7 Things to Consider Before Buying a Steel Quonset Hut™

Are you in the process of purchasing a steel Quonset Hut but you don’t even know where to start? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. SteelMaster is here to help you find your way through the jungle of confusion.

The process can be a bit daunting for a beginner, but buying a building does not have to be frustrating. It’s our mission to provide you with all the information you need to connect you with the perfect building for your specific needs.

Is a Quonset Hut™ right for me?

Although we love Quonset Huts, we know this style of building is not for every consumer. Some people simply like the look and feel of a traditional style building over a metal Quonset, but there are quite a few differences between the two kinds of structures.

Quonset Huts™ are some of the strongest structures on earth. The commercial-grade steel combined with the arch design creates a building that can handle several different weather extremes including heavy snow, strong winds, dangerous hail storms, and even seismic activity.

Steel Quonsets also offer more usable space than some wood structures. Without the need for beams or trusses, they offer much more usable space inside. They have a clear span design which gives you the option to use the open space or to customize it any way you like.

Quonset Huts™ are easy to put together which cuts down on construction costs. They also require little maintenance down the road which is an additional cost-saving benefit.

How will I use the building?

Once you determine that you want a Quonset Hut, of course, you’ll have to know exactly how you will use it.

SteelMaster’s buildings have been used for both residential and commercial projects. Customers have used them for bulk storage, garages, sheds, production facilities, architectural design concepts, carports, RV storage, hay storage, gas station shelters, airport hangars, and much more.

Knowing the use of the building will help our engineers ensure you have the correct design for your needs and that you meet all of the building codes for your specific location.

What size building do I need?

Now this is where the fun comes in – measurements. SteelMaster offers several different models in different sizes to meet your specific needs. Our kits start at 20’ and go up to 40’ in width. All models allow customers the freedom to tailor the building to their specific needs while also protecting it from nature’s elements.

Our prefabricated buildings come in standard widths of 24 x 24, 30 x 40, and 40 x 60 packages. The length is determined in 2’ increments and can be adjusted to alter the size of the building in the future.

What’s my budget?

Quonset Huts™ have been around for over 75 years, and every year SteelMaster discovers new ways to make them better without breaking the bank.

Several factors must be considered when trying to determine the price of each building. The price varies depending on the model, size, and components.

A typical Quonset Hut™ ranges from $10 to $13 per square foot.

After determining a size, now you have to decide if you want windows, skylights, special roll-up doors, lighting, etc. Every component will add to the cost of the building.

Be careful when you’re comparing prices. Although SteelMaster offers competitive pricing, that should never be the primary factor when deciding on a building. As with any product, the lowest price on the market is not always the best option. Other companies may lure you in with low prices, but when you read the fine print, you’ll realize you get exactly what you pay for—low quality and a big headache.

What are my load requirements?

If you live in an area that experiences brutal winter weather, you’ll certainly want to invest in a building that can handle the weight of heavy snow loads.

Most traditional style buildings leak and can collapse under the weight of heavy snow loads. SteelMaster’s curved steel buildings can support the load and the melting snow won’t leak into your building.

Also, if you plan to hang heavy items inside of your building, you’ll certainly want a strong building that will be able to handle internal weight as well.

It is advisable to check with your local inspectors to ensure you know the specific load requirements for the kind of building you want to purchase.

Who is going to build it?

One of the great things about Quonset Hut™ buildings is the fact that you can build it yourself.

SteelMaster’s building kits are pre-punched and predrilled at the factory to make it easy for anyone, even a beginner, to put together one of our DIY Quonset Huts.

You can save money on construction crews and contractors by doing it yourself.

For some larger projects, it may be better to hire a little professional help. Since SteelMaster’s arches are simple to erect, this cuts down the time it takes to construct, which will save you labor costs as well.

What’s my deadline?

Do you need to get a building erected fast? A steel Quonset Hut would be your best option.

To construct an average-sized building, it only takes a few friends, a few days, and a little imagination. We’ve made the process super simple and our buildings only require the use of one size bolt and one size nut to put together.

When these buildings were initially used during WWII, one of the most attractive benefits was the quick construction. Troops needed to be able to build strong, cost-effective, portable housing for soldiers in the war and they needed to make it happen fast.

Although our design has changed quite a bit in the last 75 years, the same basic core benefits remain. The steel Quonset Hut™ continues to be an industry leader when it comes to cost, strength and ease of construction.

Looking for more information about steel buildings? Check out the SteelMaster Resource Center and get started on your next project!