Steel Buildings For Beginners

Why Commercial Steel Buildings Are the Best Choice for Retail Storage

Commercial Steel Buildings

To operate in the modern age, businesses need more than competitive prices, a sharp marketing angle, and a good product or service. You need the right infrastructure. And thanks to advances in modern engineering, it’s never been easier to find the right building for the job.

When it comes to commercial infrastructure, it’s hard to beat the advantages steel buildings bring to the table. Steel is incredibly strong, versatile, and far more affordable than wood or concrete. It also lasts far longer than other materials and require less maintenance. For these reasons alone, metal buildings are now the go-to solution for a wide range of commercial applications. In fact, over 80% of all new commercial construction uses steel!

So, if you’re a business owner or thinking of forming a new company, this blog is for you! Below, we’ll explore these adaptable buildings in greater detail and show you why commercial steel buildings are the best choice for retail storage.

What Are Commercial Metal Buildings?

Simply put, a commercial structure is any building used for commercial purposes. This may be a retail storefront, a manufacturing facility, or an automotive repair shop. And thanks to their versatility, steel buildings can be any of the above and more.

Due to the sheer square footage they provide, metal storage buildings are regularly used for commercial purposes, such as inventory storage, manufacturing spaces, and warehousing. This makes them perfect for larger-scale ventures and situations where ample space is needed.

Reasons to Choose a Commercial Steel Building for Your Retail Storage Needs

As you can imagine, there are many reasons that commercial steel buildings can improve your business operations. But let’s break it down into the details.

1. Unmatched Durability

Metal buildings are known for their durability and strength. They’re designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy snowfall, and earthquakes. And unlike traditional wood-frame structures, metal buildings do not rot, warp, or crack over time.

2. Fire Resistant

Metal buildings are non-combustible, making them an excellent choice for retail storage needs. These structures are designed to withstand temperatures as high as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a safer option than wood-frame structures in the event of a fire.

3. Energy Efficiency

Commercial metal buildings are energy-efficient, which can help you save on energy costs. These structures have a high R-value, indicating their insulating ability against heat transfer. With proper insulation, this R-value helps keep the interior of metal buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

4. Flexibility

Metal buildings are incredibly flexible in terms of design and layout. These structures can be customized to suit your specific retail storage needs, whether you require a single large space or multiple smaller spaces. Additionally, metal buildings can be expanded or reconfigured as your business grows and changes.

5. Versatility

Metal buildings are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, including retail storage, office space, manufacturing, and more. Their flexible design and layout make them a popular choice for businesses looking for a multi-use space.

6. Environmentally Friendly

Metal buildings are environmentally friendly, as they are made from recyclable materials. Additionally, the energy efficiency of these structures means that they require less energy to heat and cool, reducing their environmental impact.

7. Cost-Effective

Commercial metal buildings are cost-effective, both in terms of construction and maintenance costs. These structures require less time and labor than traditional wood-frame buildings and less maintenance over their lifespan, saving you money on repairs and upkeep.

8. Appearance

Modern metal buildings are aesthetically pleasing and can be designed to fit in with your existing retail space. These structures can be finished with a variety of materials, including brick, stucco, and wood, to create a customized look.

9. Open Layout

Metal buildings have an open layout, providing more usable space than traditional wood-frame structures. This open space is perfect for retail storage, allowing you to store large items and equipment efficiently.

10. Faster Construction

Metal buildings can be constructed faster compared to traditional wood-frame buildings. This is because the components of a metal building are pre-engineered and pre-fabricated, reducing the time required for on-site construction.

Can I Custom Design My Commercial Metal Building?

One of the most significant benefits metal buildings have to offer is customizability. When designing a metal building, you’ll work with experienced professionals to create a customized plan that meets your business’s needs. This includes choosing the size, shape, and layout of your building and selecting the materials, finishes, and colors.

You can also incorporate custom features like doors, windows, and insulation to create a space tailored to your brand. The result is a building that is perfectly suited to your needs, providing you with the ideal storage solution for your business.

Ready to Get Down to Business? Order Your Commercial Steel Building from Safeway Steel Today!

From steel storage buildings to retail infrastructure, Safeway Steel is a proud provider of commercial metal buildings, with years of experience delivering top-quality products that stand the test of time. Our structures are the perfect choice for businesses looking to supercharge their productivity and profitability, thanks to their affordable prices, quick construction, and minimal maintenance needs.

Whether you need a steel storage building for your retail, manufacturing, or industrial business, we have you covered at a price that won’t break your budget. We also pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and craftsmanship and work hard to ensure every project is completed to our customers’ satisfaction.

