Metal Buildings

20 Metal Building Ideas to Add Value and Space to Your Home and Commercial Projects

Although metal buildings have been around for quite some time, modern advances in engineering and construction have allowed these structures to grow far beyond simple carports and prefabricated garages. These days, steel structures are used in many applications, from residential storage buildings to industrial metal buildings and commercial facilities like restaurants and retail shops.

This versatility has made prefabricated buildings an incredibly popular construction method.

And if you’re searching for an enduring structure ready to take on just about anything you can throw its way, you’ve come to the right place. It’s true that, with these incredible structures, the only limits are your budget and your imagination.

Below, we’ll cover 20 inventive ways these metal buildings provide value for their owners, including residential buildings, commercial-grade structures, and more!

Residential Metal Building Ideas

Make no mistake; these buildings aren’t simple backyard sheds anymore! Steel structures are intricate buildings designed using tried-and-true manufacturing techniques to deliver a level of service far and above any competing building material. In fact, let’s take a look at just a few ways these structures are used in residential settings.

1. Garages

If you’re the owner of a family car, you already know it pays to protect it. And if you’re like many, affording costly repairs isn’t something you’d like to field regularly. But with an enclosed metal garage, you’ll be able to keep your vehicles safe, dry, and in pristine operating condition.

2. Home Offices

Whether you’re handling family bills or forming your home-based business, having a dedicated space is incredibly important for maximizing productivity and workflow. Steel buildings are a great, cost-effective way of achieving this! And with proper insulation, drywall, electricity, and plumbing, steel buildings can be converted into great business offices.

3. Carports

You can’t go wrong with the old-fashioned metal carport. These strong structures provide coverage from rain, snow, and harmful UV rays, ensuring your cars, boats, RVs, and ATVs remain in good shape year-round.

4. Garden Storage Shed

There are few more effective building options for those with a green thumb than a steel shed. These fully customizable buildings give you all-out control to design a space to handle your tools, supplies, and plants!

5. Barns

Agriculture specialists have utilized steel buildings for years to protect their livestock, food supplies, and equipment from the elements. These structures have the adaptability to be used in a wide range of farming applications, from horse stables to loafing sheds and everything in between.

6. Home Gyms

Home gyms are an excellent way to use prefab metal buildings! They can be configured to offer the room you need for weight racks, exercise equipment, and any gym resource you could need!

7. Relaxing Getaway

Sometimes we just need a place to escape. And a relaxation station is a neat way to accomplish that. These steel buildings can be finished and transformed into fully-livable spaces, perfect for mancaves and she-sheds!

8. Home Theaters

Ever dreamed of enjoying the big screen but don’t want to go out? Why not bring the screen home with a fantastic home theater? Steel buildings are a great way to create a game room, home theater, or workspace.

9. Utility Rooms

Whether it’s cleaning supplies or tools, having a dedicated utility room ensures everything is within reach. And a metal building is undoubtedly up to this task, providing you with an unparalleled level of customizability. So build your utility room your way!

Commercial Metal Building Ideas

Like residential buildings, metal buildings also enjoy wide popularity in commercial settings. So let’s take a quick look at just a few areas of industry where these buildings excel.

1. Retail Shops

You may have noticed that many retailers use large metal buildings exclusively for their infrastructure. And there’s a great reason for this! Metal buildings can be built quickly and affordably and can provide you with tons of inventory and display space!

2. Warehouses

If your needs are more industrial in nature, some steel structures can be built at great sizes with no need for internal support beams. This provides you with an unrivaled amount of interior square footage- perfect for housing large pieces of equipment and inventory!

3. Auto Maintenance Shops

With the average US citizen owning 1.5 cars, it’s no surprise that auto repair is an industry that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. And luckily, metal buildings are the perfect infrastructure for this business type! They can easily be configured to provide multiple service bays, waiting rooms, break areas, and more! Are you looking for a turnkey commercial building? You’re on the right track!

4. Rental Spaces

Whether you’re designing rental office spaces or creating apartment spaces, steel buildings are one of your most cost-effective options. They can be built at a fraction of the cost of similar-sized wooden buildings!

5. Carwashes

Ready to develop a passive income? Designing and customizing a metal structure for a self-service carwash is an ingenious way to make money with limited liability or responsibility!

