This aluminium sheet buying guide explains everything you need to know about grades, finishes, and thicknesses. At Metal Offcuts, we supply cut-to-size aluminium sheet online, while full sheets are available from our sister site Metal Sheets Ltd.
Aluminium Sheet Cut to Size — precision guillotine cutting direct from our UK workshop.
Aluminium Sheet Grades – Buying Guide
Aluminium comes in several grades, each with different properties:
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1050 Aluminium – pure aluminium, highly formable and corrosion-resistant, often used for decorative or architectural applications.
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5000 Series (e.g. 5754) – stronger and more durable, commonly used in marine and industrial projects.
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6000 Series – good balance of strength and machinability, suitable for engineering and structural use.
For a detailed comparison of grades, see our Aluminium Sheet Grades Guide.
Aluminium Sheet Finishes Compared
We supply aluminium in a variety of finishes:
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Mill Finish – standard smooth aluminium with a natural sheen.
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Stucco Embossed – textured pattern that reduces glare and adds stiffness.
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Checker / Tread Plate – raised 5-bar pattern for anti-slip flooring, wall panels, and protective uses.
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Brushed Aluminium – linear satin effect, popular for decorative projects.
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Polished Aluminium – bright, reflective surface suitable for interior design and signage.
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Anodised Aluminium – treated surface with extra corrosion resistance and colour options.
For inspiration and examples, explore our Metal Finish Visual Guide.
Aluminium Sheet Thickness Buying Guide
Selecting the right thickness depends on your project:
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0.5–1.0mm – lightweight, ideal for crafts, signage, and cladding.
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1.5–2.0mm – medium-weight, used in splashbacks, wall panels, and decorative features.
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3.0mm and above – stronger, for protective panels, floors, and heavy-duty use.
At Metal Offcuts we cut 0.5mm–3.0mm aluminium sheets to size. For thicker or full sheets, order directly from Metal Sheets Ltd.
Cut-to-Size vs. Full Sheets
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Cut-to-size aluminium – perfect for DIY, crafts, or one-off trade projects. Order online and we’ll cut to your exact dimensions.
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Full aluminium sheets – best for fabricators, contractors, and larger projects. These can be purchased through our Buy Aluminium Metal Sheet page at Metal Sheets Ltd.
FAQs – Aluminium Sheet Buying Guide
What’s the difference between aluminium sheet and aluminium plate?
Plate is thicker (usually 6mm+), while sheet is thinner and easier to cut or bend.
What is the most common aluminium sheet thickness?
1.5mm and 2.0mm are widely used for general trade and DIY applications.
Which aluminium finish is best for outdoor use?
Anodised and 5754 grade aluminium offer the best corrosion resistance for outdoor conditions.
Do you supply full aluminium sheets?
Yes — full sheets are available from Metal Sheets Ltd. Metal Offcuts specialises in cut-to-size pieces.
Final Word
Whether you need small aluminium panels cut to size or full metal sheets for trade use, we’ve got you covered.
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Order cut-to-size directly from Metal Offcuts.
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Visit Metal Sheets Ltd for full sheets.
