Why COLD FORMED Steel?
Not all steel buildings are created equal. COLD FORMED is a fundamentally different approach — and once you understand the difference, it's hard to choose anything else.
What Is COLD FORMED?
COLD FORMED steel buildings are Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB) constructed with roll-formed galvanized steel cee and zee sections. These sections bolt or screw together to form the full structure — including portal frames, columns, and rafters. No welding required.
Engineered & stamped
Every COLD FORMED building kit from Palmetto State Structures includes professionally stamped engineering drawings at no extra cost. These permit-ready plans are designed to meet local building codes, making the approval process straightforward. Whether you're breaking ground on a new farm structure or adding a commercial space to your property, you'll have the documentation you need from day one.
Strength-to-weight ratio
COLD FORMED steel's exceptional strength-to-weight ratio means you get a structurally superior building without the bulk or cost of heavy red iron construction. Lighter components are easier to handle on site, reduce freight costs, and put significantly less demand on your foundation — saving you money at every stage of the project without compromising an ounce of structural integrity.
Design flexibility
No two properties are the same, and your building shouldn't be either. COLD FORMED frames require less material to achieve greater spans, giving you wide open interior space and the freedom to lay it out exactly how you need it. Add leantos, overhangs, or mezzanines without custom engineering. Need something more complex like dormers or connected buildings? Custom engineering options are available. Start with our free 3D designer and build it your way.
Fast shipping
Once your order is placed, COLD FORMED components are typically on site within 2–4 weeks — a fraction of the timeline you'd face with traditional construction or even other metal building methods. Pre-drilled holes and fewer total components mean the building goes up fast once materials arrive. Less time waiting and less time building means you're using your new structure sooner.
Lower total cost
COLD FORMED delivers savings at every stage of your project. Foundation costs run 30–40% lower than red iron construction because of the reduced structural load. Lighter components take up less space on a truck, cutting freight costs. Assembly requires less-skilled labor and lighter equipment than traditional steel builds. And because steel doesn't rot, warp, or require the kind of ongoing maintenance wood does, the long-term savings continue well after construction is complete.
Long-lasting durability
COLD FORMED steel is built to handle whatever gets thrown at it. Steel offers superior resistance to fire, high winds, flooding, termites, and mold — threats that regularly compromise wood frame structures over time. Unlike post frame buildings that can shift and tilt over the years, COLD FORMED structures maintain their integrity for decades. Most manufacturers back their painted steel finishes with long-term warranties, so your building looks as good as it performs.
Low maintenance
Steel doesn't rot. It doesn't attract termites. It won't warp in the heat or swell in the rain. Once your COLD FORMED building is up, it largely takes care of itself. Compared to wood frame structures that demand regular treatment, repairs, and seasonal attention, a COLD FORMED building frees you from the ongoing maintenance cycle — leaving you more time and money to focus on what actually matters.
Sustainable choice
COLD FORMED steel building frames are constructed entirely from recyclable materials, making them one of the most environmentally responsible building choices available. Steel also has a longer usable lifespan than wood or tube frame alternatives, meaning less material ends up in a landfill over time. When you build with COLD FORMED, you're investing in a structure that's built to last and built with the future in mind.
No Welding Required
Traditional red iron construction demands skilled welders, specialized equipment, and the added time and cost that comes with it. COLD FORMED eliminates all of that. Every component in your kit arrives pre-drilled and ready to bolt or screw into place, meaning your build isn't held up waiting for a welder. Less-skilled workers can handle assembly confidently, smaller and lighter equipment gets the job done, and the overall construction process moves faster and more predictably from start to finish.