What Affects Metal Building Cost?

How much a metal carport, garage or building costs depends on the building you design. Every building we make is custom-sized and built to order at our Kilgore, Texas plant, so there is no single list price. This guide explains what moves the price up or down, what is already included, and how to get your exact price in a few minutes.

Last updated: November 2026. Specs and options below come from our current product information. For your exact price, design your building in 3D or call us.

What Affects the Cost of a Metal Building: The Short Answer

• Size: width, length and height are the biggest drivers. More steel and more panels mean a higher price.
• Steel gauge: 12-gauge framing costs more than our standard 14-gauge framing, but it carries a higher wind rating and a longer frame warranty.
• Roof style: a regular (A-frame) roof is the most economical. Boxed-eave and vertical roofs cost more.
• Sides and ends: an open carport costs less than a partly or fully enclosed garage, barn or workshop.
• Add-ons: roll-up doors, walk-in doors, windows, lean-tos and insulation each add to the price.
• Already included: delivery and installation by our own crews, at no extra charge.

Size: Width, Length and Height

Size has the biggest effect on price. A wider or longer building needs more frame tubing, more roof and wall panels and more anchors, and a taller building needs longer legs and more wall steel.

For homes, we build carports, RV covers and garages up to 30 ft wide and up to 16 ft tall. Commercial buildings run from 30 ft wide up to 60 ft wide and up to 18 ft tall. Lean-tos can add up to 16 ft of width on one or both sides.

Tip: measure what you plan to park or store, then add room to walk around it and open doors. Our size pages for carports, garages and metal buildings show what fits in common sizes.

Steel Gauge: 14-Gauge vs. 12-Gauge

Every building is galvanized steel, made in the USA at our Kilgore plant. You choose between two framing packages:

Package	Frame and panels	Wind rating	Frame warranty
Standard	14-gauge frame tubing, 29-gauge panels	Up to 120 mph	5 years
Upgrade	12-gauge frame tubing, 26-gauge panels	Up to 140 mph	20 years

The 12-gauge package costs more because it uses heavier steel. It is worth considering for larger buildings, for areas with strong storms, or if you want the longer warranty. Wind ratings require certified anchors and bracing from East Texas Carports. Both packages carry a 35 psf snow load rating. Our gauge guide compares them in more detail.

Roof Style

• Regular (A-frame): the classic peaked roofline and the most economical choice.
• Boxed eave: squared eaves with more headroom at the sides.
• Vertical: panels run from the peak down to the edge, so rain, leaves and debris slide off fastest. It carries our strongest wind and snow rating and is the style we recommend.

See choosing the right roof style for photos and more detail.

Open, Partly Enclosed or Fully Enclosed

An open carport is a roof on legs, so it uses the least steel. Adding side panels, gable ends or full walls turns it into a partly enclosed carport or a fully enclosed garage, barn or workshop. Each wall adds steel, and enclosed buildings usually need doors, which add to the price too.

Doors, Windows, Lean-Tos and Other Add-Ons

Options that add to the price include:

• Roll-up doors (8 colors), walk-in doors and windows
• Lean-tos on one or both sides
• Bubble reflective insulation, which is priced separately
• Color-matched screws, an optional upgrade

You can choose from 18 colors for the roof, siding and trim. Two-tone is free on horizontal-panel buildings and costs extra on vertical-panel buildings. Browse every color in our color guide and every option in our add-ons guide.

What Is Included in the Price

• Delivery and installation: included at no extra charge across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Kansas.
• Our own crews: we build and install every building ourselves. We do not use subcontractors.
• Warranty: frame coverage based on your steel gauge, a 20-year limited paint warranty on the Sherwin-Williams finish, and a 1-year roof leak and workmanship warranty. See our warranty page for the details.

Costs on Your Side: Site Prep

Your site needs to be level, clear and easy to reach before install day. You do not have to pour concrete. We anchor to dirt, gravel, asphalt or concrete, using the anchor type that fits each surface. Site work such as grading, or a concrete pad if you want one, is not part of your building order. Our site prep guide explains what to have ready.

Ways to Pay and Save

• Lock in your price: a 20% deposit and signed paperwork place your order and lock in your price, even if steel prices rise before your build. Deposits are non-refundable. Read more about locking in your price.
• Rent-to-own: 20% down, terms from 12 to 60 months, with credit-check or no-credit-check options and no bank loan. See rent-to-own financing.
• Discounts: military and first responder discounts are available. Ask when you call.
• Pick up and install it yourself: this lowers the price, but self-installed buildings are not covered by our warranty.
• Payment methods: cash, check, ACH transfer, debit card, money order or wire transfer. Credit cards are accepted with a 3% fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t you list prices on your website?
Every building is custom-sized and built to order, and the price depends on size, steel gauge, roof style and options. The fastest way to see your exact price is our free 3D design tool, or call (903) 234-8922 and press 1.

Is delivery and installation extra?
No. Delivery and installation by our own crews are included at no extra charge in all six states we serve.

Is 12-gauge steel worth the extra cost?
It costs more, but it raises the wind rating from up to 120 mph to up to 140 mph and extends the frame warranty from 5 years to 20 years. It is worth considering for larger buildings and storm-prone areas.

What is the most economical roof style?
The regular (A-frame) roof. The vertical roof costs more but sheds rain and debris fastest and carries our strongest wind and snow rating.

Do I need a concrete slab?
No. We can anchor your building to dirt, gravel, asphalt or concrete. Your site does need to be level.

Can I lock in my price?
Yes. Your 20% deposit and signed paperwork lock in your price, even if steel prices go up before your build.

How long does it take to get my building?
Typical lead time is 6 to 8 weeks after your order and deposit. Large commercial buildings can take up to 12 weeks.

Get Your Exact Price

Design your building in 3D to see your price as you choose the size, roof style, colors and options, or call (903) 234-8922 and press 1. Our team will help you find the right building for your budget.