Metal Buildings / Weld-Up Kits
Weld-Up / Weld-Together
Metal Building Kits & Packages
Get Free Estimate Weld-Up Building Kits
What Is a Weld-Up Metal Building?
A weld-up - or weld-together - metal building uses steel tubing, I-beams, angle iron, and channel sections that are welded together on-site by a certified welder or fabricator. Unlike pre-engineered bolt-up systems where components arrive pre-drilled and ready to assemble, weld-up buildings are built from raw steel stock that is cut and welded into the structural frame at your location.
Weld-up buildings have been the standard for farm and agricultural construction across Texas and Oklahoma for decades. Local welders, farmers, and ranchers are comfortable with the process, and the material cost is typically lower than a comparable bolt-up engineered system. The trade-off is that on-site welding labor adds time and skill requirements.
Where Weld-Up Fits
Best Applications for Weld-Up Buildings
Weld-up construction is the go-to choice for rural and agricultural projects across the Texoma region.
Farm and Ranch Storage
Equipment storage, hay barns, and general farm buildings are classic weld-up applications. Simple designs, fast builds, and budget-friendly.
Agricultural Barns
Livestock barns, horse barns, and working barns across North Texas and Southern Oklahoma are frequently built as weld-up structures.
Personal Workshops
Homeowners and tradespeople building a personal shop or garage often choose weld-up for cost savings and the ability to customize dimensions freely.
Rural Commercial
Small rural businesses, oilfield service yards, and contractor shops often use weld-up buildings where engineering requirements are less stringent.
Storage Buildings
Simple rectangular storage structures - grain bins excepted - are fast and economical to build as weld-up steel frames with metal panel skins.
Covered Arenas and Riding Arenas
Many covered equestrian arenas in the Texoma area are weld-up construction, using large steel tube trusses to achieve wide spans without engineered systems.
Your Material Package
What's Included in a Weld-Up Kit
Metal Warehouse Inc. supplies every steel component your welder needs to raise a complete weld-up structure, cut to approximate lengths to cut down on job-site labor.
- Steel tubing - square and rectangular HSS tubing for columns, rafters, and purlins in specified wall thicknesses
- I-beams and channels - W-shapes or S-shapes for headers, lintels, and heavier structural members
- Angle iron and flat bar - for bracing, base plates, and connection details
- Roof and wall panels - R-Panel (PBR), AG panel, or other profiles in your chosen color and gauge
- Trim and accessories - ridge cap, eave trim, rake trim, corner trim
- Fasteners - structural and panel fasteners for attachment to the framing
- Base angle and closure strips - for sealing the panel-to-slab transition
Note: Weld-up kits do not typically include stamped engineering drawings. For projects requiring permits, you will need to engage a licensed engineer separately. See our PEMB packages if your project requires stamped plans.
Fast Availability
Typical Lead Times for Weld-Up Materials
One of the biggest advantages of weld-up construction is faster material availability compared to engineered packages.
Structural Steel
Tubing, beams, and angle in most standard sizes are in stock for immediate pickup or fast local delivery.
Roof & Wall Panels
Cut to length on our in-house roll-former, typically within a few business days depending on volume.
Trim & Accessories
Most items in stock; custom trim profiles are formed to order in a matter of days.
Full Package
We can quote and stage a complete material list - steel, panels, trim, and fasteners - ready to load.
Pricing Factors
What Affects Weld-Up Building Cost
Weld-up building costs are more variable than engineered packages because on-site labor and design choices play a larger role. These are the factors that move the number the most:
- Building size - square footage and clear span width drive material quantity. Wider spans require heavier tube sizes.
- Steel prices - structural steel is a commodity; pricing fluctuates with the market. We provide current pricing when you request a quote.
- Panel profile and gauge - lighter 29-gauge panels cost less than heavier commercial 26 or 24-gauge. Panel type (PBR vs. standing seam) also affects price.
- Weld labor - local welding rates vary. Most rural Texoma welders are experienced with building frames. Labor is typically your largest variable cost.
- Foundation - poured concrete piers or slab-on-grade are both common. Cost depends on soil conditions and your local requirements.
- Insulation - metal buildings gain and lose heat rapidly without it. Blanket insulation is a modest upfront cost with long-term energy savings.
Choosing a System
PEMB vs. Weld-Up: Which Is Right for Your Project?
| Factor | Weld-Up | PEMB / Bolt-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Applications | Agricultural, farm, personal shops, rural use | Commercial, industrial, hangars, retail |
| Clear Span Width | Typically up to 80 feet without interior columns | Up to 200+ feet without interior columns |
| Erection Method | Field-welded - requires certified welder | Bolt-together assembly, no welding required |
| Engineering | Often simpler; engineer separate for permits | Full stamped engineering package included |
| Material Cost | Lower material cost for smaller structures | Higher upfront material cost; lower on-site labor |
| Lead Time | 1-4 weeks - most materials in stock | 6-14 weeks for engineered package |
| Best For | Rural builds, tight budgets, local welders, speed | Commercial permits, large spans, contractor erectors |
Learn more about Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) packages →
Common Questions
Weld-Up Building FAQs
Do I need a permit for a weld-up building?
It depends on your county and the size of the structure. Many rural agricultural buildings in Grayson and surrounding counties fall below the threshold that requires a permit. We recommend checking with your county appraisal district and building department before starting. For permitted projects, you will need an engineer to stamp the structural drawings.
Can I get a complete material list from Metal Warehouse?
Yes. Bring us your building dimensions and we will put together a complete material estimate - structural steel, panels, trim, and fasteners. We do this regularly for contractors and owner-builders throughout the region.
What panel profile do you recommend for a weld-up barn?
R-Panel (PBR) is the most popular choice for weld-up agricultural buildings. It is economical, widely available, easy to install, and holds up well in North Texas weather. AG Panel is a slightly lighter option often used for smaller structures. We can walk you through the options and help you choose the right profile for your application.
What are common column and rafter sizes for a 60x100 barn?
For a basic 60-foot clear span building, most local builders use 6x6 or 8x8 square tubing columns and welded tube rafters or scissor trusses. The exact sizing depends on your roof pitch, local wind loads, and panel span. A local welder or engineer familiar with the area can advise on specific sizes for your conditions.
Do you sell panels cut to length?
Yes. We roll-form panels on-site using our in-house equipment. We can cut panels to your exact lengths, eliminating waste on the job site. Most profiles can be cut to any length from a few feet up to 40 feet or more. Contact us with your panel run lengths and we will prepare a quote.
How do I get started?
Call us at (903) 465-6699 or fill out our contact form with your building dimensions, intended use, and location. We will follow up quickly with a material estimate and answer any questions about the building process.
Get a Free Weld-Up Building Estimate
We supply structural steel, panels, trim, and all accessories for weld-up buildings throughout North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. Tell us your dimensions and we will put together a complete material estimate.