Key 2025 Highlights
Projected growth for U.S. pre‑engineered metal buildings through 2030.
Share of U.S. nonresidential buildings that use cold‑formed steel framing.
2023 manufacturing volume increase for cold‑formed steel framing products.
Growth range across outdoor structures & solar carports through 2030–33.
KPI values reflect widely-cited industry trackers and market studies. See source list on the live page.
What we mean by “steel tubing buildings”
In the Keen’s Buildings product family, steel tubing buildings use galvanized square or rectangular tube frames (a form of cold‑formed steel) to create carports, garages, RV covers, barns, and light commercial structures. They compete most directly with traditional wood framing (stick‑built or post‑frame/pole barns).
Because the primary structure is factory‑formed steel, these buildings assemble fast, meet strict wind/snow requirements when engineered, and are straightforward to expand or customize.
Why steel is gaining on wood
1) Price volatility & total cost of ownership
- Lumber has been volatile since 2020 and remains above pre‑pandemic levels. Steel pricing is not immune to swings, but factory‑precise, off‑site fabrication reduces waste and labor hours on site.
- Fewer callbacks: Non‑combustible steel does not warp, rot, or invite termites, lowering lifecycle maintenance versus wood.
2) Speed, labor, and predictability
- Prefabricated steel systems shorten schedules with repeatable parts, faster dries‑in, and less weather dependency.
- Labor-lite installs: Crews can erect tubing buildings efficiently with lighter equipment than heavy timber or masonry.
3) Codes, resilience & insurability
- Engineered steel designs make it straightforward to hit Florida wind loads and other coastal requirements when permitted and installed per plan.
- Fire & severe-weather resilience: Non‑combustible steel and better connections align with insurer‑supported FORTIFIED resilience programs, which can unlock incentives in several states.
4) Sustainability signals
- Modern U.S. structural steel contains significant recycled content and the industry has reduced embodied carbon intensity in recent updates.
The numbers: where growth is happening
| Segment | 2023–2025 Baseline | 2030–2033 Outlook | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. pre‑engineered metal buildings | ~$12B market (2023) | ~$21B by 2030 (≈8.4% CAGR) | Steady expansion across warehouses, offices, education & recreation supports steel demand. |
| U.S. light‑gauge (cold‑formed) steel framing | $7.8B revenue (2023) | ~$10.9B by 2030 (≈4.9% CAGR) | Backbone for tubing buildings and metal wall/roof systems in low‑rise construction. |
| Steel framing share in nonresidential | ≈30–35% of projects use CFS | Gradual share gains expected | Designers continue shifting from combustible framing where codes and insurance favor resilience. |
| Outdoor structures & carports | Outdoor living up mid‑single digits; solar carports scaling from a small base | ~5–10% CAGR through 2030–33 | Household upgrades, EV adoption, and fleet electrification drive canopy/cover demand. |
| Wood framing (context) | Dominant in single‑family, but materials saw extreme 2020–2022 price swings | Stabilizing, yet above 2019 levels | Volatility, fire risk, and some coastal insurance headwinds benefit steel alternatives. |
Note: Some market sizes are global while others are U.S.; growth rates shown are directionally comparable. Forecasts vary by analyst; we present conservative consensus ranges.
Steel vs. Wood: 10-Year Cost & Risk Snapshot
Where the industry is heading by 2030
- ✓ More engineered metal systems in low‑rise: Expect high‑single‑digit growth in U.S. pre‑engineered buildings as logistics, light‑industrial, and education keep expanding.
- ✓ Accessory structures go steel‑first: Carports, garages, RV covers and barns continue shifting to galvanized steel tubing for speed, durability, and insurability.
- ✓ Resilience incentives spread: States and insurers broaden FORTIFIED‑style programs, nudging buyers toward non‑combustible frames and stronger connections.
- ✓ Lower‑carbon steel: Cleaner electric arc furnaces and higher recycled content continue to reduce embodied carbon, benefiting procurement on public and corporate projects.
Localized Perspective: Florida & Georgia
Florida: Tubing buildings engineered to ASCE 7 wind provisions simplify permitting in counties like Miami-Dade and Broward, where hurricane codes are strict. Insurance carriers often prefer non‑combustible framing in coastal zones.
Georgia: In fast‑growing counties outside Atlanta and Savannah, steel carports and barns are gaining traction as cost‑effective, durable alternatives to wood posts that degrade faster in humid climates.
What this means for Keen’s Buildings customers
Practical takeaways
- Predictable installs: Steel tubing buildings shorten timelines and reduce weather delays compared to site‑built wood.
- Engineered for your county: We deliver stamped drawings to meet local wind and snow loads when required.
- Lower upkeep: No rot, termites, or warping; coatings and panel finishes extend service life.
- Upgrade‑ready: Add lean‑tos, doors, windows, insulation, or solar later without re‑framing the structure.
Quick Q&A
Are steel tubing buildings cheaper than wood?
Up‑front cost depends on size and options, but for comparable wind/snow ratings, steel often wins on installed cost and almost always on maintenance and lifespan.
Do they meet strict codes?
Yes — when ordered as engineered and permitted per local code, tubing buildings achieve county‑specific wind and snow ratings. Keen’s supplies engineered drawings on request.
What about insurance?
Policies and discounts vary by state and carrier. In several coastal states, resilience programs reward stronger roofs and connections; a non‑combustible frame is a plus.