Prefab Building Material Selection: Steel vs Aluminum Construction Guide

All Austin Mohawk prefabricated buildings are constructed from steel or aluminum, or a combination of both. Below, we will discuss how these two metals are used and the distinct advantages of each.

Welded Steel Base Frame Foundation for All Prefab Buildings

All steel and aluminum buildings are:

• Constructed on a fully welded steel base frame. This base frame provides a strong foundation for the building structure and allows the building to be lifted from underneath using a forklift.
• The steel base frame is coated with a rust-inhibitive primer and painted to match the building color.
• For ultimate corrosion resistance, the base frame can be hot-dip galvanized. This is especially recommended for locations that will see heavy salt use around the building.

Aluminum Building Construction and Specifications

Aluminum buildings:

• Above the base frame, aluminum buildings are constructed using aluminum extrusions for the structure and aluminum sheet metal for wall panels.
• These materials are available in three standard pre-finished colors: Quaker Bronze, Austin White, or Clear Anodized, or can be custom-painted for an additional cost.
• Swing or sliding doors are available, made of aluminum construction. Aluminum is very corrosion-resistant when maintained with simple cleaning.
• Aluminum buildings often have a quicker lead time and lower cost than a similar steel building.

Steel Building Construction and Customization Options

Steel buildings:

• Steel buildings are constructed entirely of steel. All structural elements and walls are fully welded together. This creates an extremely strong and durable structure.
• Thanks to this, steel buildings can often be scaled to larger sizes and offer more flexibility with customization.
• Steel buildings can also be constructed to be bullet resistant up to UL 752 Level 8 to provide ultimate security.
• All steel buildings are custom-painted with a wide range of available colors.
• Steel buildings can last many years thanks to the rust-inhibitive coatings used, along with regular cleaning and care.

Choosing the Right Prefabricated Building Material

If you are in the market for a new prefabricated building, this guide is a helpful start for choosing the right material. Reach out to Austin Mohawk, and our representatives can provide further knowledge and assistance in making your decision.