Steel buildings are described with three numbers: width × length × leg height, always in feet. Here is what each one means and how much room common things really need.
Width, length and leg height
- Width: the distance from the legs on one side to the legs on the other, measured across the front. The widths in our price guide are 12′, 18′, 20′, 22′, 24′, 26′, 28′ and 30′; barns start at 30′ and commercial buildings reach 100′ of clear span.
- Length: how far the building runs back, measured at the roof. From 21′ to 61′ in 5′ steps; the frame is 1′ shorter. Longer buildings are quoted.
- Leg height: the wall height at the eave, not at the peak. Base prices include 6′ legs, and legs go up to 16′. The roof peak sits higher, depending on the pitch.
One detail that matters: width and length describe the roof. On a regular roof the panels overhang the legs a little, so the clear space between legs is slightly less than the nominal number.
How much room things need
| What you are storing | Reference width | Reference length | Leg height |
|---|---|---|---|
| One car | 12′ | 21′ to 26′ | 8′ to 9′ |
| Two cars | 20′ to 24′ | 21′ to 26′ | 8′ to 10′ |
| Three cars | 30′ | 26′ to 31′ | 9′ to 10′ |
| Full-size pickup | 12′ per vehicle | 26′ or more | 10′ or more |
| Motorhome or camper | 12′ to 18′ | 36′ to 45′ | 12′ to 14′ |
| Boat on a trailer | 12′ to 14′ | 26′ to 36′ | 10′ to 12′ |
| Workshop with a bench | 24′ to 30′ | 31′ to 51′ | 10′ to 12′ |
| Tractor with implements | 24′ to 30′ | 31′ to 41′ | 12′ to 14′ |
These are starting points, not rules. Measure your vehicle with the doors open and add room to walk around it.
Doors set the height
The tallest roll-up door that fits a wall depends on the leg height: the door has to sit below the eave with room for the frame. With 8′ legs you get 7′ doors; a 10′ × 10′ door needs 12′ legs; a 12′ × 12′ door needs 14′ or more. If you are parking a motorhome or a truck with a rack, pick the leg height from the door, not the other way around.
Two tips that save regrets
- Add 4′ to 5′ of length to what you think you need. That is the space that ends up full of bikes, the mower and shelving.
- A longer building almost always costs less per square foot than a wider one, because width calls for bigger trusses.
Try your dimensions in the 3D Builder: the starting price updates with every change.