6. Self-Storage Units

Self-storage has quickly grown to be a multi-billion dollar commercial industry. So why not dive into this business while taking advantage of cost-effective infrastructure? Commercial metal buildings are the perfect choice for storage units, allowing you to custom-design a commercial property that is sure to generate passive income.

Recreational Metal Building Ideas

Metal buildings are also instrumental in recreational settings, providing owners with the perfect way to build:

1. Pet-Friendly Shelters

Are you taking care of your four-legged friends? Why not give them a comfortable space to rest and relax from the outdoors? Metal buildings are a fantastic way to develop animal shelters, with the customizability for fencing, gates, and washrooms- everything you need to keep your pets clean, healthy, and happy.

2. Workshops

From side gigs to beloved pastimes, having a space for your hobbies is an integral part of leading a balanced life. So why not provide these hobbies with the coverage they deserve? From woodworking to welding and glass blowing, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an activity these structures can’t handle!

3. Lounge Areas

Sometimes all you need is to kick back and enjoy a drink on your patio. Thankfully, metal carports and buildings are one of your most affordable ways to cover your patio or back porch.

4. Entertainment Space

Hosting gatherings and events is a challenge! And it’s challenging enough when you don’t have the right setting. So why not ensure that everything goes smoothly with a dedicated event space? Whether you’re holding family reunions or barbecues, a metal building can keep you safe and covered all year round.

5. Outdoor Play Areas

Steel buildings are also used for covering outdoor play areas, picnic areas, and seating to provide coverage even in less-than-ideal weather. Are you looking for a cheap way to cover your kid’s playground equipment? A metal building might just be up your alley!

Safeway Steel Has You Covered

No matter the application, you can count on Safeway Steel to deliver the goods. We’re proud to provide residents across the US with a wide range of metal buildings. Our structures are built using state-of-the-art engineering techniques, ensuring you get a building that will outlast the competition.

Looking for a way to house your business? A metal structure can handle that. How about a residential office? Steel can do that, too! No matter the job or need, Safeway Steel has you covered.

So, if you’re ready to start your metal building journey, give us a call today at +1 (800) 818-2245! Our experts are waiting to help you from the beginning to delivery and beyond!

Customize Your Steel Warehouse to Improve Operations

Steel warehouses are the backbone of the commercial world. They’re strong, reliable, and functional enough to work in almost any environment. They make storage easy, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. And they’re snowballing in terms of popularity.

One aspect that makes prefab steel warehouses a prevalent presence in the commercial market is their customizability. Almost every aspect of these structures can be adapted from top to bottom to fit select industries and their needs. From manufacturing plants to distribution centers, commerce relies on the power of steel.

And if you’re a business owner that could benefit from the advantages of steel design, you’re on the right track. Below, we’ll discuss these incredible structures, the many ways they can be customized, roofing options, and crucial things to remember when purchasing one. So, stick right with us if you’re ready to dive into the world of metal warehouse buildings.

Customize Your Metal Warehouse for Any Application

As we’ve mentioned, the customization options offered with prefabricated steel buildings are virtually endless, giving you complete control over your structure’s aesthetics and capabilities. And with the ability to design your structure from the ground up, you’ll be able to cater to your business needs. So let’s look at just a few ways these structures can be customized to suit your desires.

1. Size Options

Metal warehouses come in a wide variety of sizes, allowing you to choose a configuration that works well for your line of work. From small garage spaces to enormous industrial facilities, the only limits are your budget and imagination.

2. Color Options

With over a dozen standard and premium color options, you’ll have carte blanche to change your building’s roof, paneling, trim, and more. You can even combine multiple colors to create an infrastructure that matches your brand.

3. Doors, Windows, and Frame-Outs

You’ll also be able to add as many windows and doors as you need for your business. Choose between standard entryway doors, roll-up garage doors, and even frame-outs if you have plans for custom doors.

4. Steel Framing

For most commercial prefab metal buildings, 12 gauge framing is used due to its strength and longevity. However, you’ll be able to choose the best framing and paneling gauges that suit your needs.

5. Wainscoting

Adding custom wainscoting is a fantastic idea if you’re looking for that extra “something” to put your building over the top. These customization options are a great way to change the look and tone of your structure. From stone wainscoting to custom paneling options, the choices are virtually endless!

