Sizing Your Custom Steel Building: A Practical Guide

One of the first questions we hear is, “What size building do I actually need?” It’s a great question, because getting the size right from the start saves you time, money, and future headaches. A building that’s too small can limit your work, while one that’s too big means you paid for space you don’t use.

You don’t need to have all the answers before you talk to us. In fact, most people don’t. At RM Steel Buildings, we believe in practical planning. Bring us your ideas, measurements, or just a list of what you need to store, and we’ll help you think through the details. No pressure, just honest advice from experienced builders.

Start With Your Purpose, Not Just Dimensions

Before you get out the tape measure, think about the job the building needs to do. The right size depends entirely on its function. Are you building a simple garage, a commercial workshop, or a sprawling agricultural hub?

• Agricultural Buildings: Consider the size of your largest piece of equipment. You need enough clearance not just to park a combine or tractor, but to walk around it and work on it comfortably.
• Commercial & Industrial Use: Your layout needs to support your workflow. Think about inventory storage, workspace for employees, and room for future equipment. It’s no surprise that the industrial sector is the largest application for steel buildings, projected to make up nearly half the market by 2026 according to Coherent Market Insights (2025). Proper sizing is key to that efficiency.
• Workshops & Garages: Will you need a vehicle lift? How much workbench space is required? Plan for the tools you have and the ones you plan to get.
• Barndominiums: This is about balancing living space with work or storage areas. A well-designed floor plan is critical for making it feel like a home.

Key Factors That Influence Your Building's Size

Once you know the main purpose, we can drill down into the specifics. Here are the factors we walk through with our customers to engineer a building that fits their needs perfectly.

Equipment, Vehicles, and Inventory

Make a list of everything that will go inside the building. For vehicles and large equipment, write down their dimensions (length, width, and height). Remember to add several feet of clearance around each item for safe movement and access. Don't just plan for storage; plan for use.

Future Growth and Long-Term Value

One of the biggest advantages of a steel building is its long-term value and ease of expansion. It’s always more cost-effective to build a little bigger now than to add on later. With construction material prices remaining significantly higher than they were a few years ago, as reported by JLL (2025), planning ahead is more important than ever. A smart investment today protects you from higher costs tomorrow.

Doors and Access Points

The size and placement of your overhead doors are critical. A 14-foot door might seem big enough for your RV or tractor today, but will it accommodate a larger model in the future? The number and location of entry doors also affect how you can use the internal space. We’ll help you map out access points that make sense for your daily routine.

Don't Forget About Height

When people think about size, they often focus on the footprint (length x width). But vertical space is just as important. Eave height determines your sidewall clearance, which is crucial for things like vehicle lifts, pallet racking, or adding a second-story loft or mezzanine later on.

You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone

Planning a new building can feel overwhelming, but our job is to make it straightforward. We’ve been engineering durable, American-made steel buildings for years, and we know what works. We’re not here to sell you the biggest structure possible; we’re here to help you design the *right* one.

So bring us your napkin sketches, your list of questions, and your vision for your property. Come visit us at RM Steel Buildings right here in Alma, Kansas. We’ll sit down with you and help you design a reliable, custom steel building that’s built to last for generations.