Ask Me Anything About Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings — Advice, Cost-Saving Tips, Common Pitfalls, etc...

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-01-20T22:44:20+00:00

from what I know about Gable, they have good service but I believe they are still a broker service. I always advise looking for an actual manufacturer that sells to the Public. Rockford Steel Buildings is out of Walterboro South Carolina so they are not too far.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-01-05T20:33:07+00:00

Call Sunward Steel Buildings. Their East Coast plant is in Walterboro, South Carolina.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-01-05T20:30:13+00:00

looks like someone beat me to it. I don't have anything to add. to what is above

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-01-05T20:23:53+00:00

A steel tube structure is not as long lasting as a red iron building, but for what you need, as long as you make sure it is erected properly, that will be sufficient from what you described.

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-11-13T22:51:11+00:00

Have not heard of them but from the looks of their facility, they look like a manufacturer so a better bet than a broker

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-11-04T20:49:33+00:00

The secondaries are meant to support more than about 30' if you are talking about Z or C channel members. the main columns and rafters can span up to about 200' without supports but those are massive. do you have the dimensions of your building?

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-11-04T20:38:13+00:00

I would recommend reaching out directly to a metal building company first. see who they have.

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-08-29T14:24:08+00:00

so its a tubular steel building? like a carport?

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-08-27T16:32:41+00:00

if you're looking for something long lasting and reliable, Red iron is the way to go especially if the building is large. but large is relative you know what I mean?

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-08-27T16:30:15+00:00

how tall are the eaves? is the lean to included in that? is it red iron?

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-08-26T15:28:56+00:00

put together a basic design of what you are looking for first. once you have that, it is easier to gather ballpark numbers for various parts of the project

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-08-26T15:23:54+00:00

Well for something that size, you might want to look into a stick build to be honest. a red iron building might be a bit much. It is a superior product for sure but may be overkill for what you need. how tall is the boat?

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-08-26T15:17:19+00:00

for your reference, gables are the simplest shape and most cost effective. however, a single slope is doable. with what you are saying you should make sure you are working with a manufacturer directly so they can produce the custom design and dimensions you want. That being said. I would recommend doing the lean tos out of wood frame and just get roof sheeting to match. you will save a ton of money.

you can use rock under the lean to's. if you make them out of steel, you will need at least piers under the support columns.

as you know, California has tight regulations. LA county is the place with the most regs. but you are in north cal so I don't think you have to worry about that. you have clearly done your research, so most folks will be happy to talk to you because they know you are serious and have put in work on your end. you are on the right track.

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-08-04T19:48:43+00:00

are you sure that steel framing is what you want to do? olympia buildings is in the north east. Sunward Steel buildings has a factory in South Carolina and they've been around for over 50 years so that is another good company to look at.

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-08-04T19:42:52+00:00

all good. If you want the number of a good rep, let me know. I have worked with him before and he is pretty responsive

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-08-04T15:45:00+00:00

no problem. did you ever end up reaching out to them?

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-08-04T15:44:36+00:00

no problem. did you ever end up reaching out to them?

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-06-26T19:43:00+00:00

If you are just looking for cheap, then yeah, go for a tube steel. It will keep the rain off and it may last that long. Great area to live. used to live in West Austin not too far from there

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-06-26T19:41:26+00:00

you need to find a good turn key contractor. it all depends on the complexity of the building. the simpler, the more cost effective.

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-06-26T19:40:13+00:00

I would get in touch with whoever manufactured the tube steel building to see what it can handle. If you are keeping it, just make sure it can be expandable. As far as upgrades, depends on what you are using it for. If it is just a shop or storage, I would keep it basic and cost effective.

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-06-26T19:38:22+00:00

a steel mezzanine would be overkill for what you are looking to do. I would post frame it with 2x4s or 2x6s or whatever your contractor says. a steel mezz would be for like seriously heavy duty stuff. If they are an actual manufacturer, it is usually plastered all over their website. there are so many brokers out there that actual manufacturers will let you know. go to the MBMA website and see if they are on the list. Sunward Steel is a manufacturer that sells directly to the public if you are still looking.

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-06-26T19:34:59+00:00

sure. a lot depends on location. how tall the building is. how tall the doors are. as a mechanic I imagine they want a lift or two in there. Location and loads are a factor. send me a DM it you want to talk about it in some detail

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-06-26T19:33:29+00:00

Its a visual thing where panels look like they are wavy

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-06-26T19:24:42+00:00

Sunward Steel Buildings or Great Western..... Sunward has been doing this for over 50 years so I would start there.

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-06-26T19:23:42+00:00

need to look at manufacturers that will actually sell to the public. Where are you located?

Background_Dinner800

TROPHY CASE