The Steel Building Destination for Millions

Your Project is Our Project.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've helped thousands of contractors, small business owners, builders, do it yourselfers and their families learn more about the benefits of building with steel. Along the way, we've also answered more than a few questions about steel buildings — and we're always happy to help. For your convenience, we've compiled the answers to some of the more common questions.

FAQs

Steel Building Basics

How can I get a price on a building?

Call us and let's talk. In order to provide an accurate price, we'll need to ask you some questions about building size, style and use. Alternatively, you can use our Request a Quote/Contact Us form to specify what you need and you will be contacted by an Armstrong representative.

Do you offer specials?

That depends. We generally avoid gimmicky sales techniques. Instead, we prefer to price our buildings fairly and in a way that reflects the realities of each project. That means projects that have prepared and ready job sites or are timed to perfectly fill a void in our project schedule (like in the winter) may get extra special pricing.

How can I get the best possible deal?

There are two things that we prize: schedule flexibility and prepared job sites. Depending on the exact circumstance, these can qualify you for preferred pricing.

Who is eligible to buy direct?

Until recently, direct pricing on steel and pre-engineered building systems were only accessible to the nation's largest contractors. Armstrong pledged to change that. While Armstrong's Direct Buy program is designed specifically for those who have a prepared job site, our project managers prefer to spend time designing your building with you fairly and in a way that reflects the realities of each project. That means projects that have prepared and ready job sites or are timed to perfectly fill a void in our project schedule (like in the winter) may get extra special pricing. There are basic eligibility requirements for Armstrong's Direct Buy program.

You're probably eligible if you meet one or more of the following conditions:

You have your financing in place
You know what you want
You have your land or somewhere to store your delivered building components
You're prepared to place a deposit to secure your steel order and begin working on your drawings with your project manager.

It's important to remember that not everyone who is eligible for Armstrong's Direct Buy program ultimately utilizes it.

How strong is your steel?

When it comes to steel, thicker doesn't necessarily mean stronger. Steel strength is a combination of thickness (gauge), hardness (yield strength), rib height and spacing. Armstrong uses full-hard, high-yield strength steel panels with close rib spacing. Our steel panels are 26-gauge and have almost twice the yield strength of some of our competitors. When you consider all the steel strength factors, our panels provide the greatest structural integrity.

How do I get my building designed? Do I need an architect?

For simple buildings, you will want to work with your Armstrong Steel Project Consultant. He has thorough, real-world experience helping customers plan their buildings for optimum flow, value, function and aesthetics. If your project needs additional design savvy, it will be given to a designer in our corporate office. This takes care of a great majority of our customers. In certain cases, an architect may be needed. For instance, complex designs that are used by the public may benefit from an architect's skill. However, it's important you contact us before an outside architect to ensure that your building is designed to affordably accommodate pre-engineered construction.

Can I come visit?

Absolutely! We'd love to have you. If possible, call ahead so we can make arrangements. However, walk-ins are welcome too.

Am I buying directly from the factory?

Yes! Armstrong Steel is a steel building manufacturer. We own our own factory in Denver, Colorado. We also staff in-house draftsmen and detailers that work solely on Armstrong Building Projects. Armstrong Buildings are unique as we are in control of the stringent specifications, measurements, standards, and guidelines for your building. Of course, every building we deliver requires fabrication time and shipping time. Fabrication lead times vary for each building and the shipping time is based on the method of shipment you choose. At Armstrong Steel, we’re dedicated to delivering your building as quickly and affordably as possible. We offer a range of delivery and pickup options, so you can choose the shipping method that best meets your needs. Don't settle for less than factory direct pricing on your steel building. Do business with the manufacturer!

Are there color choices for my building?

Yes! You can choose from a variety of different colors! Your Armstrong Steel Building Expert will be able to provide you with those options.

Armstrong Steel Basics

Who is Armstrong Steel?

Armstrong Steel is a pre-engineered metal building manufacturer and leader in the steel building industry. In the last year alone, we've assisted more than 50,000 people with their projects. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, we employ more than 90 people at our corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility. We've maintained an A rating with the Better Business Bureau for years and our mission is to help contractors, small business owners, builders, and do it yourselfers take advantage of the benefits building with steel affords.

How is Armstrong Steel involved in the community?

We are committed to enhancing communities and bettering lives across the country. Armstrong Steel and its employees are proud to support organizations such as mikeroweWORKS, Project Angel Heart, United Way, Habitat For Humanity, Dumb Friends League, The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, The Denver Botanic Gardens, Children's Diabetes Foundation, Denver Art Museum, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Boy Scouts of America.

