Benefits of a commercial steel frame shed

If you’re planning on constructing a new commercial shed or building then you’ll want to make sure you’ve considered all of your options before you start building – one of the most important things to decide on is the type of material you use to construct your shed from.

Steel is becoming more and more of a popular material to use when constructing commercial sheds. Steel is already used widely in the construction industry for things like bridges and high rise buildings, it’s also a great option for commercial sheds due to its versatility and durability.

Find out the many benefits of using a steel frame structure for your next commercial shed project below.

1.) Durability

Commercial sheds can be home to a range of different activities and machinery and with people and stock coming and going frequently, they need to be built to last.

Steel is a high quality material that requires very little maintenance, it is also a lot more durable than a lot of other materials like timber.

It is a material that will easily withstand a number of tough weather conditions like heat, wind and rain, making it an ideal option for building in Australia where weather conditions can go from one extreme to the other across the country.

Steel is a particularly valuable material to use when building in parts of Australia that may be prone to drought or fires, as fire cannot be started or spread through steel.

Why steel is ideal for Australian conditions

Steel sheds:

• Withstand heat, wind and rain in harsh Australian climates

• Are a strong option in areas prone to drought or fire, as fire cannot spread through steel

• Are less likely to break, split or warp than many other building materials

• Do not sag at the beams, giving you a high quality structure that will hold its shape for years to come

Unlike other materials, steel is also less likely to break, split or warp. Steel beams also will not sag, giving you a high quality structure that will hold its shape for years to come.

Designed for heavy commercial use

In an ABC Sheds commercial building, the structural frame is fabricated from quality Australian steel and designed specifically for the harsh Australian environment. The fully hot dip galvanised columns and galvanised open web trusses add further protection against corrosion and the elements.

Common clear spans of up to 60 metres are available without internal posts, so your shed can handle significant loads while still giving you wide, unobstructed floor space for racking, forklifts and production lines.

This combination of strength, corrosion resistance and engineered spans means a steel commercial shed will keep performing even as your business grows and the way you use the space changes.

2.) lower maintenance costs

Because of its high durability, steel is also great to use as it will save you maintenance costs in the long run. A high quality steel shed will last you years without having to repair or replace anything.

This makes it a great option for businesses just starting out or those who do not want additional maintenance costs down the track. Simply erect your shed and it will give you years of use.

We also know that unlike timber, steel is very hard to penetrate so is less likely to be infiltrated by pesky insects and animals. This will save you time and money having to get in pest control to save the structure of your building from damage and to get rid of unwanted pests.

How a steel frame reduces maintenance

In an ABC Sheds commercial building, many of the elements that normally drive maintenance costs are addressed at the design stage:

• Fully galvanised frames help protect the main structure from rust, so you are not constantly chasing corrosion repairs

• Quality cladding and flashings are detailed to help keep water out of the building envelope

• Doors and access points are planned so they work with the structure rather than fighting against it

Over time, this means:

• Fewer repainting cycles

• Fewer structural repairs

• Less unplanned downtime caused by issues with the building itself

All of this contributes to a lower total cost of ownership for your commercial shed.

3.) affordability 

While a steel framed shed may cost you more upfront due to the fabrication work involved in creating the steel frame, it will most definitely end up saving you money down the track.

The longevity of steel might mean you incur less repair and maintenance costs.

Steel frame sheds are also relatively easy to put together with many people choosing to erect their shed themselves.

Doing it yourself will mean you spend less on paying for contractors that a company may get in to build your shed for you. Instead build the shed when you have the time and resources to do so.

However, a steel shed is also an easy task for a contractor to complete, if you do not want to be hands on in the process.

Making a commercial shed stack up financially

ABC Sheds offers complete commercial and industrial shed solutions, which means you can choose the level of involvement that suits your budget and skills:

• Some customers opt for a kit that their own team or local contractors can erect

• Others use ABC Sheds professional erection crews for a more turnkey solution

Because every building is custom designed, you can prioritise where to spend and where to save. For example, you might:

• Invest in extra height for future racking or machinery

• Keep less critical areas of the build more simple to stay within budget

Tools like the Commercial Building Returns Calculator and articles on industrial shed costs make it easier to compare building a shed with leasing, so you can see the long term financial impact of owning your own steel building rather than paying ongoing rent.

4.) Customisation 

Commercial steel sheds have the option to be customised to include extra features that you may require.

For commercial sheds in particular, this is very important as different businesses all have different operating needs and the requirements for one business may differ completely to what is required for another business.

If you process incoming stock or send out shipments from your commercial shed then you may choose to have extra storage or add on space for something like a loading dock.

Tailoring a shed to your operations

Because ABC Sheds designs each commercial building to order, you can tailor the structure around how your operation actually works. Optional extras can include:

• Flexible bay sizes

• Roller or sliding doors in key locations

• Mezzanine floors for extra storage or office space

• Windows, personal access doors and vented ridges for light and ventilation

For example:

• Freight and logistics sheds often combine wide clear spans, multiple roller doors and an external canopy for loading

• Workshops may incorporate gantry crane provision, extra height and a separate office or parts store

Customisation is not limited to the structure itself. ABC Sheds also helps you consider practical design points such as:

• Large door openings for trucks and machinery

• Skylights and lighting placement

• Ventilation and insulation

• Complying with local council height and boundary rules

This design support makes it easier to end up with a shed that fits your current processes and has enough flexibility built in for future expansion, office fit outs or extra storage capacity as your business grows.

5.) environmentally friendly 

Steel is one of the most sustainable construction materials available. Not only is steel 100% recyclable, but it can be used time and time again without losing quality, making it a great choice.

Even if you end up demolishing or taking down your shed, the steel will not be taken to landfill as it can easily be used for another construction project.

As we all look at ways that we can be more environmentally conscious, using steel instead of a material like timber is also a lot better for the environment. It can take up to 50 trees to build a traditional timber structure, it will then take at least 20 years to grow new trees that are the right size to be cut down for construction purposes.

Steel is a much better alternative as it is a material that is already available, and does not need to be harvested and then transported long distances to get to its destination.

How a steel shed supports sustainability

A well designed commercial steel shed can also support other sustainability goals for your business:

• Structural steel frames allow large roof areas that are ideal for solar panels

• Clear internal spans make it easier to reconfigure the layout over time rather than demolishing and rebuilding

• With good insulation, ventilation and natural lighting, your building can be more energy efficient in day to day use

By planning these elements from the start, you can reduce running costs and environmental impact over the life of the shed, while still getting a tough, practical commercial building.

Choose an ABC Sheds structural steel shed

At ABC Sheds we’re specialists in manufacturing quality steel sheds that stand the test of time. We’ve been in the shed industry since the mid 80’s so we’re no strangers to constructing commercial sheds and have proven experience in industrial construction.

Our steel sheds are all custom-made to meet specific requirements and come with a 25-year guarantee giving you peace of mind. We also use fully galvanised frames so that your shed is made with the most protective coating available, giving you a commercial shed built to withstand even the toughest weather conditions.

You can find out more about our range of commercial and industrial sheds by clicking here. For more information and to see examples of commercial sheds we’ve constructed you can download our free brochure by clicking the button below.