Tubular Metal Building | WolfSteel Buildings
One of the biggest advantages of tubular metal buildings is their exceptional versatility in terms of sizing. However, this flexibility comes with the drawback that even the slightest changes in design can significantly impact the overall pricing.
To guide you with your metal building projects, here is our list of the Top 5 Factors Affecting the Cost of Tubular Metal Buildings. Knowing these factors will empower you to plan your metal building project with knowledge and confidence.
Width
First on our list is the Tubular Metal Building’s Width.
The width of your tubular metal building is a fundamental factor influencing its cost.
The complexity of the building’s structural components rises as the building’s width increases. As the clear span increases, additional reinforced trusses are needed to maintain structural integrity. This results in a noticeable price increase.
For instance, there may be a 25–35% price increase when going from a 30-foot width to a 31-foot width. This is due to the need for reinforced trusses designed as commercial web welded trussing. Keep in mind that wider structures may also require equipment rentals for truss assembly.
Horizontal Wall vs Vertical Wall Panels
Next on our list is the orientation of the wall panel. We are only talking about walls not roofs.
At WolfSteel, we only offer vertical roof systems because horizontal (boxed eave/regular roof styles) are prone to leaks long-term.
Vertical walls cost 30-40% more than horizontal walls. Here’s why.
Horizontal Panel
The ridges on the horizontal panel run from front to back or gable end to gable end. These panels are set up with their long edge parallel to the ground.
Standard horizontal wall panels are common for buildings under 30 feet in width.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Faster installation | Oil canning risk (especially over 25’ panel lengths) |
Most cost effective | Visible panel seams (transport limits panels to ~35’) |
Can easily match homes with traditional siding | High maintenance (dust collects in horizontal ribs) |
Vertical Panel
Vertical panels have ridges running from top to bottom and are installed with their long edge oriented vertically along the wall. This makes them particularly suitable for metal buildings located in regions prone to heavy rainfall or snowfall, as this configuration allows water and snow to efficiently run off, diminishing the chances of potential rust.
Here at WolfSteel Buildings, vertical panels can be chosen as an upgrade providing increased rigidity due to strategically placed girts. These vertical girts help prevent buckling during high winds and give your Texas metal building added stability.
While both panel orientations meet local codes, vertical panels may come at a slightly higher cost due to additional material with the girts and more labor involved which ultimately leads to additional strength.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Added structural strength | It takes 3–4x longer to install than the horizontal wall, which increases labor costs significantly. For example, on a 30×40 tubular metal building, horizontal walls may take 2–3 hours, while vertical walls can take 5–7 hours to install. |
Easier electrical routing (conduits should never touch panels) | |
Lower maintenance (water runs off) | |
Reduced oil canning risk |
Wind and Snow Load Requirements
The location of your building dramatically affects the price.
In high-wind areas like Houston or Galveston, along the Gulf of America (or Gulf of Mexico), you can expect a 15% to 30% price increase overall stated as a line item. If you are in a high snow-load state up north, you should also expect to pay more.
Here in Fort Worth, most metal buildings are designed to meet wind requirements of around 100 mph. However, as you move closer to Houston, especially near Galveston, wind requirements jump significantly to 140–150 mph. That demands a much more reinforced and stronger structure.
What Changes in High-Wind Zones?
For wind zones exceeding 115 mph, we typically move from:
- 5 ft on-center spacing
to 2–3 ft on-center spacing - Tighter purlins
- Diagonal bracing
More steel + more labor = higher cost.
The same applies to northern states with snow loads exceeding 40 psf. Columns must be spaced closer together, increasing material and labor.
Leg Height
Going taller can increase the price, sometimes significantly.
When you jump from 12 ft tall to 13 ft or taller, your building price can increase by roughly 10–25%.
Up to 12 Feet | 13 to 14 Feet | 15 Feet or Higher |
|---|---|---|
Single 2¼” or 2½” tube legs | Double welded columns | Ladder-leg design (creates wider stance) |
No heavy equipment required | SkyTrak required | Heavy equipment required |
Most economical height | 10–25% increase | Significant material increase |
The taller the building:
The wider the stance required
The more resistance to lateral pressure needed
The more labor and equipment involved
Accessories
Accessories such as service doors, windows, garage doors, and insulation can double or even triple your overall price.