Direct Buy Eligibility

Why participate in Armstrong's Direct Buy program?

The number one reason contractors, builders and do it yourselfers choose Armstrong's Direct Buy program is simple: The ability to purchase a building and maintain cost control from start to finish. That incredible benefit opens the doors of building ownership to thousands of people. Armstrong Steel also offers flexible payment terms and consistently lower prices than other steel building system providers. This program provides qualified builders with unmatched buying power and flexibility. For the vast majority of contractors, builders, and do it yourselfers Armstrong's Direct Buy program represents the simplest and most powerful path to building.

How do I qualify to buy direct and what happens afterward?

The best way to start the process is to speak to one of our Building Experts today. Our team can qualify you over the phone in a matter of minutes. We will gather some basic information about your project, timeframe, and take a look at your budget. You'll then receive information on our products and get on the path to Direct Buy eligibility, which is a fairly simple process that merely requires a more detailed look at your project and your ability to manage certain aspects of your project yourself along with its associated costs.

When is the Direct Buy program not my best option?

For the vast majority of contractors, builders, do it yourselfers and their families, Armstrong's Direct Buy program represents the most flexible and powerful way to buy a steel building system on the market. Qualified do it yourselfers can purchase a building and more without 100% up front out-of-pocket spending. But there are some cases when our Direct Buy program may not represent the best fit. Some Builders or do it yourselfers might desire a local, on-site contractor to manage every aspect of the project. But that isn't the typical situation for most do it yourselfers. For everyone else, Armstrong's Direct Buy program often make the most financial sense and allow do it yourselfers to get the biggest bang for their buck.

How complicated is Armstrong's Direct Buy program?

As experts in the steel building industry, we've worked hard to make Armstrong's Direct Buy process as simple and streamlined as possible. Steel Buildings go up quicker and more affordably than other conventional construction methods, and that's one of the key benefits for first time builders and do it yourselfers.

Design Guidelines

Do I need an architect?

For simple buildings, you'll want to work with your Armstrong Steel Project Consultant. He has thorough, real-world experience helping customers plan their buildings for optimum flow, value, function and aesthetics. If your project needs additional design savvy, it will be given to a designer in our corporate office. This takes care of a great majority of our customers. In certain cases, an architect may be needed. For instance, complex designs that are used by the public may benefit from an architect's skill. However, it's important you contact us before an outside architect to ensure that your building is designed to affordably accommodate pre-engineered construction.

What types of structures are best served by going with steel?

All types! Steel buildings now account for almost 70 percent of all new low-rise construction in the United States, in part due to cost efficiency. Armstrong Steel Buildings have been used in almost every type of structure imaginable. Workshops, Markets, Churches, Equestrian, Agricultural, Hangars, Sports Facilities, Mini Storage, Government Projects, Garages and many more. The best way to make sure what you want to build is achievable with pre-engineered steel is by speaking with one of our building experts.

Will an Armstrong Steel Building System meet my local codes?

Of course! Every Armstrong Building is designed to meet or exceed your local codes. Armstrong Steel has extensive experience with building in the harshest of conditions; from 140 mph wind loads in Miami Dade, FL to 100+ psf snow loads in North Dakota.

Do I need to know exactly what I want before I lock in my building order?

If you qualify for Armstrong Steel's Direct Buy program you won't need to know every detail of the project before you lock in your order. After your order has been locked in, one of our Project Managers (PM) will contact you and hash out all the details.

Rising Steel Prices

What affects the price of my steel building?

The prices of individual metals, like prices for any commodity, are essentially determined by supply and demand. Current prices do not only factor in immediate supply and demand but also expectations of future supply and demand. In the past decade, China transformed the traditional pricing of iron ore as its prodigious metals appetite helped double global demand for seaborne iron ore. This coupled with rising gas prices, the economic recovery in the United States and a European rebound make for volatile steel prices. Steel prices tend to behave in the same manner as gas prices which is why we recommend placing in your order as soon as you know you will be building.

Learn more about Rising Steel Prices.

Why would I want to place my order if I don't plan on building for months?

The rising price of steel is more volatile than concrete prices, labor rates, or services. For this reason, contractors and builders recommend you place your order when you know with certainty that you're building - regardless of when.

Learn How to Get Started.

How do I avoid paying more for my steel building system?

The number one reason contractors, builders and do it yourselfers choose Armstrong's Direct Buy program is simple: The ability to maintain control over the costs with respect to every aspect of their project without having to be an expert General Contractor. The incredible benefit of a dedicated Armstrong Project Manager opens the doors of new building ownership to thousands of people who might otherwise struggle with General Contractor up-charges and change orders. Armstrong's Direct Buy program also provides unrivaled access to direct pricing on countless accessories, flexible payment terms and consistently lower rates than other companies. This program provides qualified buyers with unmatched buying power and flexibility. For the vast majority of do it yourselfers, small business owners and builders, Armstrong's Direct Buy program represents the simplest and most powerful path to new building ownership.

