Basically, steel detailing is the process of producing drawings and other reports for steel fabricators to construct, and steel erectors to install, the columns, beams, stairs, handrails, and other metal items for buildings and bridges.

A steel detailer is someone who prepares these detailed drawings for the steel fabricator and erector to use.

The steel detailer (known simply as a “detailer” in the industry) uses the project drawings prepared by the architect and engineer to create ‘erection drawings’ including anchor bolt and embed plans, floor plans, roof plans, and the necessary sections and details to show the placement locations and connection information so the erector can correctly, efficiently, and safely install the fabricated metal material.

The detailer also produces ‘detail drawings’ for the fabricator to use in cutting, drilling, and welding the material.  These drawings also include other necessary specifications, for example, surface preparation, painting, galvanizing, etc.

The ‘erection drawings’ to install the steel, and the ‘detail drawings’ to fabricate the steel, are collectively referred to as the ‘shop drawings’.

The architectural and structural drawings, project specifications, and other project specific instructions are often called the ‘contract documents’.  In addition to the contract documents, the detailer uses industry standards established by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the American Welding Society (AWS), and other similar associations and institutions, along with applicable building codes to assure that the framing and other material will meet all of the requirements of the owner.