Different materials are used for construction of pipes and tubes. These are Carbon Steel, Iron, Non Ferrous, Plastic, Glass, and Lined metal.

1. Carbon Steel : The most readily available carbon steel pipe is made to ASTM A53 in schedules 40, 80, STD and XS sizes, in electric arc welded (Grade A and Grade B-the later grade has the higher tensile strength) and in seamless (Grade A and B) constructions. Common finishes are Black (plain or mill finish) and Galvanized. Most sizes and weights are also available in seamless carbon steel to ASTM A 106, which is comparable specification to A 53, but prescribing more stringent testing. Three grades of A 106 are available, Grade A, B and C, in order of increasing tensile strength. Straight seam welded and spiral welded pipe is made from plate and seamless pipe is made by piercing solid billets. Carbon Steel pipe is strong, ductile, weldable, mechineable, reasonably durable and is cheaper than pipe made from other materials. If carbon steel pipe can meet the requirements of pressure, temperature, corrosion resistance and hygiene, it is natural choice.
2. Iron Pipe : It is made from cast-iron and ductile iron. The principal uses are for water, gas and sewage lines which are laid under the ground. Wrought iron pipe is seldom employed.
3. Non-Ferrous Pipes : Pipes or tubes made from copper, lead, nickel, brass, aluminum and various stainless steels can be readily obtained. These materials are relatively expensive and are selected usually either because of their particular corrosion resistance to process chemicals, their good heat transfer, or for their tensile strength at higher temperatures. Copper and copper alloys are traditional for instrument lines, food processing, and heat transfer equipments, but stainless steels are increasingly being used for these purposes.
4. Plastic Pipes : These are used for transporting actively corrosive fluids, and is especially useful for handling corrosive or hazardous gases and dilute mineral acids. Plastics are used in three ways as all plastic pipe, as filled plastic materials (Glass fiber reinforced, carbon filled, etc.), and as lining or coating material. Plastic pipe is made from Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polybutylene, Poly vinylchloride, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Cellulose Acetate-butyrate, Polyolefins, and Polyesters. Pipe made from Polyester and Epoxy resins is frequently glass fiber reinforced (FRP) and commercial product of this type have good resistance to wear and chemical attack.
5. Glass : Generally, Borosilicate glass is used for pipes and fittings. All glass piping is used for its chemical resistance, cleanliness and transparency. Glass pipe is not subject to crazing, often found in glass lined pipes and vessels subjected to repeated thermal stresses. Pipes, fittings and hardware are available both for process piping and for drainage. Process lines of 25, 40, 50, 80, 100 and 150 mm NB are readily available, with 200 Deg C as the maximum operating temperature and pressure range up to 4 kg/sq. cm. (for 25 to 80 mm NB), 3.5 kg/sq. cm. (for 100 mm NB) and 2.5 kg/sq. cm. (for 150 mm NB)
6. Lining and Coating : Lining and coating carbon steel pipe with a material able to withstand chemical attack permits its use to carry corrosive fluids. Lengths of lined pipes and fittings are joined by flanges, and elbows, tees etc, are available readily flanged. Lining like rubber can be applied after fabricating the pipe, but pipe is often pre-lined. Lining of various rubbers, plastics, metals and vitreous material is available. Coating is made from Plastics like Poly-propylene, Poly-ethylene, Poly-butylene, Poly-vinylchloride, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Poly-olefins, and Poly-esters. Carbon Steel pipe coated with zinc, by immersion into molten zinc (hot-dip galvanized) is used for conveying drinking water, instrument air and various other fluids. Rubber and Basalt lining is often used to handle abrasive fluids.