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New To Metal Buildings?

Don't worry, we're here to help.

Let's start by comparing the different types of metal building structures available on today's market to find the one that best suits your needs.

Scroll to the right for more information!
Quonset Hut
CFS Mass Market
CMB Hybrid
TFS
Building Structure
Rolled and formed thin gauge steel
Cold Formed Steel
Hot formed steel columns and beams with CFS Girts and Purlins
Tapered Framed Structure
Product Focus
Quick construction,
low price
Reduce manufacturer cost
Reduce total system cost
and time to use
Optimize spans and
internal space
Span
< 30'
< 40'
up to 120'
300' +
Ceiling Loads
Wall Loads
Plumb wall for storage/warehousing
Mezzanine and
internal space
Ease of assembly
Distribution channel
Dealer
Dealer
Direct
Direct or Partner

Canadian Metal Buildings (CMB) are experts in the design and building of pre-engineered metal building structures across Canada. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, our growth and reputation are built on strong customer service, quality workmanship and our expert team. We offer building solutions customized to individual project needs and suitable for all industry types.

Residential
Residential
Commercial
Agricultural
Workshops
Workshops
Riding Arenas
Riding Arenas
Garages
Garages
Storage
Storage
Hangars
Hangars
Industrial
Barndominiums
Barndominiums

We proudly offer a selection of Ready Built kits, for smaller projects, as well as provide custom designs for larger plans. What makes CMB different? To start, we not only manufacture our buildings in-house, saving you added cost, but we deliver and construct your building on-site – FAST.

Our buildings are made better. We design our buildings with minimal-added components for a cleaner and more streamlined result, and with 37 different colours to choose from, your building will be striking on the outside, too.

We use three different building system framing types:

HBS, our hybrid solution, with standard straight-column and rafter hot-rolled framing members.
1
TFS, our tapered-frame solution, allowing for larger clear spans while saving building weight.
2
CFS, our cold-formed solution, utilizing all lightweight cold-rolled columns and rafters. CFS frames are geared towards smaller, residential-style buildings as there are limitations to sizes and loadings with these types.
3

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Does the price include foundation design and supply?

Pricing does not include the foundation. We can provide a price for a foundation design; please contact us for pricing. Foundation design is available upon request.

Does the price include windows and doors?

Doors are included if you select CMB-provided pre-hung man-doors. We do not price in overhead doors or windows at this point in time.

Do you install the doors and windows?

We do now!

We supply and install pre-hung and primed man-doors. If you select your own doors and windows then you will need to have those installed by the seller. Our drawings will provide the appropriate level of detail for any 3rd party provider.

What are your lead times?

Typical lead times are 6-8 weeks. Actual lead times are based on project size and complexity. Please contact us for our current lead times.

What is the average install time?

This depends on the size and complexity of the building. Please contact us for more detailed information on current install times.

Can I install myself or source another builder?

Yes, all Ready Built buildings come with instructions, as well as industry leading technical support, for installing the building yourself.

Is delivery included in the price?

No, delivery is based on the location of the building. Please contact us for a quote.

How long are sales quotes valid for?

Currently, our sales quote information is valid for 15 days due to volatile raw material pricing.

Where does your steel come from?

We are a proud manufacturer and supplier of all Canadian steel. We may source some components from outside Canada, as markets require.

Understanding Your Options

I see so many different types of structures on the web – how do I choose what is right for me?

There are many different types of structures, including fabric-over-steel, Quonset Huts, Cold Formed Steel, Traditional Steel, Hybrid and Tapered Steel buildings. It is important that you understand your intended usage, required size, desired upgrades and if you are seeking design, build and assembly from a single supplier.

What are important criteria to understand in choosing the right type of structure?

Important criteria include:

  • Span of the building
  • Load carrying ability
  • Desire to finish or partly enclose the interior or the inclusion of mezzanine
  • Desire to use vertically plumb walls to optimize storage
  • Importance of customization vs. standard/fixed product
  • Desire for customization to fit your specific needs vs. an off-the-shelf product or a product that is "available for ship"
What are other factors that are important, before thinking about price?
  • Is the seller also the manufacturer – can you tailor a design to meet your needs or only purchase a standard product?
  • Do you need to find, qualify, hire for, and manage the assembly of the building, or is the seller also accountable for erection of the building?
  • When something is not right, who do you go to for resolution?
  • When you need modifications, who gets that done?

Preparation and Permits

What permits do I need?

Permits vary by municipality and the zoning requirements for your target location or lot. Generally speaking, you will need approval for your site and building plan, plus any demolition on the site.

Where do I get these permits?

Check with your municipal building department.

Who can help me develop a site plan?

A local architect can usually do this easily if provided drawings of the building and foundation.

Which documents do I need for a permit application?

Typical requirements:

  • Structural drawings (provided by CMB upon signing) and a foundation design (fee-based by CMB)
  • Site sketch showing location of the proposed building including dimensions and distances from property lines, septic tank/fields and other buildings
  • Some municipalities might require floor plans, elevation drawings or cross sections

For specific permit application questions, please contact us.

