What to Consider when buying a Workshop
The perfect metal workshop for your needs
A metal workshop has multiple uses and benefits. You can choose to store your equipment and tools or use it as a workspace for your projects. Selecting the right metal workshop is essential to guarantee the long term benefits. We can help design a perfect metal workshop for you.
With us, you can choose from various size, color, made, roof styling to steel-gauge at your own preferred budget. Let us know your requirement, and we’ll design the perfect design in no time.
How much space will you need?
To install a metal workshop, you need an open space outside your home. The open space must facilitate easy access to the installation site by our installation staff. Hence, finding a proper place to install workshop is a must.
We can install any metal structure size to fit your projects and equipment. Talk to our representative to plan what size of the workshop is ideal for you. A metal workshop can include enough space for personal projects or business.
Location, Location, Location
Ensure that you own enough space on your property to place a metal workshop. A workshop must be accessible from all sides. Check to see if you need permits from local authority or building and construction unit for installing the metal structure on your property. Most states require the installed metal workshop or structure be certified for the safety of the public.
Will it stand up to the weather?
Most workshop materials wear down or corrode under harsh weather. A stronger-gauge steel structure is a must to withstand varying climates. You must first determine what sort of climatic conditions your area possess, and choose the right type of metal workshop which can withstand the weather.
We build metal workshops with stronger-gauge steel, extra protective layers, and color which can withstand heat or rain. Before ordering a metal workshop, look at the different options and styles available to pick the one that suits your requirement.
Can I customize?
Certainly, the idea of owning a metal workshop is to have your own design! You can choose to customize the structure as the way you want it. From the size, made, material, roof style, extra features to color, you can choose everything.
We install metal workshops of any size and customize them according to your need.
Roof Styles
VERTICAL ROOF STYLE – BEST
Vertical roof style possesses high tensile and stronger steel which works best for the climate with heavy snowfall or rain. The A-frame styled vertical panel allows snow and water to slide easily off the roof. In vertical styling, the roof intersects with the side of the workshop allowing residue to pass off easily. Hence, it requires less or none cleaning.
BOXED EAVE STYLE – BETTER
Boxed Eave style, another A-frame, known for its roof panel which lies horizontally to the side of the workshop. This is more economical than owning a vertical styled roof, and the roof style goes horizontally towards the ground. This works best for the climate with heavy winds or gust.
REGULAR ROOF STYLE- GOOD
Regular roof style is the most economical choice for any metal workshop. Regular roof tends to be lighter than Boxed Eave style and has diverse uses. The corrugated ridges run from end to end. This roof style works great in the area with ideal weather or climate. This is perfect for protecting your vehicle from direct sunlight, sun exposure, and UV damage.
Choosing the Right Size
Choosing the right size of the workshop is easier when you have all the required details in hand. The size of the metal workshop mainly depends on the availability of space, the number of vehicles you own, and their sizes, and accessibility. Right size guarantees the best workshop of your need.
Width sizing Chart
The metal workshop comes in variable standard sizes. However, you can always customize the structure and width size of the metal workshop according to your need. While ordering one, you must be sure that the custom workshop is big enough to fit your vehicles.
The standard workshop width sizes, but not limited to, are:
12FT, 18FT, 20FT, 22FT, 24FT, 26FT, 28FT, 30FT, 32FT, 34FT, 36FT, and 40FT
The 12FT workshop works well for the size of a single car, while 18FT works great for the size comprising of two compact cars. You can choose to have multiple doors with 18FT workshop. The workshop above the 22FT is well suited for multiple full sized cars or a Truck. Please consult with our representative to find the right size of the workshop for you.
Length
The length of your metal workshop depends on how you wish to use it. To best determine the length, you can first ascertain if you wish to fit your vehicles or use the space entirely for work. The workshop can be used for more than one purpose, like parking vehicles, storage, equipment, and pieces of machinery etc.
The standard length of our workshop are
21FT, 26FT, 31FT, 36FT, and 41FT
You can customize and choose your own length for the metal workshop.
Side Height
The height of the workshop is measured from sides instead of from the height from roof to the ground. The workshop’s height is used to measure the lowest point your vehicle can clear while entering or exiting. You’ll want to build a metal workshop that offers just the right amount of height in order to maximize the stability of the building and for future customizations, such as adding a garage door.
You can customize and choose a preferred height for your workshop.
Steel Gauge Framing
What’s the difference between 14 gauge and 12 gauge framing?
