When creating your ideal metal building, one of the first decisions you’ll face is what type of framing to use. Metal frames are incredibly popular because of how versatile and widely available they are, but there are quite a few types of metal to choose from when it comes to the frame of your upcoming construction project. Two of the most common types of framing are steel tube buildings and iron framed buildings, both of which offer various advantages and disadvantages.
Understanding the differences between these two framing options is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your project goals, budget, and long-term needs. Each type brings its own set of characteristics that can significantly impact your process end-to-end—from construction costs to building performance over time.
Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of both steel tube buildings and iron frame buildings so you can better determine which is the best option for your project.
What Are Steel Tube Buildings?
As the name implies, tube framed metal buildings are framed with hollow metal tubes. The tubes can be round, square, or rectangular, though most are square. Although they may resemble pipes, the diameters and thicknesses of framing tubes are different.
This construction method has gained popularity for smaller to medium-sized projects where budget considerations are important. The hollow design not only reduces material costs but also makes these structures accessible to a wider range of builders and project types.
What Are The Benefits of a Tube Frame Building?
In general, tube steel buildings are cheaper and easier to use compared to red iron. Let’s go into more detail about the advantages of using steel tubes for the frame of your building:
1. Cost Effective
A tube frame building is generally less expensive than compared to using other building materials because the material is relatively cheap. Their hollow structure also means less metal is used, which further reduces costs. Additionally, tube steel buildings require less concrete to mount, which saves on other material and labor costs.
2. Great for DIY Projects
Metal tubes are relatively lightweight. This means they are easier to use and don’t require as much heavy equipment to manipulate. As such, they are perfect for DIY projects like carports, offering excellent protection for your RVs, boats, farm equipment and vehicles.
3. Quick Build Timelines
If you have a strict timeline for your construction project, a tube steel building might be the best choice for you. These structures can be erected relatively quickly because they don’t require as much in terms of labor. Tubes can be a great choice for agricultural buildings like barns, or warehouses, smaller residences, and garages.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Tube Steel Buildings?
Although they are cheap and pliable, steel tube buildings have some disadvantages. It’s important to weigh these limitations carefully, especially if your project demands high structural performance or will be exposed to challenging environmental conditions. Here are the main considerations when deciding on when to use a tube frame building:
1. Less Overall Durability
Tube framed buildings offer less structural strength. Harsh weather can easily damage light-weight tube framing. If your construction project is in an area that’s prone to hurricanes, floods, or other intense weather, you may want to consider other types of framing. For coastal and hurricane-prone regions along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, basic wind speeds are significantly higher than the rest of the country, ranging from 100 mph up to ~170 mph depending on the exact area; in the Gulf South tube steel buildings may not be optimal given the dramatic exposure to the elements here.
2. Less Layout Flexibility
For tube steel buildings to truly last, structural posts usually need to be placed every five to eight feet. This is inappropriate for some building functions and purposes because it reduces your interior space. It also gives you less design options in terms of window placement, entryways, and other features.
For a metal building to really stand the test of time, other framing materials should be considered. This brings us to the more robust alternative that many commercial and industrial projects require.
What Are Iron Framed Metal Buildings?
On the other end of the spectrum, iron framed or rigid framed metal buildings are constructed from red iron. These metal structural posts are also known as I-beams due to their signature cross-section, shaped like a capital letter “I.”
Red iron framing represents a step up in terms of structural capability and longevity. While the initial investment may be higher, the benefits often justify the additional cost for projects that need superior strength and greater design freedom.
What Are The Pros of Rigid Framed Metal Buildings?
Iron framed buildings are highly durable, hold up well in storm conditions, and offer more choices when it comes to aesthetics and customizations. Here’s a closer look at the major advantages of rigid framed metal buildings:
1. Incredible Durability
Compared to tube steel buildings, red iron is more durable by a relatively wide margin. Red iron beams are solid rather than hollowed out, so they provide better framing support. American-made metal buildings are especially durable and offer incredible protection over time.
2. Resistant to Harsh Weather
Metal framed buildings stand the test of time. Certainly none but the deadliest harsh weather will phase them. When hurricanes hit, rigid frame buildings tend to be the ones still standing.
3. More Design Flexibility
Since red iron is far stronger than a tube frame building, you don’t need to place columns every few feet. This offers you much more flexibility in the layout of your building when it comes to windows, doors, or even more complex features like mezzanines. It also means that you get a lot more interior space. I-beams can be a great option for those interested in building office complexes, auto shops, livestock pens, workshops, sports arenas, storage facilities, riding arenas, car washes, and RV storage.
4. Longevity
Buildings made with I-beams tend to have longer lifespans. They are more resistant to dents, cracks, warps, and other damage caused by weather or simply the years passing. If you’re looking at creating a structure that lasts for years to come, red iron might be the way to go.
What Are The Cons of I-Beam Buildings?
Although I-beams offer lots of advantages in terms of being stronger, having more design flexibility, and standing up to severe weather conditions, they do have some drawbacks. These factors primarily relate to upfront costs and construction complexity, which may be deal-breakers for certain projects or budgets. Here are the major considerations inherent in using red iron frames for your construction project:
1. Require Specialized Equipment
One disadvantage of iron framed buildings is that I-beams are harder to work with because of their weight and density. These heavy pieces of metal require large machinery and specialized teams to move them into place properly and safely. If you’re looking for a DIY construction project, red iron may be better left to the pros.
2. More Expensive Labor Costs
Since red iron requires specialized workers and machinery, it’s typically more expensive in terms of labor costs. Heavy rigid-framed structures are also more foundation-intensive, requiring much more than a thin slab of concrete to secure. All these factors combine to make rigid framed buildings pricier to erect.
3. More Frequent Painting Maintenance
Red iron is more prone to getting rust on the surface than steel tube buildings. This means that you’ll need to perform more frequent paint or maintenance jobs on any red iron beams that show on your building’s exterior or interior walls.
Deciding Between a Tube Steel Building and a Rigid Frame Metal Building with ADCO Metals
Choosing between steel tube buildings and iron framed buildings ultimately depends on your specific project requirements, budget constraints, and long-term expectations. Both options have proven track records in different applications, and understanding which one aligns best with your needs will help ensure a successful construction outcome.
Our experienced team at ADCO Metals has helped countless customers navigate their decisions around tube steel building or I-beam projects, taking into account everything from site conditions to future expansion plans. With nearly six decades in the metal building industry, we have the expertise to guide you toward the framing solution that will serve you and your property best for years to come.
Still can’t decide? Call ADCO Metals today at 985-882-3222 or 601-798-4600 and tell us about the project you have in mind. Our experts can help you break the tie with a free estimate and help you settle on tube frame vs. iron frame for your next metal building project.