6. Insulation

While typically not provided as part of your metal building purchase, insulation is crucial in transforming a building from a metal shell into a functional facility. Not only will insulation pull moisture from the air and help seal your building from heat loss, but it will help regulate the ambient temperature inside, making your structure comfortable and energy efficient.

Why Consider Vertical Roofs for Your Metal Building

You’ll have several roofing types to choose from when you purchase a metal building. These roofing features are designed to handle specific environments and range in price and capability. However, one roofing type outclasses all the others thanks to clever engineering.

Vertical roofs are not only one of the strongest roofing systems; they’re designed to outclass and outlast any other styles on the market. How is this possible, you might ask? When your roof meets rain, heavy snow, and debris like leaf fall, vertical paneling allows it to slide harmlessly away from your structure. It keeps the roof free of items that can trap moisture and lead to oxidation and deterioration.

As a result, vertical roofing options will last for decades with minimal need for cleanup or maintenance.

Crucial Things to Consider When Purchasing a Warehouse

Buying any structure is a long, involved process that requires dedication and homework to get the best results. And metal warehouse buildings are no different. You’ll need to perform the necessary due diligence to maximize not only your buying power but the capabilities of your structure. Let’s take a look at just a few things you’ll need to keep in mind during this process.

1. Planning

As we’ve mentioned, there’s no better defense than a good offense and no better offense than proper planning. So by planning out all your business needs, you’ll be able to firmly grasp what type of structure works best and what customization options you’ll need. This includes determining the dimensions, aesthetics, and functionality- all before you make the purchase.

2. Budget

You won’t get far in any commercial operation without a budget. A well-planned budget will help you navigate construction costs while planning for any unforeseen expenses that might arise during the build.

3. Location

For commercial applications, location is everything. And that adage is just as true for warehouses and commercial storage facilities! So you’ll want to choose a location near known traffic routes while considering transportation logistics and your employee’s travel needs.

4. Permissions

Before breaking ground on your commercial structure, you’ll need to work closely with local building authorities to ensure that you’ve secured all the necessary permits and documentation. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that your property is properly zoned for business purposes.

5. Accessibility

If employees and potential customers are going to be stopping by your warehouse regularly, you’ll need to ensure that it has easy access. This is important not only for the ease of your employees but also for the travel and transportation of products.

6. Certifications

The certification system is a standardized process that ensures prefab metal buildings can handle the wind, snow, and seismic forces in a given region. Most larger permanent structures must be certified before local building inspectors issue permits. It’s also imperative that your structure be certified if you should ever decide to sell.

Get Your Metal Warehouse Today from Safeway Steel!

From small backyard garden sheds to enormous industrial-sized warehouses, Safeway Steel has you covered with many prefabricated steel structures. These buildings are strong, long-lasting, and built to handle any commercial application.

So, if you’ve been looking for a way to improve your business storage capacity or you’re hoping to start a new enterprise entirely, Safeway Steel is your trusted choice for quality buildings of all types.

Call us today at +1 (800) 818-2245 and let our design team help you customize a structure to serve your business needs. We’ll walk you through the process from beginning to end and help you navigate the metal building process so that you can concentrate on what matters most!

House of Hues: Color and the Metal Building Industry

In years past, steel buildings were quite limited in terms of the color palette. And aside from some red metal barns, you were more likely to see metal buildings in shades of gray or brown than ones with brighter colors.

However, thanks to modern technology, custom metal buildings come in an endless array of color options. And it’s not simply the roofing or paneling anymore! Modern steel buildings can be coordinated with colored trim and multiple color schemes that give them character and curb appeal.

When shopping for a new metal building, picking the right colors can make all the difference! Below, we’ll discuss current color trends, combinations, and customization options that make a big splash in the metal building industry.

Eye-Catching Color Combination Trends

While metal buildings have advanced enough to offer various color options, bright color schemes have taken a back seat in current color trends. And though these trends come and go, a significant explanation for the popularity of more muted tones can be attributed to the agricultural industry. For years, custom metal buildings in agriculture have used traditional color schemes, from the classic barn reds to darker and lighter earth hues. This is due to farmers and growers choosing building colors that best promote energy efficiency.

