Purchasing a new shed is a big investment for your farm or business. You need the confidence that your shed will stand up to Australia’s harsh climate while meeting your day-to-day storage needs. It’s not the type of investment you want to replace after a few short years either, you want a shed that is built to last. That’s why choosing the right material is essential to your purchasing decision.

When it comes to shed components, there are two main materials: C-Purlin and Structural Steel.

On the surface they may look similar, but appearances can be deceiving. There is a dramatic difference in the strength and durability of these two materials.

The main difference is in the steel structure. Structural steel structures are made from hot rolled structural steel sections with fully welded connections making them stronger and more robust, C-Purlin structures, made from lightweight cold rolled ‘C’ sections with bolted connections, making them susceptible to twisting and movement.

What is hot-dipped galvanised steel?

Sheds built with hot-dipped galvanised steel have gone through a chemical treatment that further strengthens the steel. The steel has been coated in a layer of molten zinc, applied at temperatures reaching close to 450 degrees.

The chemical reaction produces zinc carbonate, a product that protects the steel from corrosion and increasing its strength and durability.

C-Purlins simply can’t offer the same level of strength or structural integrity.

Structural Steel vs C-Purlin

Let’s compare steel to C-Purlin and discover why steel offers greater strength and reinforcement for your entire shed structure:

Footplates

Structural Steel: Welded column foot plates with cage bolts give a rigid, sturdy footing for your shed.

C-Purlin: A roll-formed ‘C’ section column is bolted to a thin angle bracket, which is dynabolted to the slab, allowing possible movement.

Brackets

Structural Steel: Prefabricated connections mean there are no brackets to fail, and makes erection a breeze.

C-Purlin: Flimsy haunch plates allow movement, making assembly difficult and creating potential roof sag.

Cleats

Structural Steel: Cleats are welded to the Universal Beam columns preventing movement and giving the strongest structure possible.

C-Purlin: There are no purlins cleats. Instead roof and wall purlins are tek-screwed to the main frame and are a point of movement.

Columns

Structural Steel: Columns are sturdy, structural Universal Beam to stop bowing, flexing or twisting.

C-Purlin: Columns are light gauge cold roll-formed ‘C’ section channel which can flex, twist and bend.

Bracing

Structural Steel: Bracing is made from heavy duty, galvanised angle.

C-Purlin: Flimsy Hoop Iron cannot be tensioned and therefore only provides support once the shed has already started sagging or collapsing.

Rafter Connections

Structural Steel: Welded connections made of galvanised plate steel provide a rigid mating for your roof structure.

C-Purlin: Bolt together brackets for all joints and angles allow for flex and twist, making the shed more difficult to erect and keep shape.

Ready to learn more?

Contact us for more information about Structural Steel DIY Kit Sheds and to find out which shed is best for you.