Understanding Your Build
Choose the Right Structure for Your Project
Not all steel buildings are built the same way. The frame type you choose affects your cost, your clear span, your assembly difficulty, and how the building performs over time. Here's what you need to know.
Open Web Truss
The workhorse of residential and light commercial builds
The open web truss uses interconnected triangular steel members to distribute roof loads to the outer columns — no interior support posts needed. The triangular geometry creates exceptional strength using less material than solid beam systems, keeping costs down without sacrificing performance.
Key Advantages:
- Available widths: 12 to 80 feet clear span
- Trusses are 100% pre-welded and pre-punched at the factory
- Purlin and girt clips are factory welded
- Submerged twice in rust-proof coating before shipping
- Available with tapered columns or flush mount configuration
- Standard and long bay options available
- Half trusses available in 12-40 ft widths for additions
- Self-supporting roof overhangs available 1-14 ft widths
- 26 and 29 gauge sheet metal, 80,000 PSI tensile strength, 18 color options
Best For:
- Garages and workshops
- Barndominiums
- Agricultural storage
- Horse arenas
- Light commercial buildings
- Any project where DIY assembly is planned
Not Ideal For:
- Buildings requiring overhead crane systems
- Structures wider than 80 feet
Open Web Truss — Flush Mount
The residential-friendly configuration for attached and low-profile builds
The flush mount configuration uses the same proven open web truss system but with columns that mount flush to the foundation — no exposed tapered legs. This gives the building a cleaner, more residential appearance and makes it easier to integrate with existing structures, attach to a home, or install on finished concrete. It's the preferred configuration for garages attached to residences, workshop additions, and any project where aesthetics and a finished look matter.
Key Advantages:
- Cleaner exterior profile — no visible tapered column legs
- Easier to attach to existing structures and home foundations
- Preferred for residential neighborhoods and HOA-sensitive properties
- Same structural strength as standard open web truss
- Works with all standard door, window, and insulation options
- DIY friendly — same pre-punched, pre-welded kit system
Best For:
- Attached garages and workshop additions
- Residential builds in HOA communities
- Projects requiring a finished architectural appearance
- Builds where the structure integrates with existing construction
Not Ideal For:
- Agricultural builds where appearance is secondary
- Very large clear span requirements over 80 feet
Rigid Frame — Red Iron
Maximum clear span for commercial and industrial applications
Rigid frame buildings use solid steel I-beams as the primary structure. Strength comes from the thickness of the steel itself rather than geometric design. This makes rigid frame the most robust option for large commercial projects, overhead crane applications, and buildings requiring maximum open interior space.
Key Advantages:
- Clear span up to 225 feet — largest available
- Superior lateral load resistance against wind and seismic forces
- Supports overhead crane systems
- Stiffer system with less deflection under heavy loads
- Proven track record in extreme weather conditions
- Simpler architectural planning with fewer secondary supports
Best For:
- Large commercial and industrial buildings
- Manufacturing facilities and warehouses
- Aircraft hangars
- Buildings with overhead crane requirements
- Structures over 80 feet wide
Not Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious projects — highest material cost
- DIY assembly — typically requires professional installation crew
Gambrel Style
The barn aesthetic with steel durability
The gambrel roof style features a two-slope design on each side — a steeper lower slope and a shallower upper slope. This distinctive barn profile maximizes usable interior volume, providing significant loft or upper storage space while maintaining the classic agricultural aesthetic that property owners across the country appreciate.
Key Advantages:
- Maximum interior volume for the footprint
- Distinctive barn aesthetic — fits residential and agricultural settings
- Upper loft space for storage or living area
- Works with open web truss system
Best For:
- Agricultural properties wanting classic barn look
- Hobby farms and horse properties
- Properties with HOA restrictions on commercial-looking structures
- Barndominiums wanting a traditional profile
Not Ideal For:
- Purely commercial applications
- Locations with very high snow load requirements
Every Kit Ships Ready to Build
Whether you choose open web truss or rigid frame, every Worldwide Steel Buildings kit arrives pre-punched, pre-welded, and numbered for assembly. Each kit includes a comprehensive step-by-step manual — and AAIRE Co. specialists are available throughout your build.
Pre-engineered
Every component is designed to your local wind and snow load requirements before it ships
Factory Direct
Kits ship directly from the Worldwide Steel manufacturing facility to your property
Supported Build
AAIRE Co. provides support from design through final assembly — you're never building alone
Quick Comparison
| Frame Type | Best For | Max Clear Span | DIY Friendly | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Web Truss | Garages, barndominiums, ag | 80 ft | Yes | $ |
| Flush Mount | Attached garages, residential | 80 ft | Yes | $$ |
| Rigid Frame | Commercial, industrial, hangars | 225 ft | No | $$$ |
| Gambrel | Agricultural, residential | 150 ft | Yes | $$ |
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