What is the difference between Red Iron and Cold Formed steel buildings?

Red Iron buildings use hot-rolled or built-up welded I-beams for framing, allowing large clear spans and heavy-duty applications. Cold Formed buildings use roll-formed C-channel framing, ideal for lighter structures and tighter budgets.

Is the exterior sheeting the same for both building types?

Yes, both Red Iron and Cold Formed buildings use 26-gauge roof and wall panels, sculptured trim, gutters, downspouts, and base trim.

Which is more affordable?

Cold Formed buildings are generally more affordable upfront, while Red Iron buildings offer greater strength and span capacity for larger projects.

Choose Strength. Choose Smart. Build with Confidence.

Red Iron vs Cold Formed Buildings

Discover the key differences between Red Iron and Cold Formed steel — from strength and span to cost and install time. Engineered for any state, delivered nationwide.

What is a Red Iron Building?

Red iron steel building frame with hot-rolled I-beams and open web structure during construction, showcasing strength and wide-span capability.

Red Iron Framing

Ideal for wide-span, heavy-duty structures. Utilizes hot-rolled I-beams or built up sections, offering unmatched durability and strength.

What is a Cold Formed Building?

Cold-formed steel building frame using bolted C-channel members, ideal for light to mid-size structures with efficient assembly.

Cold Formed Framing

Cost-effective for small to mid-sized buildings. Uses galvanized C-channel members formed at room temperature, allowing for faster construction and reduced foundation requirements.

Base Connections

Red iron steel building base plate with anchor bolts and welded I-beam column secured to concrete foundation.

Red Iron Building Base Plate

Red iron steel building base connection showing thick welded column with two anchor bolts embedded into concrete.

Cold-formed steel column base plate with anchor bolts mounted to concrete slab, showing light-gauge framing connection.

Cold Formed Steel Base Plate

Cold-formed steel building column secured with light-gauge base plate and anchor bolts into concrete foundation.

Exterior Sheeting

Whether you choose Red Iron or Cold Formed, the exterior sheeting package is exactly the same. Both building types come standard with 26-gauge roof and wall panels, sculptured trim, base trim, gutters, and downspouts. You get the same clean look, same durability, and same weather protection—no matter the frame type. The only difference is what’s behind the panels. From residential to commercial builds, your exterior finish will always meet the highest standards in strength, style, and performance.

Exterior view of metal building with gray 26-gauge wall panels and red sculptured trim at roofline and framed opening.

Compare Red Iron vs Cold Formed

Side-by-side visual comparison of Red Iron vs Cold Formed steel framing, showing differences in framing type, strength, and span capacity.