Types of Steel Structures

Diagram of a building framework showing steel or wood purlins, girts, frames bolted at eave and ridge, and a self-supporting overhang, with annotations about truss sizes and design features.

Open Web Truss

Lightweight, strong, and easy to assemble without heavy equipment. Designed for long spans, evenly distributing weight, and maximizing interior open space.

Very popular choice because it meets the permitting requirements of residential buildings with ease.

The open web truss can come in either tapered columns or flush mount columns, both offering some advantages.

If residential or finished interior walls is your goal then go with the flush mount option.

Open Web Truss with tapered columns

Interior of a metal storage or warehouse building with metal walls and a high ceiling supported by red steel framework.

Open Web Truss with Flush mount

Empty metal storage or warehouse interior with gray corrugated walls, gray concrete floor, and red steel beams supporting the roof.
A technical diagram of a building with labeled dimensions, showing the building width, fave height, and typical purlin spacing.

Rigid Frame (Red Iron)

Heavier-duty structural frames ideal for commercial buildings, offering clear spans up to 225'. Provide high strength and stability under vertical and lateral loads.

A large open metal framework structure with a curved roof, likely an industrial or storage building