Let’s break down common upgrades.
Overhead vs Roll Up Doors
The type of garage door you select affects both the functionality and price of your tubular metal building.
Roll-Up Doors, composed of 18-gauge steel, are ideal for storage or non-insulated commercial buildings.
Overhead Doors are suitable for insulated structures, providing airtight seals and insulation options.
Roll Up Door | Overhead Door |
|---|---|
Corrugated (does not provide a tighter seal) | Sectional style |
Usually non-insulated | Insulated options |
1/3 the cost of overhead door | Better seal |
Here is a chart with some difference in pricing:
Mobile Home Doors vs. Heavy Duty Steel Doors
Mobile Home Door | Heavy Duty Steel Door |
|---|---|
$150–$300 | $1,100–$1,300 |
Vinyl skin and non-insulated | Commercial-grade and insulated |
Not durable | Long-term durability |
The increase in the price is roughly 300% but replacing a poor-quality door later is even more expensive.
Single-Pane Windows vs. Double-Pane Windows
Single-pane windows are best suited for non-habitable or non-insulated metal buildings. They consist of a single pane, offer no insulation, and lack a proper drainage system.
Double-pane windows are made of two panes with gas encapsulated between them, which creates insulation. The majority of homes today are built with double-pane windows.
Single Pane Window | Double Pane Window |
|---|---|
No insulation | Gas filled insulated units |
Better for non insulated building | Required for thermo control in a building |
Double the price compared to single pane | |
We discontinued single-pane windows for most applications because they don’t pair well with spray foam.
Radiant Barrier vs. Fiberglass vs. Spray Foam
Bubble insulation or woven insulation is not true insulation with high R-values. These products have their place mainly for storage buildings to help with heat reduction and condensation control.
If you plan to condition your building and turn it into a man cave, shop, or workspace, fiberglass blanket insulation or spray foam are your best options.
The price difference between radiant barrier / woven insulation and fiberglass or spray foam is substantial, typically 30–50% more.
What does WolfSteel Think?
- WolfSteel Buildings recommends considering opting for a longer rather than a wider tubular metal building for a more cost-effective solution. However, the decision ultimately depends on the intended purpose of the Texas metal building.
- Choosing between horizontal or vertical panels depend on what your building needs are.
- If this is strictly a storage building, or if the building length is under 35 ft, horizontal walls are a solid option. They are still fully engineered to meet local wind requirements.
- However, if you’re building a man cave, residential barndo, or commercial structure, vertical walls are a must for a long term investment.
- We are a turnkey builder, and when we build, we build it right. We don’t want Texans, or our clients, dealing with failures or issues down the road. Unfortunately, that means the price does increase.
- One final thing to keep in mind: if you are inside the City of Houston, and the City of Houston is the permitting authority, only certain manufacturers are approved to build there. The link is provided here.
- As of today, no tubular manufacturer, including us, has passed that certification. Because we don’t have enough demand in that market to justify the approval process, we currently only offer red iron metal buildings within the City of Houston, which we are fully equipped and approved to build.
- Planning is extremely important especially when dealing with your building height.
- If you plan to add a loft or mezzanine in the future, the extra height is a must. If you own a tall RV motorhome, such as a Class A, you may also need to exceed 12 ft in height.
- Here are a couple of options to consider:
- Consider a red iron weld-up building, where leg height does not impact pricing as dramatically as tubular construction. The price difference may justify stepping into a heavier red iron structure.
- Increase the roof pitch to gain additional overhead space. Keep in mind that once you reach a 5/12 pitch or greater, equipment and additional labor are required. The savings aren’t huge, but they do exist.
- We understand budgets are not unlimited especially in this economy.
- If your budget doesn’t accommodate the accessories you need, I recommend waiting or financing the difference. Some accessories are not easy or cheap to change later, and many clients regret cutting corners once they start using the building.
Acquiring a Texas metal building is no different from any other purchase; you need to carefully consider various factors that influence its cost.
Do check out the below video where these factors where thoroughly discussed.
It is important for you to assess your needs, prioritize them, and find the right balance between customization, quality, and budget. Consulting with experienced metal building professionals, such as WolfSteel Buildings, may provide significant support and help you understand the numerous factors involved.
If you have any questions about our Texas metal building projects or want to start your turnkey project, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 844-941-0999.