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Steel vs. Other Materials


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When selecting building materials, there are a number of variables to consider when determining what material best fits your needs: where you live and average climate, affordability, strength, and more. All building materials have unique advantages and disadvantages, but there’s nothing like steel.

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When You Have a Choice, Choose Steel

Steel can be creatively designed and molded into unlimited shapes and sizes. There are many finishes and coatings available for steel products, too.

Many of us know steel’s strength-to-weight ratio gives it “superpowers” as well as durability. What most people don’t realize is that steel has high recycled materials content and leaves a minimal carbon footprint. Steel is environmentally the best choice in building materials.

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Infographic with a list of 5 benefits of steel buildings.

Steel vs. Concrete

Because it’s fabricated elsewhere, steel structures are quick to install. There’s no need for formwork and we don’t need to “shore-up” steel garages and other buildings. A steel building can be erected in almost every kind of weather extreme. (Some materials like concrete have temperature restrictions.)

Other benefits of steel over concrete include:

  • Durable and nonporous
  • Greater design flexibility
  • Less material usage
  • Steel can be modified for building repurposing
  • Steel is lighter but just as strong
  • Stronger in tension and compression than concrete
  • Unlike concrete, steel is recyclable; usually made of 93% recycled content
  • Won’t crack or break but has the ability to bend

Steel vs. Masonry

The biggest advantage of steel vs. masonry is more efficient material usage and greater design flexibility. “Steel allows for long spans and open, column-free spaces” according the AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction). Other benefits of steel are:

  • Adaptability to vertical or horizontal expansions
  • Better value
  • Coatings protect steel in corrosive environments
  • Environmentally safer
  • Greater ability to maintain strength during seismic events
  • Higher quality
  • Predictability
  • Superior durability

Steel vs. Wood

Timber is simply not the better choice for framing. About 40% of every tree harvested goes unused. About half of what is sent to the lumber mill is lost in production and becomes sawdust or wood chips, which are later burned or dumped.

Steel advantages include:

  • Environmentally safer
  • Faster installation because of off-site assembly
  • Greater flexibility in space planning
  • Higher resale value
  • Non-combustible
  • Longer-lasting
  • Not vulnerable to insects or vermin infestations
  • Stronger
  • Will not rot or decay
  • Won’t expand, contract, or warp

Also Read: Wood Buildings vs. Metal Buildings

Steel Structures Offer Better ROI

Your property is likely your biggest asset. Any upgrades or property additions will add value, like an investment. Steel gives you a better return on investment.

You get amazing value for what you spend. In fact, steel buildings often qualify for lower insurance rates. Having a fire-resistant garage or outbuilding is an investment (and insurance) advantage. Steel buildings can stand up to hurricanes, high winds, heavy snow, earthquakes, and rain deluges.

You may say “You get what you pay for,” but we believe when you choose steel, you get more for your money:

Bulldog Steel Structures: You’ve Made the Right Choice

Bulldog Steel Structures’ building professionals have the experience and know-how to get the job done right. We’ll make sure your building meets your requirements and works with your property affordably.

If you receive what you believe is a great estimate, contact us before you commit. If we can’t beat another price, it’s probably because we only use quality materials. We won’t compromise workmanship to save money. But if we can match or beat another quote, we will.

Other companies cut corners with imported materials, but our buildings are American-made. That means superior quality control and safety guidelines are followed. It also means we keep American workers working.

Call 888-551-2156 or contact your Bulldog Steel Structures specialist today.

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*Freight charges may apply.

What Our
Customers Are Saying

I would recommend bulldog steel highly. They are very professional and accommodating. Want to give special thanks to Randall Hall and also matt preslar. They were very accommodating and helping me fill out paperwork and handling things when a timel...

- Shirley M.

Bulldog has been great to work with. They explained everything from beginning to end. I live in the mountains of New Mexico and the staff made sure that my garage had the right support needed for this area of the country. I would highly recommend t...

- Bruce J.

Bryan Ordonez with Bulldog Buildings was great to work with. Every email or message I sent, he was quick to respond and I got what I wanted. I hate that we had to deal with material issues due to covid but he kept me up to date on issues and end da...

- Tony & Debbie S.

Good design tool on their website. Great customer service.

- John S.

Have had nothing but a positive experience with Bulldog! Bryan was super helpful and still is after our install! He still responds super prompt and helpful. No complaints about our structure, as it looks amazing! Installers did a great job and pick...

- Kristie S.

I have now had my building in place for 3 months and I want to say that the whole team at Bulldog was very helpful throughout the entire process. My salesperson, Matthew, was extremely responsive. He was very helpful with the design phase, where we...

- Mike W.

Frank Rangel was very helpful and respectful. Also very understanding. I was pouring a concrete driveway and trying to put my down payment down. I may of got a little frustrated in the middle of it all. I could see the smile on Frank's face the who...

- Jason M.

This is my second building from bulldog and I'm buying the same building , just different colors. They are great buildings that are strong and economical.

- Parke H.

Excellent customer service during my order process, answered all my questions and they were very patient.

- Jack D.

The website was very flexible and helped me customize my carport. The Bulldog staff was very prompt and helpful throughout the process.

- Dale & Karen W.

Put up a RV cover for me on a concrete pad. Turned out great and the guys cleaned up after the work. Very satisfied. Would recommend these people.

- Dan and Linda I.

I love my “She Shop.” It was amazingly easy. I sent an email, made 2 phones calls and it was done. The installation went even easier. Three guys showed up one day and finished the next. They were polite and cleaned up after themselves. My husband...

- Theressa J.

I visited their website and used the 3D estimator and was able to see my building with doors, window placements, colors,and overall look. When you add or change any feature, including size, you can immediately see the result and change in price (if a...

- David T.
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Bulldog’s metal barns, garages, and carports are available for delivery and installation in most of the U.S. Whether you’re a homeowner in Maine, a rancher in Texas, or a small business owner in California, you’ll get to-your-door delivery and professional installation, so your building will be sturdy and reliable for years to come.

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