Many new workshop owners cannot differentiate 14-gauge steel frame from the 12-gauge steel frame. A 12-gauge steel framing is thicker and stronger than 14 gauge framing.
A Gauge basically stands for the thickness, size, or capacity of steel, especially as a standard measure. Hence, the thicker the frame, the more strength, and the value it provides to the overall structure.
12 gauge Vs 14 Gauge
14 Gauge Framing
A 14 gauge steel frame measures 2 ½” x 2 ½” in diameter. 14 gauge framing tends to be economical than 12 gauge framing and has a lower tensile strength.
The 14-gauge steel is more of an economical choice and useful for regular workshops.
12 Gauge Framing
A 12-gauge steel frame measures 2 ¼” x 2 ¼” in diameter. The 12 gauge framing is more useful for the workshop in the areas where there are frequent and heavy snow and wind. It provides more tensile so the chances of breakage are none.
Certification Considerations
Certified v. Non-certified buildings
Most states or cities in the United States require a metal structure or building to be inspected and certified for public safety. The certification simply proves that the structure has been designed by an engineer and can withstand the wind and snow load. It becomes necessary in the areas with harsher weather.
Some states may not require any certification or inspection simply because they do not have to worry about heavy snow load or wind.
To get the structure inspected, you are required to obtain a blueprint of the structure for submitting it to the inspector for review. In such a case, we’ll provide you with the necessary documentation.
Note: Please ensure, while preparing the base for the workshop, the ground is level and the concrete or asphalt slab is wide enough to support the workshop.
Additional Options
Additional options simply mean additional features or attributes added to your metal workshop. The additional features help for certain situations or customization for a particular need.
Windows
Windows allow the natural light to pass into your workshop, and they also add style to the overall structure. You can choose the right size of the window for your metal workshop. We generally provide 30in x 30in sized window which can be added on any portion of your custom metal workshop.
Walk-in Door
Walk-in door lets the owner access the workshop without opening the garage door. They can be a great addition to your metal workshop. They can always be added later to your workshop or when you choose to enclose your carport and turn it into a workshop. The custom carport allows the owner to fit walk-in doors whenever they need. Hence, talk with our customer representative while installing a metal carport.
GARAGE DOORS
We offer a variety of garage door options. Few things to consider before installing garage doors on custom metal workshops are:
- Will it have access to electricity?
- Will the metal structure be tall enough to install a garage door?
- Can I add a garage door later?
These help to determine if you can add garage doors to your workshop and the kind of doors that suit you best. You can choose to have garage door for the front or end of the workshop. You also have an option to install a garage door on the side of the workshop for ease in access for taking vehicle and equipment in and out of the workshop.
SIDES AND ENDS CLOSED
The metal workshop with the width sizing of 12FT – 30FT comes with standard horizontal siding. The sliding can be installed for vertical enclosing too. Metal workshops wider than 30FT are affixed with standard vertical sides and closed ends. You can choose to customize the feature too.
LEAN-TO’S
Lean-tos is a simpler structure added to an existing building or structure with the rafters leaning against another wall. You can choose to add open or enclosed lean-to’s to your workshop for more agility.
We can add lean to’s to your workshop, however, it may require additional bows for the frame spacing to match with the building.
Insulation
Insulation becomes necessary for any workshop to instill the work-friendly environment. We offer bubble installation in the units which helps to insulate the interior. Our insulation has an R-value of 4.3. It is the standard measure of thermal resistance used in any building or construction. It also prevents heat from escaping the workshop.
Insulation also protects your vehicle from cold weather if you wish to store them inside your workshop.
Panels
A steel panel is a flat structure added to the sides or frames to provide additional support or strength. As an option, it provides a way to enclose your garage and turn it into a workshop. It also acts as shelving or walls to add additional protection for the vehicles from the weather.
Side panels come handy in the areas with heavy wind. It can also be added after the installation.
J-trim
J-trim is basically a decorative trim piece installed to the edges of panels. It covers the edges for additional protection and it also gives the entire structure an aesthetic appeal. J-trim installation adds additional protection to the workshop for homes with young children.
Bows and trusses
Bows and trusses provide additional support to the roof by adding assistance and stability. It is useful in the areas with heavy snow and rain. The addition of bows and trusses to the roof and sides of the structure extends its holding capacity.
It makes the structure stronger and fits well inside the roof. Hence, it doesn’t smudge the aesthetic appeal of the structure. Our steel workshops with a width size of 24 FT will include a bow, and all workshops wider than 24 FT will have a truss.
