FAQs
About Extrude-A-Trim
Extrude-A-Trim is a leading aluminum extrusion supplier in Toronto specializing in custom and stock aluminum profiles for retail displays, cabinetry, woodworking, construction, interior design, and architectural applications. We supply precision-cut aluminum angles, channels, trims, moldings, and tubes for commercial and residential projects across Toronto and the GTA and Pompano Beach Florida USA.
With over 60 years of experience, Extrude-A-Trim maintains one of North America’s largest inventories of aluminum extrusion profiles, offering fast turnaround times, custom cutting, and reliable supply for contractors, designers, manufacturers, installers, and DIY customers.
Aluminum Basics
An aluminum extrusion is a profile created by forcing heated aluminum through a precision die. This manufacturing process produces consistent cross-sectional shapes used in architectural, industrial, transportation, and commercial applications.
Aluminum weighs approximately one-third as much as steel while offering excellent corrosion resistance, strength-to-weight performance, and recyclability. It is also easier to fabricate aluminum (cutting, drilling, etc.) for many applications.
Many aluminum alloys are designed specifically for structural use. The appropriate alloy depends on the load requirements, environment, and intended application. Extrude-A-Trim most commonly and regularly stocks 6061 aluminum alloy for its structural profiles. However, other structural alloys (6005A, 6101, and 6351) are available in full mill runs of 500 kg or greater.
Aluminum does not rust because it contains no iron. Instead, it naturally forms a thin oxide layer that helps protect the surface from corrosion.
Aluminum performs exceptionally well outdoors because of its natural corrosion resistance. Anodized or painted finishes provide even greater long-term durability.
Aluminum Alloys
Extrude-A-Trim primarily supplies 6000-series aluminum extrusions, including popular architectural and structural alloys selected for strength, corrosion resistance, and its adaptability to cutting and drilling.
6063 offers an excellent surface finish and is commonly used for architectural profiles because it is the best alloy to be anodized. 6063 aluminum alloy is popular for trim, mouldings, store fixtures, and more. Due to 6063’s high corrosion resistance and tensile properties, extrusions using this alloy are suitable for interior and exterior uses.
6061 provides higher strength and is often selected for structural purposes. Strength and weldability provide this alloy with superior applications in building products, protecting furniture, and much more.
Temper refers to the heat treatment and aging process used after extrusion. Different tempers provide different combinations of strength, hardness, and formability.
6063 is one of the most common architectural extrusion alloys because it combines excellent appearance, corrosion resistance, and finish quality.
Commonly referred to as a decorative alloy, 6463 has a medium grade strength and can be chemically brightened. It’s perfect for getting the final decorative touches on a design, like kitchen counters, bathrooms, and aesthetically pleasing trims.
Finishes
Extrude-A-Trim offers extrusions in Mill (untreated) finish, as well as a choice of anodized finishes: Clear Anodized, Satin Black, Brite Black, Brass, Brite Clear, Bronze, Brushed Stainless Steel, and a variety of painted finishes in Matte and Gloss. We can also create custom-colored finishes for your order. Some profiles may not be available in certain finishes or may require minimum order quantities. Review your products for finish options when requesting a quote or just give us a call.
See our anodized finishes in action.
Mill finish is aluminum in its natural state immediately after extrusion with no additional surface treatment.
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that creates a durable oxide layer on aluminum, improving corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and appearance.
Anodized surfaces are harder than untreated aluminum, but like any finish, they can still be scratched under sufficient force.
Yes. Aluminum can be powder coated or painted in a wide variety of colours for decorative or protective purposes.
Fabrication
Yes. Extrude-A-Trim can cut many stock profiles to customer-specified lengths before shipment.
Many fabrication services can be accommodated depending on the profile and production requirements. Extrude-A-Trim offers cutting extrusions to length, drilled or punched extrusions, milled to create precise shapes, turned extrusions on a lathe, routed, tapped for threads, and sawed or otherwise precision-cut. Contact our team to discuss your project.
Yes. Many aluminum alloys can be welded using appropriate welding techniques and filler materials.
Certain profiles and alloys can be bent, although the feasibility depends on wall thickness, shape, temper of the extrusion, and bend radius.
Yes. Aluminum machines easily using conventional equipment and is commonly drilled, tapped, milled, and cut.
Ordering
Consider your application, load requirements, finish, dimensions, and installation method. If you need assistance, our team can help recommend the most suitable profile.
We take Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Wire Transfer, Cash, Bank Draft & Debit (at pick-up counter).