Learn More About Armstrong's Direct Buy program

Delivery & Erection

Who will erect my Armstrong Steel Building System?

Armstrong Steel Buildings come with easy to follow erection drawings and an erection manual. Many customers choose to erect the building themselves while others prefer a local contractor manage this aspect of the project.

What if I choose not to erect the steel building system myself?

There are several options should you choose not to erect the steel building system yourself. Your best bet is to find a local contractor to erect your building for you. Give us a call or fill out the online questionnaire and someone will be in touch with you shortly to discuss your project with you further.

Where does Armstrong Steel deliver to?

Armstrong Steel buildings are shipped all over the globe. There are no limitations to where we deliver to.

What if I have questions while I'm putting up my steel building?

We have a fully-staffed technical department available to answer any questions you may have and to help you through the building process. That's what we're here for!

How difficult is it to erect my steel building if I choose to do it myself?

A large percentage of people who buy pre-engineered steel buildings erect the structure themselves. Bolted together with no welding required, the building has been pre-engineered ahead of time for easy installation. We have personnel on staff with years of experience in erecting steel buildings, so there's not a single situation that you can encounter that we have not previously resolved. If you have a question at any time during the assembly process, we're just a toll-free call away.

How long does it take before my building is delivered?

We design each building on an individual basis. For this reason, delivery times vary based on the size and complexity of your specific order. Your project manager [PM] can give you a better idea of what to expect based on your particular project.

How is my Armstrong Steel Building delivered and do you unload it for me?

Typically, our buildings arrive on a 43' flatbed truck. All items for your steel building arrive packaged on pallets. We do not unload the building for you due to liability reasons. We recommend you have a small forklift on site the day the building is scheduled to arrive.

How can I be sure all the parts for my building have been delivered?

You will receive a bill of lading (parts list) to allow you to inventory your building. We strongly recommend you do this as you unload it. However, you have 5 days to complete your inventory and report it to us so that we may send you any missing parts.

Why Cheaper isn't Better

Why shouldn't I shop based on price alone?

For many people, buying a steel building is a once in a lifetime purchase. With a decision this important it's imperative you know what you're getting. Armstrong Steel's commitment to designing the very best building has always been second to none. There are plenty of ways to save money when constructing a steel building, but quality design and attention to detail isn't one of them. These factors contribute to the ease of assembly and on site delays can get costly quick. Many companies cut costs by subbing design and detailing services overseas. The few thousand dollars you may save on a cut rate building designed in China can quickly evaporate when parts are missing, holes don't line up, etc. On site costs outweigh your savings when you're forced to hire a welder, custom fabricate missing parts, or worse yet, be stuck waiting months for replacement parts.

Aren't all steel buildings the same?

Yikes. No! There are hundreds of steel building "websites" online. But the vast majority of these websites are nothing more than a website with low published prices and a couple guys rubbing their hands together, waiting for your call. Once you've fallen for the cheapest price, many of these websites use their overseas contacts to contract the cheapest design and detailing services available, sometimes as cheap as $200. These overseas detailers are rarely concerned about your assembly experience and the name of the game is hurry up and finish. Then, the construction drawings drafted overseas are sent to the cheapest steel provider the steel building "website" can find. It's a recipe for disaster when you don't know exactly who is designing your building and to what standard and when something goes wrong, the steel building website's hands are tied. The fabricator blames the overseas cut list, the overseas detailers deny liability, and the steel building website says, "but you got your building, didn't you?"

What's a Broker and Why Should I Avoid Them?

What is the difference between an OEM manufacturer and a broker?

A broker quotes you a price, and then finds the cheapest supplier in order to find the largest profit margin. Brokers will order a building, and subcontract the design somewhere else, usually off shore. The steel building broker isn’t invested in your project, and this is evident by them shopping for the least expensive manufacturer. If there are erection problems, it’s your problem. If the building doesn’t fit together, it’s your problem.

Buying directly from a manufacturer is a smarter option. Armstrong Steel owns and operates our very own manufacturing facility in Denver, CO. Manufacturers control every step in the process of a steel building project, from conception to completion. In addition, Accountability and improvement are among our core objectives and we hold our products and processes to the highest standards. We have the ability to focus on quality, and ensure tight deadlines are met. We also have a full engineering and detailing team in-house, not overseas. Isn’t that what you would expect for your steel building purchase?