Everything you need to know before you buy. How cold-formed steel compares to the alternatives, what sizes are available, how Utah permitting works, and straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Know before you build
Not all metal buildings are the same. And steel isn't always up against steel. Here's how cold-formed compares to the most common choices Utah buyers consider.
| Factor | Cold-Formed Steel (what we sell) |
Rigid-Frame Steel | Pole Barn / Wood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead time | 7–12 weeks | 12–20+ weeks | Varies. Lumber availability |
| Max width | Up to 70 ft | Up to 300 ft+ | Typically 40–60 ft |
| PE-stamped engineering | Included | Included | Often extra or unavailable |
| Installation complexity | Low. No crane required | Higher. Crane & skilled crew | Moderate |
| Utah snow & seismic loads | Engineered to your site | Engineered to your site | May require upgrades |
| Manufacturer warranty | Up to 40-year paint | Varies by manufacturer | Limited or none |
| Best for | Garages, shops, barns, carports up to 70 ft wide | Large clear-span structures over 70 ft | Rural ag use, lower-code areas |
Not sure which system fits your project? Talk to a specialist. We'll tell you straight.
Know your options
Our manufacturer offers two main cold-formed steel packages. Here is how they compare.
| Feature | Heavy-Duty Package Recommended | Standard Package |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Garages, shops, barns | Basic open storage, simple carports |
| Frame gauge | Heavier gauge. Stronger spans | Economy gauge |
| Max width | Up to 70 ft | Up to 40 ft |
| Max height | Up to 24 ft eave | Up to 16 ft eave |
| Roof styles | Regular, A-Frame, Vertical | Regular, A-Frame |
| Color options | 14 standard colors | Limited palette |
| Panel / trim options | Full: walls, wainscot, trim packages | Basic |
| Insulation compatible | Yes | Limited |
| PE-stamped drawings | Included | Included |
| Paint warranty | Up to 40-year PVDF | Standard |
| Rust-through warranty | 20-25 year Galvalume | Standard |
Not sure which system fits your project? Talk to a specialist. We'll point you in the right direction.
What's available
Cold-formed steel covers most residential and light commercial needs. Here's what the system can do.
Up to 70 ft
Most garages, shops and barns fall well within this range. Need wider? We can source rigid-frame through our manufacturer for spans up to 300+ ft.
Any length
Cold-formed buildings can run as long as your site allows. Bays are added in increments so length is flexible.
Up to 24 ft
Standard eave heights run 8–16 ft for most residential uses. Taller walls up to 24 ft are available for shops with lifts or commercial applications.
Current typical lead time from signed order to delivery is 7–12 weeks, faster than most rigid-frame alternatives. We confirm production schedules in your written quote.
Common questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most from Utah buyers.
Cold-formed steel buildings use panels and framing members that are bent. Not welded. Into shape from sheet steel. The result is a lightweight, strong structure that ships fast, assembles without heavy equipment, and carries manufacturer warranties on the steel and finish.
Typical lead time from signed order to delivery is 7–12 weeks. That's significantly faster than rigid-frame alternatives, which often run 12–20+ weeks. We'll give you a firm timeline in your written quote based on current production schedules.
Cold-formed steel is designed to be erected without a crane or highly specialized labor. Many buyers use a general contractor for the foundation and erection, but the building itself does not require the heavy equipment that rigid-frame steel demands. We can discuss erection options when we quote your project.
Cold-formed steel buildings can go up to about 70 feet wide at any length and up to 24 feet in eave height. Need wider than 70 feet? We can also source rigid-frame buildings through our manufacturer, which handle up to 300+ feet of clear span. Tell us your dimensions and we'll point you to the right system.
Yes. And that's exactly why engineering matters. Utah counties each have specific ground snow load requirements, and some areas like Cache Valley carry heavy loads. Every building we sell is PE-stamped for your site's snow, wind, and seismic values. It's not a generic catalog building. It's engineered for your address.
In most Utah counties, yes. Any permanent structure requires a building permit. The good news is every Royalty Metal building includes PE-stamped engineering drawings, which is exactly what your county building department needs to issue the permit. We publish the specific permit thresholds, setbacks, and requirements for Cache Valley, Davis County, Salt Lake County, and Utah County.
Your quote includes the engineered building package. All steel framing, panels, trim, fasteners, and PE-stamped drawings for your county. We supply and deliver the materials; foundation, site prep, and erection are handled by your own contractor, not by us. We'll be clear about what's in and what's not before you commit to anything.
Our manufacturer backs the steel with up to a 40-year paint and finish warranty and a 20–25-year rust-through warranty on the Galvalume® substrate. Optional roof weathertightness warranties are available up to 20 years. Full written warranty documents come with your order. See the warranties page for the full breakdown.
Our manufacturer offers a wide range of panel profiles and painted colors. Everything from classic galvalume to bold reds, blues, and earth tones. Color and panel selections are made during the design process. Use the 3D designer to visualize options in real time.
Yes. One of the advantages of cold-formed steel is the ability to add lean-to extensions off the sidewall, or extend length by adding bays. It's worth planning for this up front so the original engineering can accommodate future loads. Mention it when you request a quote.
Get an on-screen estimate in two minutes, then a firm quote with permit-ready drawings from a Utah specialist.