You can order our products by phone, fax, or email. Use this website to check in-stock shapes and get a quote on your products, and we will follow up to arrange your order.
Yes. Samples are available to help verify fit, finish, and functionality before placing larger orders.
Please note: 6” samples cost $45 (plus tax). The full profile length cost will apply based on the stocked length for samples over 6”. Sample costs are credited in full on the first order of $250 or more for the sample issued.
To provide an accurate quote on a custom extrusion, you’ll need to include drawings, dimensions, alloy, finish, quantity, fabrication requirements, and intended application.
Minimum quantities vary by product, finish, and whether the order is for stock or custom extrusions.
Yes! The minimum weight for bulk orders is 250lbs of material.
Yes. Custom profiles can often be warehoused for repeat purchasing programs.
Applications
Aluminum extrusions are widely used in construction, retail fixtures, transportation, manufacturing, architecture, woodworking and cabinetry, displays and exhibits, glass and mirror systems, bath and shower enclosures, signage, and many more.
Z-Clips provide a concealed mounting solution for panels, artwork, cabinets, signage, and architectural installations.
There are two types of aluminum angles – structural and architectural. Angles are a versatile profile that have many different uses in many different industries. Architectural aluminum angles are often used for decorative applications. Structural aluminum angles are lightweight and sturdy, often used for construction purposes.
Aluminum channels (C Channels or U Channels) are great for store fixtures, displays, shower enclosures, windows, glass and mirror projects, and much more. Aluminum channels also have architectural or structural options depending on whether you need more durability or design.
Aluminum hollow tube is commonly used for store fixtures, displays, kiosks, chairs, elevators, and framing. However, their uses extend beyond just these. Hollow tube comes in three different options: rectangular, round, square, and telescopic. Like many aluminum extrusions, aluminum hollow tube can be used for both architectural and structural purposes.
Aluminum bars are perfect for store fixtures, displays, glass and mirror, framing, and much more. Extrude-A-Trim carries four varieties of aluminum bar stock: half oval, rectangular, round, and square.
Primarily, aluminum thresholds are used for commercial or storefront doors to help protect doors from leaks, drafts, and unwanted pests, noise, or light from entering from underneath the door.
Create, hang, or display signage across any sector with aluminum sign frame extrusions. Aluminum sign frame extrusions are suitable for both interior and exterior signage. EX sign shapes let you create sign boxes or frames for sign boxes and are often used to promote sales and products, for wayfinding, storefront signage, and so much more.
Aluminum slatwall is used to display and organize products in retail or display settings. Slatwall can be used in freestanding fixtures, booths, or embedded into the wall for retail displays or store fixtures. While commonly used in retail settings, it can also be used in the home to help with organization in garages and sheds.
Channels are frequently used for glass installations, framing, edging, enclosures, and architectural trim.
Yes. Aluminum is commonly used in food equipment, provided the appropriate alloy and finish meet the application requirements.
Shipping
Yes. Many profiles can be cut into shorter lengths to reduce freight costs or accommodate shipping restrictions.
We ship extrusions from 6 inches to 24 feet. Standard lengths are offered for each extrusion, or we can cut extrusions for you before shipping.
All of them! We ship worldwide.
The cost to ship anywhere is based on the number of pieces, weight, length, and destination. You can contact us at any time for an exact shipping cost.
In-stock items without fabrication typically ship the next business day.
In many cases, customers may arrange their preferred shipping carrier. Contact our sales team for details.
Sustainability
Yes. Aluminum is one of the world’s most sustainable engineering materials because it is durable, lightweight, and fully recyclable.
Yes. Aluminum can be recycled again and again without losing its fundamental properties.
No. Recycled aluminum retains the same material characteristics as primary aluminum.
Technical Resources
Extrude-A-Trim provides detailed dimensional drawings throughout its online catalog and product pages to assist with product selection.
If you’re unsure which profile best fits your application, our technical sales team can review your project requirements and recommend the most appropriate stock or custom extrusion based on dimensions, finish, fabrication needs, and performance goals.
Request a Quote
Browse through our online catalog of In Stock Shapes to request a quote. It is fast and easy.
Get a Sample
Need to see it to believe it? Order a profile sample to make sure it’s right for your application.
Download Catalog
Want a hard copy of our aluminum extrusion catalog for your files? Download one today!
Custom Extrusions
Can’t find the aluminum extrusion you are looking for? Request a custom extrusion quote here.