So, if you’re ready to invest in infrastructure that will keep your business operating efficiently, call Safeway Steel at +1 (800) 818-2245. Our building specialists are ready to walk you through the design and customization process from beginning to end so that you get the right building for the job every time.

Simple Tips to Construct Your Metal Warehouse Building

Metal Warehouses

Are you planning to construct a warehouse and want some simple tips to get started? Look no further! Building a warehouse, whether it be a metal warehouse, metal workshop, or a traditional warehouse building, can seem daunting. However, with a bit of planning and organization, the process can be made much simpler.

In this blog, we will provide some simple tips for constructing a warehouse to help make your project a success. From choosing the right materials to maximizing your building’s efficiency, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started!

Design Your Metal Warehouse for Maximum Productivity

Designing your warehouse for efficiency involves optimizing the layout and features of the building to streamline the storage and movement of goods. Here are some key points to consider when designing your warehouse for efficiency:

1. Ensure Adequate Height of Your Metal Warehouse Building

Ensuring that the height of your warehouse is sufficient for your needs is critical as you’ll likely be handling large machinery or ample supplies of inventory. As such, you’ll want to ensure your building is tall enough to handle it.

 

2. Select Appropriate Flooring for Metal Warehouse Structure

The flooring of your warehouse plays a crucial role in the efficiency of your operations. Durable, non-slip flooring is essential to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth movement of goods and handling equipment.

 

3. Consider Placing Multiple Doors in Warehouse Buildings

Multiple doors in your warehouse can improve the flow of goods in and out of the building and allow for better natural ventilation.

 

4. Select Correct Height for Loading and Unloading Dock

Choosing the correct height for your loading and unloading dock ensures that goods can be easily transferred to and from vehicles, streamlining the movement of goods in and out of your warehouse.

 

5. Ensure Effective Implementation of Safety Measures

Proper safety measures are essential to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth operation of your warehouse. This may include using safety barriers, clearly marked walkways, and proper lighting and signage. You’ll want to work closely with officials to determine the full extent of safety measures your business will require.

By taking into account these factors, you can design your warehouse for optimal storage capacity, efficient workflow, and maximum productivity.

Practical Considerations for Your Metal Warehouse Build Site

There are several practical considerations that you should keep in mind when building your warehouse. These include:

1. Seek Firm and Level Ground

It is vital to ensure that the ground on which your warehouse will be built is firm and level. This will provide a solid foundation for your warehouse and ensure it is structurally sound.

 

2. Natural Drainage

You should also consider the natural drainage of the area where your warehouse will be located. Proper drainage is essential to prevent water damage to your warehouse and ensure that it remains dry and safe.

 

3. Ease of Access

Your warehouse should be easily accessible to both employees and delivery vehicles. This may involve building your warehouse near major roadways or ensuring sufficient space for large trucks to maneuver.

 

4. Access to Utilities

Your warehouse will need access to electricity, water, and possibly natural gas. Make sure you choose a building site near these available utilities. Failure to do so can be costly!

 

5. Make Room for Possible Future Expansion

Planning for future expansion when building your warehouse is always a good idea. Luckily, steel structures are built with future expansion in mind, making the process of updating your building easy and efficient.

By keeping these practical considerations in mind, you can ensure that your warehouse is strong, conveniently located, and ready to take on anything.

Industries That Benefit from Metal Warehouses

Since metal warehouses are such a cost-effective solution, they’ve become incredibly popular across many industries. For example, manufacturing companies rely on metal warehouses to store raw materials and finished products, while distribution centers use them to store and ship merchandise.

Retail businesses also benefit from metal warehouses as they provide a secure and organized space for inventory storage. Additionally, agricultural businesses such as farms and ranches can use metal warehouses to store equipment and supplies.

These metal warehouses will continue to be in high demand for many years to come because of their durability, low cost, and versatility.

Call Safeway Steel Today to Design Your Quality Metal Warehouse!

Whether you’re searching for a small metal workshop or designing a massive steel structure, Safeway Steel has the skills to get the job done right. We’ve been a leading provider of metal warehouses, metal warehouse kits, and commercial metal buildings for years, with the knowledge and expertise to help you design and build the perfect warehouse to meet your unique business needs.

It doesn’t matter if you need a small metal workshop or a large warehouse building; Safeway Steel has the products and services to make your project a success! Give us a call today at +1 (800) 818-2245 and let our talented team of building experts help you design and customize a metal warehouse for you!

