What are the main types of metal buildings?

Common categories include garages, barndominiums, airplane hangars, warehouses, workshops, and agricultural buildings. Each type is designed around its specific load, clearance, and use requirements.

What’s the difference between red iron and cold-formed buildings?

Red iron buildings use hot-rolled steel frames ideal for large spans, while cold-formed systems use light-gauge steel for smaller, more cost-efficient structures. Both can be engineered to meet local codes nationwide.

Which type of metal building is best for my project?

It depends on your use, size, and budget. Garages and workshops often use cold-formed frames, while barndominiums, hangars, and commercial spaces typically use red iron for strength and open interior clearance.

Are these building types customizable?

Yes. Every metal building type can be customized for width, height, roof pitch, color, and accessories such as roll-up doors, insulation, and framed openings to meet exact project specifications.

Do all metal building types meet local code requirements?

Yes, when properly engineered. Verify all loads and codes through your local building department before ordering. Metal Buildings Guide provides reference data and recommendations to assist with compliance.

Metal Buildings by Type — Residential, Commercial & Agricultural Steel Structures

Explore every steel building category in one place. Compare red iron and cold-formed options, clearance needs, and common accessories—then jump into the type that matches your project.

Residential

Garage Buildings

Single to multi-bay steel garages with flexible door layouts, tall eaves, and insulation packages—engineered for your site loads.

Cold-FormedRed IronRoll-Up Doors

Explore Garages ↗

Residential

Barndominiums

Open-span living + shop layouts with high R-values, framed openings for porches and windows, and future-ready bay modules.

Red IronEnergy EfficientOpen Span

Explore Barndominiums ↗

Aviation

Airplane Hangars

Clear-span hangars sized for your aircraft with bi-fold, hydraulic, or stack doors—wind exposure and opening loads verified.

Clear SpanHangar DoorsWind Loads

Explore Hangars ↗

Residential/Small Biz

Workshop Buildings

Durable shop shells with mezzanines, tool-friendly layouts, and easy expansion—great for trades and serious hobbyists.

Cold-FormedMezzanineExpandability

Explore Workshops ↗

Commercial

Warehouse Buildings

High-bay storage with optimized bay spacing for forklifts, docks/drive-ins, and lighting—engineered for snow, wind, and drift.

High BayDocksRacking

Explore Warehouses ↗

Business

Commercial Buildings

Retail and mixed-use shells with storefronts, parapets, and canopies—energy package and ADA routes coordinated.

ArchitecturalStorefrontEnergy Code

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Agriculture

Agricultural Buildings

Equipment barns and shelters with wide doors, ventilation options, and corrosion-resistant finishes for harsh environments.

Cold-FormedVentilationCorrosion-Resistant

Explore Agricultural ↗

Equestrian

Riding Arenas

Clear-span arenas with tall eaves, daylighting, and controlled ventilation—footing protection and door planning included.

Open SpanVentilationTall Eaves

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Investment

Self Storage

Drive-up or climate-controlled corridors, smart unit mixes, and secure roll-up doors to maximize rentable area.

Unit MixRoll-Up DoorsInterior Halls

Explore Self Storage ↗

Storage

RV & Boat Storage

Roof-only canopies or enclosed bays, wide aisles, tall doors, and optional power—built for easy maneuvering and safety.

Wide AislesTall DoorsPull-Through

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Assembly

Churches & Community

Sanctuaries, multi-purpose halls, and classrooms with acoustic comfort, accessible routes, and egress planning.

Open SpanAcousticsADA/Egress

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Flex

Mini-Warehouse / Flex Suites

1k–5k sf bays with storefronts and rear roll-ups, stubbed utilities, mezzanines, and dock/drive-in options.

20–30′ BaysMezzaninesDrive-In/Dock

Explore Flex Suites ↗

Business

Office / Headquarters

Open plans with conference cores, storefronts/canopies, and energy packages—MEP coordination built in.

StorefrontEnergy CodeRTU/MEP

Explore Office/HQ ↗

Industrial

Manufacturing / Industrial

Tall eaves, bridge cranes, pits/trenches, and make-up air/exhaust—process utilities routed cleanly and safely.

Bridge CranePits/TrenchesVentilation

Explore Manufacturing ↗

Service

Auto Shops

Lift-friendly shells with tall doors, trench drains to oil/water separators, air/power drops, and safe circulation.

2-Post/4-PostTrench DrainsExhaust

Explore Auto Shops ↗

Energy

Oilfield & Gas Buildings

Pipe/valve shops, compressor shelters, MCC rooms, and chemical storage—with corrosion control and containment.

Corrosion-ResistantMake-Up AirContainment

Explore Oilfield & Gas ↗

Tip: Not sure where to start? Try Garages or Workshops for compact footprints. For large spans or high clearances, see Hangars, Manufacturing, or Riding Arenas. Always verify local loads and codes before ordering.

Metal Building Types — From Garages to Hangars, Built Strong for Every Purpose