than iron or carbon steel
- Recyclable and eco-friendly
- Easier to cut and drill than titanium
FAQs
Q1: Can I weld 6061 and 6063 aluminum? Yes. Both have excellent weldability, especially with TIG or MIG welding techniques.
Q2: What thickness should I use for flooring or truck beds? 1/4″ aluminum plate is a standard for structural and load-bearing use.
Q3: Is there a big price difference between 6061 and 6063? Yes. 6061 tends to cost more due to its strength, but 6063 is more affordable for decorative use.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between 1/4 aluminum plate and 4×8 aluminum sheet depends on your application. For strength and structural needs, 6061-T6 is the go-to. For aesthetics and corrosion resistance, 6063-T5 is a better choice. Use the information above to compare, select, and confidently purchase aluminum materials for your next project.
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