Abstract: A sidewall protector for a steel coil having a generally sheet-shaped and easily foldable structure, configured to accommodate and generally conform to the surfaces of the steel coils. The sidewall protector includes a top surface guard, a sidewall surface guard, and an integrally-formed hinge. The top surface guard and sidewall surface guard are positioned adjacent to each other on opposite sides of the integral hinge. The integral hinge extends longitudinally at least partially through the protective sheet. The top surface guard is configured for engaging the top surface of the steel coil and the sidewall surface guard is configured for engaging the sidewall surface of the steel coil. The integral hinge is configured so that said top and sidewall guards can be oriented angularly to each other and engage, respectively, both the top surface and the sidewall surface of the steel coil.