How to Design an Industrial Workshop Building

Industrial Metal Buildings

Metal buildings have been a massive part of commercial and industrial operations for years. And thanks to modern techniques and engineering, these versatile structures have become one of the most popular choices in commercial-grade infrastructure.

Some buildings, such as those built using clear span engineering, can be erected at enormous dimensions without little to no need for internal support columns. This makes them perfect for large-scale warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and more.

Below, we’ll cover these fantastic structures in greater detail, including tips for budgeting your next build and what you’ll need to know to get the most out of your new facility!

Key Points to Consider When Designing Your Metal Workshop Building

Let’s face it: Building any industrial-sized structure is a massive undertaking. It will take tons of research and a budget to back it up. But we understand how much you’ll contend with on a build of this size, so we’ve put together a few key things you’ll want to keep in mind during your planning phase.

1. Load Bearing

Will your structure require load-bearing supports? If you’re designing a single-story structure, clear span technology can remove the need for load-bearing columns. This opens you up to a multitude of configuration options.

2. Moisture Resistance

Steel structures are naturally capable of resisting moisture infiltration. However, steel buildings are known for developing interior moisture buildup. And if you’re running a factory with many electrical components and expensive equipment, that may be a big problem. As such, you’ll need to plan for this and undertake the necessary steps to reduce moisture.

3. Thermal Insulation

Speaking of moisture reduction, insulation is a fantastic way to reduce the presence of moisture in a structure while simultaneously promoting a more even ambient temperature. Thermal insulation will not only keep your building cooler during the summer and warmer in the winter, but it can also protect you from fire risks that often occur in industrial settings.

4. Sound Insulation

If you expect to use tons of heavy machinery, you’ll likely want to invest in sound-dampening insulation. Noise pollution can not only be nerve-wracking, but it can be dangerous to visitors or employees. Sound-dampening insulation will reduce the overall noise pollution in your facility and make working in the environment more comfortable.

5. Lighting

Lighting will be crucial if you expect to run any kind of industrial-sized facility. You’ll want to research the best lighting products for your needs, including LED and fluorescent lighting products.

Budgeting for Metal Workshop Buildings

All commercial endeavors will require a well-crafted budget. This budget will allow you to account for your overall building cost and help you handle any unexpected expenses that may arise during construction. So let’s take a look at a few tips for developing your industrial workshop budget.

• Establish the Cost of the Structure

The first step will be developing a price tag on your overall cost structure. How much will your building and its installation cost?

• Account for Accessories

Metal workshops can be customized with a wide range of additions and custom features. However, these features will require additional steel, components, or manpower to create, increasing the overall cost of your structure.

• Real Estate Costs

If you haven’t purchased the land you’ll use for your metal building; you’ll need to do so before moving any further in the process. Real estate purchases are massive undertakings that will likely take months to complete.

• Land Prep Costs

In addition to purchasing the real estate, you’ll need to account for the cost of preparing the land. Your installation site will need to be properly graded, and you’ll need to establish easy road access.

• Insurance Costs

You’ll also need to seek estimates on your overall insurance costs. Luckily, rates on steel buildings are typically cheaper than brick-and-mortar options due to their weather resistance and fire-resistance capabilities.

• Heating and Cooling Costs

Another crucial part of developing your budget will be generating an estimate on heating and cooling costs. Thankfully, adequately insulated steel buildings are some of the most energy-efficient structures on the market!

Obtaining Permits for Your Structure

Before breaking ground on your industrial workshop project, you’ll need to work closely with local building officials. Firstly, if you’re purchasing land, it will need to be zoned commercially if you expect to use it for business.

Furthermore, most localities will require builders to secure permanent building permits for their structures. This permit ensures that a building is built with the proper engineering and is safe to inhabit. Failure to secure this permitting can result in significant fines and penalties!

Build Your Workshop Today with Safeway Steel!

From small steel workshops to massive industrial buildings, Safeway Steel has experience delivering strong structures that are built to last. We’re proud to offer a wide range of facilities for any residential, commercial, or industrial project.

We offer some of the best pricing in the market and back our products up with industry-standard warranties and guarantees. And, if you’re working on a budget, we also have great financing options that make owning a building easy and affordable!

So, if you’ve been thinking of starting your own industrial workshop or warehouse, give Safeway Steel a call at +1 (800) 818-2245! We’ll be happy to help you design and configure a structure that works for all your particular needs. From beginning to end, you can trust Safeway Steel to deliver premium-quality 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!