Structural Steel Plano
Professional structural steel and metal work services throughout Plano and Collin County. We coordinate steel fabrication, erection, and metal construction for commercial buildings with AISC-certified contractors experienced in North Texas construction. From structural steel framing to ornamental metal work, we connect your Plano property with qualified metal work professionals who deliver quality construction that meets building code and safety requirements.
Structural steel construction forms the skeleton of modern commercial buildings. In Plano, where seismic and wind requirements demand robust construction, steel provides the strength, flexibility, and speed needed for successful commercial projects. Our network includes AISC-certified steel erectors and fabricators who coordinate with structural engineers, handle complex permitting, and deliver steel construction that meets or exceeds building codes and safety standards.
Whether erecting structural steel framing for multi-story office buildings, installing metal building systems for warehouses, or fabricating ornamental metal work for retail centers, we connect Plano property owners with metal work professionals who understand the technical requirements of steel construction and the practical demands of commercial project schedules.
Service Offerings
Installation of structural steel framing systems for commercial buildings
Includes:
Custom steel fabrication in shop and field
Includes:
Complete metal building erection and assembly
Includes:
Architectural metal work and specialty installations
Includes:
Steel Types
Most common structural steel shapes for beams and columns
Applications
Building frames, bridge construction, industrial structures
Advantages
High strength-to-weight ratio, easy to fabricate and erect, versatile
Common Sizes: W8x10 to W44x335 (depth x weight per foot)
Square and rectangular steel tubes
Applications
Columns, trusses, seismic-resistant frames, architectural features
Advantages
Excellent torsional resistance, aesthetic appeal, high strength
Common Sizes: HSS2x2x1/8 to HSS14x14x1/2 (width x height x wall thickness)
L-shaped steel members for connections and bracing
Applications
Bracing, lintels, framing connections, light structural work
Advantages
Economical, easy to fabricate, good for short spans
Common Sizes: L2x2x1/4 to L8x8x1 (leg sizes x thickness)
C-shaped steel members for beams and purlins
Applications
Roof purlins, floor joists, light framing, crane rails
Advantages
Good for long spans, economical for certain applications
Common Sizes: C3x4.1 to C15x50 (depth x weight per foot)
Local Expertise
Impact
North Texas seismic zone requires special steel detailing and connections
Solution
All steel design follows IBC and AISC requirements for seismic loads. Moment-resisting connections for ductile behavior. Special inspection required for structural welding. Steel erectors certified for seismic installation. Proper bracing systems prevent collapse. Seismic design adds cost but essential for life safety in Plano commercial buildings.
Impact
Plano wind speeds require robust steel framing and connections
Solution
Steel design accounts for 90 mph basic wind speed with gusts to 130 mph. Open-web joists and purlins designed for wind uplift. Steel erectors use proper connection details for wind resistance. Temporary bracing during construction prevents wind damage. Wind load design ensures building stability during North Texas storms.
Impact
North Texas humidity and occasional salt spray require corrosion protection
Solution
Steel receives proper surface preparation (SSPC standards) and coating systems. Shop primer applied in fabrication shop, field touch-up as needed. Weathering steel (Corten) used where appropriate. Galvanized steel for corrosive environments. Regular inspections identify corrosion before structural damage. Proper corrosion protection extends steel service life to 50-100+ years.
Impact
Steel erection requires careful coordination with other trades
Solution
Detailed erection sequencing prevents conflicts with concrete, masonry, and MEP work. Steel erection scheduled after foundation completion but before roofing. Access planning for cranes and equipment. Temporary shoring during steel erection. Coordination meetings with all trades ensure smooth construction. Proper sequencing prevents costly rework and delays in Plano commercial projects.
Construction Process
Steel design and fabrication preparation
Duration: 4-8 weeks
Steel cutting, welding, and assembly in fabrication shop
Duration: 2-6 weeks
Steel delivery and erection site preparation
Duration: 1-2 weeks
On-site steel erection and final inspection
Duration: 1-4 weeks depending on building size
Steel FAQs
Structural steel uses heavy steel shapes (beams, columns, angles) designed by structural engineers for building loads. Light gauge steel uses thin (1/8-1/4 inch) cold-formed steel studs and joists for non-structural framing. Structural steel carries gravity and lateral loads for multi-story buildings. Light gauge steel used for interior partitions and light commercial construction. In Plano commercial projects, structural steel used for warehouses, office buildings, and retail centers; light gauge for interior renovations. Structural steel requires AISC certified fabricators and erectors; light gauge can be installed by general contractors.
Steel construction typically faster than concrete for commercial buildings. Steel erection can begin immediately after foundation completion—no curing time required. Multi-story steel buildings erected at 1-2 floors per week with experienced crews. Concrete buildings require formwork, pouring, and 28-day curing before proceeding. Steel advantages: faster construction schedule, all-weather erection (except high winds), prefabrication reduces site work. However, steel requires crane access and coordination with other trades. In Plano, steel often preferred for fast-track commercial projects requiring quick occupancy.
Steel erectors in Plano must meet AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) requirements. Certified Steel Erectors (CSE) program requires training, experience, and testing. Structural welding requires AWS (American Welding Society) certified welders with proper procedures. Special inspectors certified for structural steel inspection. OSHA 10/30-hour safety training required. Equipment operators certified for cranes and rigging. Plano building department requires proof of certifications for permit approval. Quality steel erection requires experienced, certified professionals to ensure safety and code compliance.
Yes, steel buildings designed for future expansion using modular construction principles. Extra column capacity for additional floors. Expansion joints in foundation for building lengthening. Roof designed to support future mechanical units. Steel framing allows easy modification compared to concrete. Future expansion considered during initial design to avoid costly reconstruction. In Plano commercial developments, steel buildings often designed for phased construction or future expansion. Steel's flexibility makes it ideal for buildings that may grow over time.
Steel corrosion protection critical in North Texas humidity and occasional salt spray. Three-coat paint systems: shop primer, intermediate coat, finish coat per SSPC specifications. Galvanizing provides cathodic protection for severe environments. Weathering steel (Corten) develops protective patina. Stainless steel for extreme corrosion. Field touch-up required for welding and cutting. Regular inspections identify corrosion before structural damage. Proper corrosion protection ensures 50-100+ year service life. Cost of corrosion protection small compared to replacement costs.
Precision Concrete
Talk with our project managers about tilt-wall builds, structural foundations, and site paving. We mobilize fast and deliver commercial-grade concrete that holds up to the toughest specs.