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Commercial Building Types and Steel Structures: Durable, Customizable Solutions for Modern Spaces

Building Types

Quonset

Quonset huts are strong, prefabricated metal buildings with a distinctive curved, half-round shape. Made from durable galvanized steel, they are designed to resist rust, wind, and heavy weather. Their simple arch design makes them easy to assemble, cost-effective, and versatile for many uses, such as storage, workshops, garages, or agricultural buildings. These practical structures provide long-lasting protection while requiring minimal maintenance.
Modern Quonset-style steel building by Buildway, featuring a curved corrugated metal roof and sliding door, situated on open farmland under a clear sky

Quonset Image Gallery

Cold Formed Steel (CFS)

Cold-formed steel (CFS) is cold-formed near room temperatures using stamping, pressing, and rolling. This process makes the material more strengthened while imparting a smooth finish. CFS is valued owing to its precision, mobility, and quick erection speed, hence being ideal in the case of prefabrication. CFS is widely used in various building types ranging from housing units to low-rises as well as high-wind or earthquake areas, with the effect being high quality steel structures.
Light gray cold-formed steel (CFS) building by Buildway with a gable roof and large blue sliding door, situated on a concrete foundation in an open field.

Cold Formed Steel Image Gallery

I-beam

I-Beams are among the most widely used structural elements in construction. Their distinctive “I” shape provides exceptional load-bearing capacity while using less material, making them both strong and efficient. Known for their versatility, I-Beams are suitable across many Building Types, from residential and commercial projects to industrial facilities. With their ability to handle heavy loads and resist bending, they form the backbone of many high quality steel structures designed to last.
Modern I-beam steel structure by Buildway featuring a combination of glass panels and metal cladding, large bay doors, and a red lift parked in front on a concrete lot under a clear sky.

I-Beam Image Gallery

Choosing Between Building Types: What Works Best for You?

Feature Quonset Cold Formed Steel (CFS) I-Beam
Structure Type
Corrugated Galvalume Plus Steel
Built from cold-formed steel sections
Built with hot-formed straight or tapered frames
Key Advantages
Low price, quick construction.
Affordable and simple to put together
Maximizes span size and open interior space
Typical Cost
$13 – $27 per square foot
$15 – $29 per square foot
$18 – $36 per square foot
Span Range
20′ – 80′
20′ – 80′
20′ – 350′
Ceiling Loads
Not designed to support ceiling loads
Not designed to support ceiling loads
Fully supports ceiling loads
Wall Loads
Not designed to support wall loads
Not designed to support wall loads
Fully supports wall loads
Ease of Build
Quick and straightforward assembly
Quick and straightforward assembly
More complex to assemble, requires heavy equipment

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FAQ’s

We’re here to help!

Whether it’s about our pre-engineered steel building kits, prefab metal structures, or customization options, Buildway is ready to provide the answers you need. Our expert team guides you through every step ensuring a smooth and confident building experience.
What are the common building types used in commercial construction?

Commercial building types often include steel structures, concrete buildings, and modular constructions, chosen for durability and flexibility.

High quality steel structures offer superior strength, fire resistance, and faster construction times, making them ideal for long-lasting commercial and industrial projects.

An I-beam is a load-bearing steel beam shaped like the letter ‘I’, providing excellent support for wide spans and heavy loads in various building types.

CFS structures use thinner, high-strength steel sheets shaped at room temperature, offering lightweight yet durable frames suitable for versatile building types.

Yes, steel building types are widely used across the USA due to their cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and adaptability to different commercial needs.

Work with reputable suppliers who use certified steel materials and follow industry standards to ensure your building types are safe, durable, and compliant.