You can add bows and trusses while installing the structure, or as well choose to add them to the structure after the installation is complete.
Anchors
Anchors provide additional support to the framing or beams of the workshops during or after installation. The metal anchors can be inserted into the concrete slabs, poured asphalt or to solid ground to provide additional support.
Our installation experts will add the anchors to the structure during installation. In order to do that, you must first prepare the concrete base or level the ground befitting for our staffs.
Colors
We offer 15 colors or swatches for you to choose as the palette of your new metal workshop. The colors range from Black,Burgundy, Cardinal, Red, Clay, Earth, Brown, EverGreen, Merlot, Pebble Beige, Pewter Gray, Quaker Gray, Sand Stone, Slate, Blue,Tan, White, etc.
Installation / Site Prep
Installation and Site Prep
Before metal workshop can be delivered or installed, we require you to prepare the site, including getting all the required permits, utilities and space in place.
Ensure that you have leveled the ground or surface for our staffs to help to install the structure. If you haven’t cleared ground ahead, our staffs will have to reschedule the entire installation to a later date which can cost you more.
Our crew requires a minimum of 3FT of additional space around the perimeter of leveled ground to bring in trucks and equipment to start the installation. If you couldn’t finish preparing the ground or need professional help, we can recommend a concrete contractor to get the job done for you.
Site Preparation Checklist
Make sure the ground is level, this is essential if you want to get your building certified. The newly built structure cannot be more than 3 inches off level from either front/back or left/right. If the site isn’t level during the installation, our experts will level the site at an additional fee.
Ensure that you have cleared the area of debris, machinery or tools so installation team can access the site.
Concrete Pad
- If you want to use a concrete pad as the permanent foundation, you must have the area ready and have the concrete fully cured and settled before our staffs arrive to install the structure.
- Make sure that the concrete pad complies with the guidelines stated by your local authority, and also get it checked and reviewed by an expert so there aren’t any issues during installation or the certification process.
Overview of the delivery and installation process
Once you have chosen the right workshop all we need to do is visit your place and complete the installation.
You’ll be contacted by our customer representative and schedule the right delivery date and time. Be sure that you have leveled the ground for the installation. On the scheduled day, our experts or installation team will arrive with trucks and tools to install the structure.
If you wish to have your metal workshop certified, please let us know in advance so we can prepare and hand you the blueprint of the metal structure.
Pricing
Price Range
The price of a custom metal workshop depends on its size, type, roof style and made. The price of our regular workshop with the minimum width size of 12FT typically starts from $2,500.
Size
We offer fixed or customized metal workshops for both residential and commercial use. You can purchase any standardly-sized workshop at a fixed price or provide your own custom measurements, so we can ascertain the cost and offer you a reasonable quote.
Certification
The metal workshop owners need to get their building or structure certified by the local authority or the Building and Construction inspector for the public safety. For this matter, they may need the blueprint of the structure along with the usage of a certified steel frame. We don’t charge any fee for it, however, you must inform us in advance. The price of the workshop will only depend on your choice of size, material, roof style and additional features for the metal structure.
A certified structure for a workshop has a frame that is built of extra-strength 12-gauge galvanized steel. 12-gauge is thicker than a 14-gauge steel frame and comes with an additional warranty. 14-gauge framing works excellently in the areas with less snow or wind. A 12-gauge frame is expensive than a 14-gauge frame, so choose wisely.
A Certified structure must have a minimum wind rating of 80 mph and a snow-load rating of 20 lbs per square foot. Depending on your geographic location, you can choose to increase the ratings. The higher the rating, the stronger the structure. You can have a structure with the ability to be rated up to a 150 mph wind and a 60 lbs per square foot snow.
Gauge
A Gauge basically stands for the thickness, size, or capacity of steel, especially as a standard measure. The thicker the steel frame the more strength and tensile it can provide. A thicker steel frame costs more.
14 Gauge Framing
14 gauge steel framing tends to be economical than 12 gauge framing and has a lower tensile strength. The 14-gauge steel is an economical choice and useful for a regular workshop or for the workshop located in mild climate areas.
12 Gauge Framing
The 12 gauge framing is more useful for the workshop in the areas where there are frequent and heavy snow and wind. It provides more tensile so the chances of breakage are none.