For example, farmers in colder climates often choose darker color schemes to preserve internal heat. At the same time, those in more humid regions will prefer lighter colors to maintain a more even internal temperature.

Despite trends leading many buyers away from bright and flashy buildings, metal buildings are designed to give you virtually unlimited customization options. So, choose the color scheme that works for you! There’s no wrong answer when you invest in the strength and versatility of a prefab metal building.

Choosing the Right Colors for Your Metal Building

So, you’ve decided to pull the trigger on a new prefab steel structure. That’s fantastic! But how does one go about choosing the right color combination? If you haven’t already decided, we’ve put together a few critical considerations.

1. Consider Your Overall Look

What statement are you trying to make with your new metal building? Do you want your structure to be bright and bold with dashes of deep reds and blues? Or would you prefer a more quiet, utilitarian color scheme such as muted browns and beige? The choice is yours, but you’ll want to consider the larger picture. Will these colors play well together? Do they add up to a greater whole? By carefully considering your options, you’ll be far more likely to make a choice you’re pleased with.

2. How Will You Use Your Buildings?

The color scheme you choose for your building may vary depending on how you intend to use it. For example, if you intend to use your structure as an agricultural building, you’ll want to choose colors that will complement its energy efficiency. This will ensure that your animals and supplies stay cool even during the hottest days.

However, if your building is being used for more residential purposes, you’ll want to choose shades that are more reasonable for your tastes and needs.

3. Where Will Your Building Be Located?

Again, you’ll want to choose the right color scheme based on where you live. Having a darker building color may be beneficial if you reside in an area that frequently sees freezing temperatures and deep snow accumulation. However, if you expect your structure to struggle with hotter climates, picking a light slate or white color will keep it cool.

4. Consider the Neighbors

You might be the type that wants their building to fit in with a particular neighborhood aesthetic. If this is the case, you can probably get a comprehensive color guide based on the colors your neighbors have chosen.

5. Seeking Energy Efficiency?

As we’ve mentioned several times in this blog, the color of your building will heavily impact its energy efficiency. Darker building colors attract and trap heat, while lighter colors repel it. As such, you’ll want to choose wisely to get the most efficiency from your structure.

6. Roof Color

Just like the rest of your structure, the roof color you choose will also play a large part in the overall look of your building. By using swatches and comparing different roof, trim, and paneling colors, you can choose a combination that works for your needs.

7. Research Trending Colors

Tastes are constantly changing! Pay special attention to popular color choices and combinations to gather samples for your own building project!

How Your Metal Buildings Color Can Save You Money

Once more, it’s worth mentioning that picking the best color scheme for your building is about much more than simple aesthetics. It can even save you money! The Department of Energy has published journals detailing that darker-colored structures can absorb up to 90% of the sun’s energy. The heat is then dispersed throughout your building, increasing the internal temperature.

Therefore, choosing a color scheme with lighter, neutral colors will do much more to promote a comfortable internal temperature. Combining these principles with proper insulation and a working HVAC system, you’ll have one of the most energy-efficient structures on the market.

Live Life in Color with Safeway Steel!

Are you looking for a strong, long-lasting structure customized for your needs? Safeway Steel has the solution! With years of experience delivering quality metal buildings and dedicated customer service, we’ve got products that provide every time.

Our steel buildings are fully customizable from top to bottom, allowing you to design your structure in whatever footprint, style, and color you desire.

And not only do we offer fantastic metal building prices, but we also have great financing options that allow you to own a sturdy steel building regardless of your budget.

While you’ve been thinking about the metal building of your dreams, so have we! Give us a call at +1 (800) 818-2245 and let our team of designers help you design and build that structure for you!

Are Steel Buildings Helping the Recreational Industry Grow?

Recreation is an enormous market that is expected to grow by more than 4.5% between now 2021 and 2026. From recreational facilities to recreation-based services such as parks and trails, health and fitness are trends that are here to stay in today’s market.

Metal Buildings for Tennessee Major Industries

Prosperity in Tennessee
Business is booming in Tennessee! Record numbers of business filings and low unemployment numbers are driving growth in almost every sector of the Volunteer State’s economy. “The data demonstrates how strong Tennessee’s economy is now and how strong it could be moving forward,” Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said recently.