11/03/2025
WHY Steel frame?
Dollar for dollar :
•Wood frame typically has a wind load of 90 mph.
Basic 14g galvanized stell has 140 mph.
•Wood has 10-15 psf ice/snow load.
• 14g steels cheapest roof has a 30-35 psf ice/snow load.
•Wood is NOT as strong as steel; period, it splits, warps, it both dry & wet rots depending on install.
•Galvanized steel might show surface oxidation after 30 yrs full exposed regardless of install surface.
NOTE: Many wood Barndominiums are literal pole barns; have wood to ground contact, a huge "No, no", in home construction.
With wood, you can spend $300k-700k to achieve the same strength & longevity in a $100k-250k in Galvanized Steel; but in reality you're building a standard stick built home to look like a barn, with zero savings.
Frame-up vs Frame-up:
•Wood cost escalate from expensive labor cost; stretched out over months; with excessive material waste.
•Steel offers stable pricing, limited waste, & takes days to a week at best.
Once your framing is complete, plumping, electrical, remaining insulation, drywall, all the finishes etc. will be identical cost; no matter the frame.
Nice wood equal to galvanized steel frame Barndominiums are $500k-$1M for a reason.
Steel does not have to look industrial; plank wrap for that rustic look, if you want.
You don't like steel siding?
Clad the exterior with brick, stucco, & cedar planks; it doesn't matter, it's your house.
Once it's completed & sealed, you're not going to see whether it's wood or steel framing; but your pocketbook will fill it.
Note: We sell Occupation level Certified Engineered Frames or Shelled Frames; built by licensed Contractors, (concrete foundation & site work available in limited areas - can be included), and we will work with your local licensed Contractors, plumbers, electrician, finishers etc.
