Steel vs. Wood Trusses: What's Best for Your Commercial or Hobby Building?

steel-roof-trusses

For many builders, roof trusses have become the preferred method for roof support—offering structural strength, efficiency, and long-span capabilities that traditional rafters can’t match. But when it comes to materials, the decision between steel and wood trusses can significantly impact your building’s cost, durability, and performance.

Whether you're planning a custom commercial building, pole barn, or hobby shop, here's what you need to know.

What Are Steel Trusses Used For?

Steel trusses are triangulated systems built to support heavy loads across wide spans. Their strength and flexibility make them ideal for:

Warehouses and distribution centers
Event arenas and sports complexes
Airport terminals and hangars
Auditoriums and large-scale municipal buildings

If you’re considering steel trusses, you’ll encounter several types, each with specialized uses depending on structural needs:

Pratt: Bridges, aircraft hangars
North Light: Industrial workshops
Warren: Gantry/crane girders
Fink: Residential homes
Scissor: Churches, museums, homes
Hip: High wind and heavy snow areas
Flat: Flat-roofed commercial buildings

Why Builders Choose Steel Trusses

Steel trusses offer numerous advantages, particularly for commercial and industrial buildings. Although they often come at a higher cost and may require skilled installation, their long-term benefits are hard to beat. Steel is lightweight yet incredibly strong, allowing for quick installation and support across large spans. It resists fire, pests, and rot, and is both made from and fully recyclable as a sustainable material.

Engineered for heavy loads and extreme conditions, steel trusses perform exceptionally well in areas with high winds, heavy snow, or structural uplift. With precision fabrication, they can be tailored to meet exact specifications—making them ideal for facilities that demand reliability and longevity.

Are Wood Trusses Still a Good Option?

Absolutely. Wood trusses are a cost-effective and versatile choice, especially for buildings across Iowa and the Midwest. Unless your structure requires extreme span strength or will face severe weather, wood trusses provide exceptional value without compromising performance.

Timber is naturally strong, flexible, and offers good sound and thermal insulation. It’s also significantly more affordable than steel, making it a smart option for custom homes, hobby buildings, educational facilities, and post-frame structures. Easy to work with and adaptable to unique designs, wood adds both beauty and function to your build.

Do I Really Need Steel Trusses or Frames?

Most buildings don’t require steel trusses unless they’re exceptionally large or located in areas with extreme weather like hurricane-force winds. In the Midwest, wood frames are more than capable of providing long-lasting, reliable support.

At Pro-Line, we help you make the right call based on your environment, budget, and building goals. Our custom designs ensure you get the structural strength you need—without overspending on unnecessary materials.

What’s Right for Your Building Project?

Choosing between steel and wood trusses depends on several key factors: the size and function of your building, your construction budget, local weather conditions, and your desired aesthetics. While steel may be the better option for large commercial facilities that need long-span strength, wood is often the more cost-effective and efficient solution—particularly for hobby shops, custom homes, and post-frame buildings.

At Pro-Line Building Company, we bring your vision to life with materials and methods that maximize ROI and long-term value. Whether you’re building a “shome,” expanding your commercial space, or finally constructing the perfect hobby shop, our expert team is ready to help you choose the right path.

Let’s Build Smarter, Together

Not sure whether steel or wood trusses are right for your next project? Our team is here to walk you through every option—ensuring your building is strong, smart, and built to last.

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