Material Intelligence
Four frame types. One right answer for your project. We match the system to the job — not the other way around.
The Case for Steel
Steel buildings offer faster construction, long-term durability, and strong cost efficiency at scale. They eliminate common issues like pests, rot, and frequent repainting, while often reducing insurance and energy costs through fire resistance and efficient design. It’s a smart investment from day one that continues to pay off over time.
But not all steel is the same. A 1,200 square foot backyard workshop requires a different system than a 15,000 square foot warehouse. Red iron, cold formed, steel stud, and tubular systems have their own unique pros and cons, and each solve a different problem. Choosing the wrong one can cost you money, time, and limitless frustration. Choosing the right one can save you thousands on the build, months on the timeline, and ensure your building performs the way it should for years to come.
Side by Side
Four systems, one answer for your building. The right frame depends on what you're building, how fast you need it, and where the budget falls. Click any column to read the full spec page.
The Four Frame Types
The right frame depends on your span, your budget, and your timeline. Here's each one — when we pick it, and what it costs in lead time and dollars.
The versatile workhorse — all the strength and durability, with tons of options and quick delivery
Varying gauges of galvanized steel rolled into Cees and Zees. Cost-effective, much faster to deliver, and flexible enough for shops, barns, garages, warehouses, and barndominiums. Cold Formed's versatility makes it the go-to for most of what we build.
Read the Cold Formed spec page →
Heavy-frame steel for the largest spans and tallest builds
Engineered I-beam columns and rafters combined into a portal frame. The premium choice when span or eve height matter most.
Read the Red Iron spec page →
Steel Stud Framing — Panelized cold formed steel for finished interiors and versatile floorpans
Steel stud panelized is a type of cold-formed steel, but instead of larger Cee and Zee members assembled on site, the entire stud frame is designed in integrated software, sectionalized in a factory, and shipped as labeled panels ready to attach together. The right call for anyone wanting their interior framing to match the durability of their shell.
Read the Steel Stud spec page →
Tube-steel kits — the budget-friendly fast build
Tubular steel kits, are easy to assemble and quick to deliver, with no concrete required for many configurations. Although limited on finish out options, engineering, and sizing. Tubular is best for small footprints and tight budgets.
Read the Tubular spec page →Building examples
Each card is a real NatMar build template — hit "Design this building" to open it in our 3D designer right on the page and start customizing.
Workshop
Tall American barn-style shop — long footprint for multi-bay layouts, high ceiling for lifts, vertical storage, or hobby work that needs serious clearance.
Commercial
Drive-through auto shop layout with an attached office lean-to — service bays plus front-of-house under one roof.
Carport / Garage
Single-bay garage with full-height overhead door — sized for a full-size truck, RV, or compact workshop.
Agriculture
Open-sided ag layout with a single-slope roof — sized for hay storage, equipment cover, or animal shelter with quick drainage and clean snow shed.
Testimonials
“Nate and his experienced crew did a fantastic job erecting our 35' x 40' steel shop. I found NatMar through an internet search. I selected NatMar because they were local, displayed excellent expertise, and were competitively priced. Their communications and administration were flawless. The crew was always punctual, polite, and worked with care and attention to detail. We had some challenges along the way; however, everything was dealt with without any fuss or penny-pinching.”
“Nathan and his crew are top notch! They were able to fit in my small project between their bigger jobs which got me finished real quick. They do great quality work and I would highly recommend NatMar to anyone.”
“Complete project was good quality, on time, on budget and craftsmen were very professional. If I could find anything not perfect would be the screws scattered around post completion which is petty. Great job guys!”
“Nathan Margosian of NatMar Construction and his crew have been nothing but excellent. They have just completed a third building for me in the last year. Nathans customer service, punctuality at completion on time, and completing on budget is unmatched, all at a very fair and reasonable rate. I highly recommend Nathan and NatMar Construction for any of your needs for metal buildings.”
“NatMar Construction is the best in Western Colorado! Amazing customer service from first call through final build! Excellent company, highly recommend!”
“Nathan and Braden are working on a project of ours. Very impressive work! Nice to see such care taken on a construction project.”
“Excellent work and attentive to detail. Crew was cordial and easy to work with. Building is magnificent! Looking to build an "A" frame metal barndaminium. Fun!!”
“Great group of people! Their work is phenomenal & it truly shows they care. Would recommend to anyone for all metal building needs!”
“Thank you Nathan for your expertise and efficient building process. I look forward to doing business with you again.”
“Great assembly job and went quickly, even though it rained a couple of days. Good job, guys!!”
Ready?
Tell us what you’re building. We’ll get back with a custom quote.
