Standard Size vs Custom Steel Structures | Tugela Steel





Standard Size vs Custom Steel Structures: Which Option Suits Your Project?

When you start planning a new building, one of the first decisions is whether to choose
a standard size steel structure or a fully custom design. Both options have a place in
South African agriculture, industry and commercial development, and the right choice can
save you serious time and money.

What Are Standard Size Steel Structures?

Tugela Steel keeps a large inventory of standard size steel structures
in popular spans and lengths. These prefabricated frames are engineered, manufactured and
stocked in advance, ready for rapid dispatch across South Africa and into Africa.

  • Common spans include 12 m, 15 m, 18 m, 20 m, 25 m, 30 m and 36 m.
  • Ideal for farming sheds, equipment storage, workshops and basic warehouses.
  • Short lead times because the steel is already in stock.
  • Predictable, competitive pricing with no surprise engineering costs.

When Standard Size Steel Structures Are the Best Fit

Standardised designs are perfect when you need a practical, cost-effective building
without complex architectural requirements. Examples include:

  • Agricultural steel structures for tractors, balers, feed and bales.
  • Simple commercial steel buildings such as workshops and showrooms.
  • Covered loading bays, truck ports and bulk storage sheds.

Because Tugela Steel manufactures in bulk, standard steel structures provide excellent
value per square metre, while still meeting structural codes and wind load requirements
for your region.

What Are Custom Steel Structures?

Custom steel structures are designed around your exact operational needs. Span, height,
roof pitch, mezzanines, crane beams, office pods and cladding can all be tailored.
Tugela Steel’s engineering team works with developers, architects and engineers to
create project-specific solutions for:

When Custom Steel Is Worth the Investment

A custom design makes sense when your operation requires:

  • Specific clear heights for racking or large machinery.
  • Integrated offices, ablutions or staff facilities inside the building envelope.
  • Complex loading flows, dock levellers and canopies.
  • Architectural features that carry your brand and attract customers.

In these cases, the extra design work is quickly recovered through higher productivity,
better traffic flow and improved long-term efficiency.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing

1. Timeline

If you need a structure on site within weeks, a standard size option is usually the
safest choice. Tugela Steel’s large stockholding allows fast fabrication, delivery and
erection of these steel structures.

2. Budget

Standard size frames generally offer the lowest cost per square metre. However, a custom
steel structure may reduce lifetime costs if it is designed specifically around your
processes and equipment.

3. Future Expansion

Both standard and custom steel structures can be extended later. Discuss your long-term
plans with Tugela Steel so the design and foundations can allow for future bays or
annexes.

How Tugela Steel Helps You Decide

With decades of experience in steel structures in South Africa, Tugela Steel can
compare options for you in a straightforward way. The team will:

  • Match your needs to a standard size steel structure where it makes sense.
  • Highlight where a custom design will add real value.
  • Provide transparent pricing and timeframes for both options.

Ready to Plan Your Next Steel Structure?

Whether you are a farmer, factory owner or developer, the right decision between
standard and custom steel structures will set your project up for success.
Request a quote from Tugela Steel and
let the team guide you to a solution that balances cost, speed and performance.