Designing Your Building 

What can I easily tailor in a product without requiring a full custom project?

Most of the basic dimensions can be easily adjusted – length, width, height, roof pitch, siding and roofing types, venting, gutters, placement of windows and doors, insulation, interior partitions, inclusion of a mezzanine or enclosed areas.

Are there limits on the span for a building using your Hybrid structure?

Hybrid Structures support spans from 20’ to 120’. For spans beyond 120’, a Tapered-Frame steel structure is best.

I need to support a hoist/crane. What does that entail?

We can incorporate the requirements for a hoist as a future add-on, or integrate a specific hoist into the design. This requires data about the specific hoist you're considering using.

How do I do the foundation work?

CMB will provide a foundation plan that is stamped by our structural engineer.  You can use this plan to hire a local concrete firm.  This is a fee-based service and the cost will be determined by the complexity of your building.  For Ready Builts, this is a standard cost service.

CMB can also provide a turnkey foundation kit supplied by our partner, ECONO-SLAB™. Please inquire for additional details.

This can be resolved during your discussion with CMB to finalize scope and design.

Ordering Your Building

How do I start the purchase process?

A customer champion will contact to you confirm your needs and interests.  Based on this, CMB will provide you a quote and drawing.  Upon your approval you will pay 25% and we will commence detailed design and delivery of stamped structural and foundation drawings (if desired).

Other payment milestones:

  • 25% down payment
  • 25% on approval
  • 50% 1 week prior to shipment
Can I get my deposit back if I change my mind?

CMB will refund the 25% initial deposit less the cost of the structural and/or foundation drawings if required by your personal situation. Once steel is ordered you are committed for the remainder of the project.

How long does it take to build and then install a typical residential metal building?

An average complexity building ranges between 2 and 5 weeks from start to commissioning.  This depends on site conditions, size, and building complexity. During your discussion with CMB we will determine a more specific time frame.

What's included in the price you provide and what additional items will I need?

The price includes design, build, shipping, and assembly of your structure, including roofing, siding, trim, insulation and your specific selected options. You will typically be responsible for the concrete foundation, windows, doors, overheads, and finishing (HVAC, interior trim out as desired). If selected, the price will include pre-hung man-doors.

Manufacturing and Delivery

How do I know when my building is manufactured and ready for shipment?

We will provide you a shipping target after materials for your building have been reserved and scheduled on the shop floor.  We will finalize shipping details upon receipt of the second payment of 50% and your signed approvals.

Can you provide real-time updates on my building manufacture?

We're working on it!

How does shipment work?

We will notify you when the building is ready for shipment, and provide you with an arrival date. Shipping is typically covered in the quote we provide you.

On-site Building Assembly

Can you recommend concrete vendors?

We are working to develop a list of preferred, trusted vendors.  This is not yet available. Contact us to discuss.

What kind of access is required to the site to allow the trucks and equipment in?

We will need to assess the site in order to provide the most accurate installation costing. However, 10' or more of clear access around all 4 sides of the building is generally required in order to properly get machinery in and around the structure.

Do I need to clear space for the materials to be staged at the site?

Yes, an adequate lay out spot is required for offloading of building components and staging.

Who is in charge during assembly?

During the assembly process, if CMB is to install, you will have a project manager as well as dedicated foreman running the project from start to finish.  We will make the introduction as soon as this person is assigned. This is your go-to person on site. You will also receive a summary of the team prior to the job starting. You will know your entire team. 

Will there be facilities provided for your crew?

Restroom facilities are to be supplied by the contractor/end user.

If facilities cannot be supplied by the contractor/end user, CMB will coordinate the on-site facilities and will add the cost of facilities to the purchase order.

What happens if my driveway is damaged?

While CMB will take the utmost care to ensure no damage, we will not be liable for damages as there is a need for machinery to be present in order to erect the building.

Can I receive daily updates from the crew?

CMB uses a project management software called “Procore", to which the contractor or homeowner will gain access once the erection begins. They will  be able to receive live updates and progress documents of the install process.

Final Finishing

At what stage do you hand over the building for finishing?

CMB will erect the structure, add siding, roofing, trim and all options selected.

What happens at hand over?

We celebrate together!

And we do a full walk-around to inspect all aspects of the building, and then sign off after correcting any discrepancies as needed.

What am I accountable for?

You will still need to add doors, windows, and overheads from your preferred supplier, and do any interior work, such as HVAC, electrical, drywall, interior space finishing, and painting.

Do I need a general contractor?

No, but it is up to you whether you hire a project manager or general contractor, or if you opt to manage these items yourself.

Still have questions? Ask us!

Fill out the form below and a CMB representative will reach out to you.

CMB Canadian Metal Buildings logo

390 Dewitt Rd., Unit #10
Stoney Creek, ON L8E 4P6
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© 2025 Canadian Metal Buildings.
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