Choosing Among Quonset Steel Buildings

The most popular style of steel building on the market today is the Quonset building, roughly based on the design of the Quonset huts developed for military use by the British during WWI. They were adopted by the U.S. military, and after the war, made their way into general use throughout the agricultural areas of the country. Today, manufacturers of steel buildings offer three basic styles of Quonset buildings. The right one for you will depend upon your needs, the strength requirements of the building and the space you need.

Q Model Steel Buildings

The traditional Quonset building is the generally the least expensive and provides a number of benefits. It’s the standard hoop-shaped construction with which most people are familiar. Structurally sound and strong, Q-model steel buildings are most popular for agricultural uses because they offer the most cubic footage of interior space. They’re an excellent choice when your needs don’t require clearance on the sides.

S Model Steel Buildings

Similar to traditional Quonset buildings, S model steel buildings have a domed roof and straight walls. The straight walls give full clearance on both sides of the building, making it a better choice for garages, barns and workshops. While it’s not as strong structurally as the standard Quonset building, it still does a good job of withstanding heavy snow loads and intense winds.

P Model Steel Buildings

The least traditional of the Quonset buildings, the P model looks more like a typical barn or house than a Quonset hut, thanks to its pitched roof and straight walls. These steel buildings are often used as regular garages, workshops and storage buildings in areas where appearance is important.

The S model is the most popular style of Quonset building, because it offers a great compromise between style and space. The straight walls make it easy to install doors and windows, and give the building a more traditional appearance that fits into most settings.

No matter which style you choose, Quonset steel buildings are durable, attractive and require very little maintenance. Most pre-engineered steel buildings are created in heavy-duty high quality steel that has been recycled from other uses, and are powder-coated with a finish that is corrosion, rust and fire-resistant. They’re economical to buy and even more economical to maintain over the years – most steel buildings require little more than a strong spray-down with a hose or power washer to remove surface dirt. Choosing the best model for your needs will ensure that you get the most value for your money.