Written by Rocky Mountain Metal · Reviewed by Micah Hostetler, Owner · Based in Penrose, CO, serving Colorado.
A steel-framed garage carries its roof on an anchored steel frame; a stick-built garage uses closely spaced wood studs. Steel goes up quickly, spans wide openings and won't rot. Stick-built suits garages that must tie into a house.
Key takeaways
- Steel-framed: a manufactured steel frame anchored to its foundation, engineered for your site's loads.
- Stick-built: wood studs, sheathing and trusses framed on site; the conventional approach.
- Steel makes wide doors, tall walls and open floors easier.
- Either can be dressed to look good next to a house.
- Check your HOA and county before deciding; some restrict materials or styles.
How are the two built?
Steel-framed garage. The manufacturer builds a steel frame to your size and your site's snow and wind loads. It's anchored to a concrete foundation, and steel roof and wall panels fasten to it. Rocky Mountain Metal sells these through 1st Choice Metal Buildings and Carports, and the manufacturer's crew from Texas installs them.
Stick-built garage. A concrete foundation is poured, then wood walls are framed and sheathed on site, trusses go on top, and roofing and siding finish it.
How do they compare?
| Steel-framed garage | Stick-built garage | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Steel frame engineered as a system | Wood studs, sheathing and trusses |
| Build process | Manufactured kit, installed by the crew | Framed piece by piece on site |
| Wide door openings | Built into the frame design | Requires engineered headers |
| Tall walls (RV, lift) | Common option | Adds framing cost and complexity |
| Rot and insects | Steel doesn't rot or attract insects | Wood needs protection |
| Exterior look | Steel panels, wainscot, trim and colors | Any residential siding |
| Matching an existing house | Color and trim choices can complement it | Native |
Which one looks better?
Whichever fits your property. Color, trim, wainscot and door choices let a steel garage sit comfortably next to a house or on acreage, with almost no exterior upkeep. Browse completed buildings to see the look.
Where does a steel garage make the most sense?
- Bigger buildings. Once you're past a basic two-car garage, like a three-bay garage, RV storage or a garage with a shop, steel's advantages grow.
- Height. Taller sidewalls for an RV or a lift are a standard option.
- Open floor plans. A clear span means no posts in the way and room for wide doors.
- Rural and acreage properties, where the garage stands on its own.
Where might stick-built make sense?
- Attached garages or additions tied into the house structure.
- HOA or design-review rules that require conventional construction or specific siding.
- Small in-town lots where a garage that matches the house exactly is the whole job.
Always check your covenants and county requirements first. See setbacks, easements and HOAs.
What about code, permits and resale?
Both usually need a permit and both are engineered to your site's snow and wind loads. A permitted, engineered steel garage is a permanent improvement like any other outbuilding. Keep the engineered drawings, permit and final inspection paperwork. Permit requirements vary by county, and we'll walk you through what yours requires.
What's our take?
For detached garages, carports, workshops and storage on acreage across our service area, a steel-framed building gives you a lot of usable space with very little upkeep. We'll look at your site, talk through the look you want, plan the building and give you a free written quote. Request yours and see what we offer under garages, carports and workshops.
Frequently asked questions
Is a steel garage cheaper than a stick-built garage?
Often, especially for larger sizes, because the frame and panels are manufactured as a system and go up quickly. Your size, doors and options decide the real number, so get a quote for both if you're comparing.
Can a steel garage have a concrete floor?
Yes. An enclosed steel garage is typically anchored to a concrete slab, and a slab floor is the usual choice. See does a steel building need a concrete slab?
Can I attach a steel garage to my house?
Attached garages tie into the house's structure and fire separation rules, so most steel garages are detached. Talk it through with us at your site visit.
Will a steel garage pass an appraisal?
A permitted, engineered building generally does. Unpermitted buildings of any type are the ones that cause trouble.
Do you build pole barn garages?
No. Rocky Mountain Metal sells steel-framed metal buildings only.
