Mild steel beams are characterized by their impressive ductility and malleability, which stem from their low carbon content. Unlike high-carbon steels, they are less brittle and more likely to deform rather than break under stress, providing a safety advantage in many structural applications. The surface of mild steel is typically dark grey and lacks the brightness of steels with higher chromium or nickel content. It is also more susceptible to corrosion, which can be mitigated through various treatments like galvanization.