Galvanized Steel Gauge Chart
| Number | Inches | MM |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0.1681 | 4.269 |
| 9 | 0.1532 | 3.891 |
| 10 | 0.1382 | 3.51 |
| 11 | 0.1233 | 3.1318 |
| 12 | 0.1084 | 2.753 |
| 14 | 0.0785 | 1.9939 |
| 16 | 0.0635 | 1.6129 |
| 18 | 0.0516 | 1.31 |
| 20 | 0.0396 | 1.005 |
| 22 | 0.0336 | 0.853 |
| 24 | 0.0276 | 0.701 |
| 26 | 0.0217 | 0.551 |
| 28 | 0.0187 | 0.474 |
| 30 | 0.0157 | 0.398 |
Depends upon Addition Options
Additional options or features simply mean additional attributes added to your metal workshop for various purposes. The additional features help for certain situations or customization for a particular need and may include Gable, J-trim, insulation, lean-to’s, bows and trusses, and anchors, etc.
Additional features into your workshop are cheaper when you add them during the installation. If you choose to add features to the installed structure, it may require additional work and modifications which may cost more.
State
The condition and guideline for building a metal workshop may differ from one state to another. Also, the price of a metal workshop or structure may differ from one state to another too.
Metal Workshop FAQs
Can I customize my metal workshop after installation?
Certainly, you can always customize your metal workshop according to your budget, and add additional features to your metal workshop after it has been installed. Do let us know if you wish to add any additions to your metal workshop after it has been installed, or plan to have any additional features in the future.
Some of the common additions into a metal workshop are electric doors, walk-in door, windows, insulation, lean-to’s, bows and trusses, and gables. It is economical in the long run if you can install a custom barn with all the features.
Even though, if you wish to have a custom barn with options to add features later on, that is Ok. We’ll recommend you best tips to help save cost in the future.
What can I customize in my metal workshop?
We offer many customizable options for your metal workshop. You can choose from color, width, length, height, steel-gauge to the style of your new metal workshop. Most of your customers choose to customize their product before it’s been installed, this way they are happy with their custom metal workshop.
You can customize according to your budget and preference.
Can I include electric or water in my metal workshop?
Many of our customers choose to have running water or electricity in their metal workshop or structure. We do not install the electric or plumbing inside the barn, as it is not covered in our service policy. When you prepare the concrete slab or base for your barn, make sure that you get all pipes laid and accounted for. This will include the entire plumbing and pipe fixtures.
You should consult with an electrician beforehand if you plan to add interior or exterior lighting on your metal workshop.
What is the widest workshop offered?
Our barns come in all shape and sizes. The widest workshop we offer is up to 54FT wide, with a center width of 30FT and 12FT on each side. This standard design helps to keep the structure strong while preventing wear down from high wind and snow. The height and length of the metal barn can be customized according to your need.
What are the color options for my metal workshop?
We offer 15 different shades for the custom metal workshop. You can choose from any color or shade that you prefer will suit your taste. We also offer color customization with the garage doors, roof, side-walls, walk-in door and windows.
Should I insulate my workshop?
Insulation provides additional protection to your metal workshop from the weather or temperature outside. It helps to preserve heat inside the workshop making the interior work friendly. Your equipment, stores or livestock need certain temperature which can be maintained with proper insulation.
Insulation is also useful during winter. It also helps to offer heat when you work inside the workshop in winters. Not only will it better your equipment and stores from the cold outside, but with insulation, you will also prevent sweating or condensation from collecting inside the enclosed metal building.
What do I need to prepare for the installation?
We require you to prepare the site before the metal workshop or the structure can be delivered and installed. The preparation includes getting all the required permissions, utilities and space in place.
Please ensure that you have prepared the surface and leveled the ground for our staffs to start installing the structure. In case you haven’t cleared ground beforehand, our staffs will postpone the installation which may cost more to you.
Our crew requires a minimum of 3FT of additional space around the perimeter of leveled ground to bring in trucks and equipment to start the installation. If you couldn’t finish preparing the ground or need professional help, we can recommend a concrete contractor to get the job done for you.
What kind of foundation is required?
The metal workshop structure can be built on piers or a foundation with or without a concrete slab. Many metal barns only require piers. If only piers are used, we remove the base angle and use only a base girt. Base girt is thicker metal which easily supports the sidewall sheathing without the use of any concrete foundation.
What foundation thickness do you recommend?
The thickness of foundation is generally determined by a foundation engineer or your local official. The foundation can be 4 inches to 8 inches thicker according to the state and its climate.
