Tubular Steel Vs Red Iron?Which One is Right for You?

Tubular Steel vs Red Iron: Choosing the Right Material for Your Project Needs

When planning a steel building, one of the first big decisions is choosing between tubular steel and red iron. Both options offer durability and strength, but they serve different purposes. Whether you’re building a garage, workshop, warehouse, or commercial facility, knowing the key differences can help you make the best choice.

While we offer tubular steel buildings throughout our entire service area, We also offer options for red iron is the Southeast portion of our coverage territory.

What is Red Iron Steel?

Red iron (also known as I-beam or rigid-frame steel) is the heavy-duty option, commonly used for large-scale commercial and industrial buildings. The name comes from the red oxide coating applied to prevent rust.

Key Facts About Red Iron Steel Buildings:

✅ Designed for massive structures – Best suited for buildings over 100 feet wide where clear-span space is essential.

✅ Stronger load-bearing capacity – Engineered to support heavier weights, making it ideal for warehouses, factories, and airplane hangars.

✅ Requires a concrete foundation – Due to the weight and structure, a thicker, engineered foundation is necessary, increasing costs.

✅ Longer installation times – Requires heavy equipment and specialized labor, making it more expensive and time-consuming to install.

✅ Higher upfront cost – Materials and labor are significantly more expensive than tubular steel.

💡 Best for: Large industrial buildings, warehouses, manufacturing plants, and commercial facilities where extreme width and strength are required.

What is Tubular Steel?

Tubular steel buildings (also called light-gauge steel buildings) are built with galvanized square or rectangular tubing. These buildings are commonly used for residential, agricultural, and small-to-medium commercial structures.

Key Facts About Tubular Steel Buildings:

✅ More cost-effective – Lower material and labor costs make this a budget-friendly alternative to red iron.

✅ Faster installation – Can be assembled in days instead of weeks, reducing labor expenses.

✅ Customizable sizes – Available in widths up to 100 feet and any length, making them suitable for garages, barns, workshops, and storefronts.

✅ No heavy foundation required – Unlike red iron, many tubular buildings can be installed on gravel, asphalt, or a concrete slab, saving additional costs.

✅ Weather-resistant & durable – Galvanized steel resists rust, corrosion, and harsh weather conditions, making it a long-lasting investment.

💡 Best for: Residential garages, barns, workshops, retail buildings, small commercial spaces, and agricultural storage.

Which One is Right for You?

✔ If you’re building a structure over 100 feet wide and need extreme load-bearing capacity, red iron may be the best choice.

✔ For most projects under 100 feet wide—such as garages, barns, or small-to-medium commercial buildings—tubular steel is the more practical and cost-effective solution.

At The NC Builders, we specialize in custom tubular steel buildings designed to last. Let’s create the perfect building for your needs!

📞 800-789-3074 | 🌐 www.TheNCBuilders.com

#SteelBuildings #TubularSteel #RedIron #TheNCBuilders #CustomBuildingsCost Comparison: Red Iron vs. Tubular Steel

Feature	Red Iron Buildings	Tubular Steel Buildings
Initial Cost	High	Lower
Installation Time	Weeks to Months	Days to Weeks
Foundation	Concrete required	Gravel, asphalt, or concrete
Width Capacity	100’+	Up to 100’
Best Use Case	Industrial & commercial	Residential, agricultural, & small business