Cost of Steel Building
Steel is an extremely durable material that is commonly used in the construction of sturdy structures such as skyscrapers and bridges. The production of steel comes at a high cost and steel buildings require a substantial budget. But many structures would not be possible without steel.
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General Steel Costs
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The most recent costs of steel as of 2009 are $270-275 per ton. This information is taken from the International Monetary Fund records. As of 2008, iron ore cost $1.40 per dry metric ton. The huge difference in price comes from the cost of smelting iron ore into steel.
Straight Wall
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As of 2009, straight wall steel buildings can cost as little as $7 a square foot. These are the most traditional types of buildings with varying types of roofs and vertical walls. These buildings require slightly more steel than domed buildings, resulting in a slightly higher price. But they can offer more space overall.
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Domed
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As of 2009, domed buildings can cost as little as $5 per square foot. These buildings are shaped like domes and are sturdier and more economical than straight-wall buildings. But these buildings lose usable space due to the shape of the dome.
Residential
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Homes can be made out of steel, which is much more resistant to the elements than other materials. Garages and other storage places like sheds, RV and boat storage are common buildings made of steel. These buildings often come in kits to assist non-professionals in constructing the building.
Commercial
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Steel can be used to construct enormous buildings such as mini-storage, aircraft hangars, auto repair shops, factories, retail buildings and offices. Steel also often costs far less than other building materials, which is fantastic since many commercial buildings are enormous.
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Resources
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