The heavy-duty usage of agricultural applications often requires an equally heavy grade of construction material to ensure lasting usage of farm buildings and supporting facilities. A steel agricultural building has become a common element on most of today’s farms. But in addition to the tensile strength of the components themselves, the design of a steel agricultural building is also uniquely suited to each individual application.

Easily differentiated in appearance between straight-walled and arch buildings, a steel agricultural building may also be either clear span, with wide open interior spaces, or multiple span that includes skeletal support structures within the interior of the building, concealed behind walls and columns. When choosing between straight-walled and Quonset hut style, know that straight-walled buildings provide more usable interior space and are also easier to blend in with existing architecture.

Though there any many practical applications for a steel agricultural building, some of the most popular include the Quonset hut, metal barns, hay storehouse, mini storage and the commercial building.

The Quonset Hut

Simple construction and cheaper materials are two reasons the Quonset hut has become a standard steel agricultural building. Typically constructed in two different styles, the old-fashioned full arch and the newer model featuring straight walls, the Quonset hut is known for its curved roof and traditional gable end-peak or round-peak. This timeless style has appeared on the agricultural landscape since 1941, when the design was commissioned by the US Navy. With its bread-loaf appearance, it’s popular for the simplicity it provides in installation, with newer straight-wall models becoming increasingly popular for their elimination of wasted space in comparison to the original design.

The style you choose may be impacted by your required width, as the newer models are currently only available in the narrower widths of 18 to 40 feet wide. One additional consideration to be aware of: the new model is not suited for grain storage, as the walls burst open with excessive amounts of weight pressed against them. Additional considerations include the type of steel used in construction, gauge of the steel, end wall configuration, door openings and related options as well as foundation attachments and the extent of labor required for installation.

Metal Barns

Metal barns are a welcome addition to any farm because they can be insulated for the comfort of animals and their caretakers as well as maintaining a dry, rust-free climate for commodities and equipment. Many metal barn kits feature bolt-together construction that allow you to raise the barn without welding, cutting or drilling, making metal barns a quick do-it-yourself project for most property owners.

When shopping around, pay attention to the guarantee offered by the manufacturer. Many will back their products with specific warranties, including 25- to 40-year guarantees on roof panels, roof fasteners and even the coating on the barn itself – all of which are crucial to the stability and longevity of the structure.

Hay Storage Buildings

When designed specifically for hay storage, a steel agricultural building can provide an enhanced level of durability and leak-resistant protection. They’re built uniquely to accommodate the particular shape of hay bales, whether they’re round or rectangular. Plus, in the off-season, they’re typically large enough to provide temporary shelter for equipment.

The trick to buying a hay storage building is directly related to the size of your hay bales. For example, if you have 4-foot bales of hay, a 42X17 square foot building can house 28 bales of hay in a single row. Similarly, the same structure would contain 16 5-foot bales. The image shows a Quonset style steel hay storage building, yet hay storage buildings can also be built in the straight wall style.

Mini Storage Buildings

Many people have started up their own public storage facility in rural areas. In addition, mini storage buildings come in handy for apartment complexes, office buildings and a range of other structures that routinely have a temporary influx of equipment, furnishings or other gear. Popular for their ability to eliminate the time and costs associated with brick, wood or block construction, mini storage buildings provide a convenient, cost-effective means to temporarily store practically anything safely and securely. A mini storage structure can be used as a cost-effective steel agricultural building for the protection of heavy machinery and equipment.

Mini storage buildings are easily manufactured to suit your exact specifications, including customizable doors, windows and even insulation for temperature control. Plus, they typically come with some pretty impressive guarantees – a 25-year limited warranty being standard.

Commercial Buildings

Created for manufacturing facilities, office buildings and warehouses, a steel agricultural building used for commercial purposes provides flexible and cost-effective construction through a wide range of optional add-ons depending on the level of finish desired. Plus, many will come with enhanced bracing for extra wind protection, a value onto the already tensile strength of the steel.

Potential upgrades include: heavy-duty roof sheeting, siliconized polyester baked-on enamel for lasting, rust-free protection against the elements, and a range of bold paint colors that can distinguish any commercial building from the surrounding landscape or allow it to blend seamlessly. All add-ons are backed by an extended warranty that protects your purchase anywhere from 25 to 40 years depending on the individual product.

How Much Will a Steel Agricultural Building Cost?

It should be noted that the cost of construction can also be heavily influenced by the cost of steel, a commodity that fluctuates with the market and is currently around $49 per CWT (the unit of measurement that indicates exactly 100 pounds of steel). You can compare prices for metal buildings in your area with our simple tool.