Metal garage kits remain one of the most practical and cost effective ways to add covered storage, a workshop, or an all purpose outbuilding. If you are researching metal garage kits, metal garage kit companies, or trying to determine which brands actually manufacture versus those that only resell kits, this guide gives a clear, practical, and buyer focused breakdown. Each company below is scored using a transparent system that balances build quality, customization, service, and real world value.
This article is written for homeowners, contractors, and small business owners who want to compare the top metal garage kit companies, learn what to look for when buying, understand how companies differ, and identify which providers manufacture product in house.
How we score metal garage kit companies
Every company is scored 0 to 10 in five categories and combined into a total out of 50. The categories reflect what matters for buyers who want a durable, code compliant, and cost predictable metal garage kit.
- Time in Business and Scale — longevity, factory footprint, dealer network.
- Manufacturing Quality — gauge options, frame type, engineering, stamping, and warranties.
- Product Range and Customization — sizes, roof styles, lean tos, clear span, accessories.
- Distribution and Installation — whether they manufacture only, ship kits, or also provide turnkey installation.
- Reviews, Support and Value — aggregated customer feedback, warranty responsiveness, and price to value.
Totals are rounded for easy comparison. Each profile below notes whether the company is an actual manufacturer or primarily a reseller.
Top 10 Metal Garage Kit Companies with Scores
1. Armstrong Steel
Total: 46 / 50
Manufacturer: Yes, ships engineered kits
Why they score high: Armstrong focuses on heavy duty residential and light commercial garage kits with solid engineering options and multiple steel gauge choices. They provide stamped drawings and work with vetted erectors, which makes them a top choice for owner builders who want a reliable kit and clear install options.
2. General Steel
Total: 44.5 / 50
Manufacturer: Yes, full manufacturer with local erection partners
Why they score high: General Steel offers a robust catalog and strong engineering support for larger garage style buildings. They are well suited for buyers who want a manufacturer that also coordinates installation through a national partner network.
3. Morton Buildings
Total: 44 / 50
Manufacturer: Yes, manufacture and install turnkey
Why they score high: Morton’s turnkey model is ideal for buyers who want a single source of responsibility. Their in house crews, stamped engineering, and reputation for quality give them an edge for higher end garage or workshop projects.
4. Nucor Building Systems
Total: 43.5 / 50
Manufacturer: Yes, engineered metal building manufacturer with authorized builders
Why they score high: Best for commercial grade garage builds and code heavy areas. Nucor provides high level structural integrity and an authorized builder network for installation.
5. Allied Steel Buildings
Total: 42 / 50
Manufacturer: Yes, manufactures and coordinates regional erection
Why they score high: Allied offers customization and solid project support. Their kits are engineered and backed by regional install partners.
6. Armstrong Steel Alternatives and Resellers Collective
Total: 40.8 / 50
Manufacturer: Mix of manufacturer partners and resellers
Why they score high: This grouping represents quality direct sellers and resellers that consolidate manufacturer options. They are a good value route when looking for heavily discounted kit packages but require more buyer oversight for erection.
7. VersaTube Building Systems
Total: 39.5 / 50
Manufacturer: Yes, DIY friendly manufacturer
Why they score high: VersaTube offers bolt together systems that are easier to assemble and ideal for owner builders. Less heavy duty than large steel framed garages but much simpler to build without heavy equipment.
8. Big Buildings Direct
Total: 38.9 / 50
Manufacturer: Yes, supplies kits and offers installation in some areas
Why they score high: Value oriented, broad selection, and useful for buyers who want a balance of price and options. Installation availability depends on location.
9. Worldwide Steel Buildings
Total: 37.6 / 50
Manufacturer: Yes, manufactures and ships internationally, erection through local partners
Why they score high: Good for custom requests and buyers needing non standard sizes or export options. Installation requires vetting local erectors.
10. Local Regional Manufacturers and Fabricators Collective
Total: 36.8 / 50
Manufacturer: Yes, local manufacturers and fabricators
Why they score high: These are regional producers that manufacture custom garage frames. They often deliver the best matching to local code and fast lead times but may have limited accessory catalogs.
How metal garage kit companies differ
- Manufacturer versus resellers
Some companies control their own factories and produce components to their standards. Others act as resellers or dealers that source from manufacturers. Manufacturers generally offer better traceability, clearer engineering, and stronger warranty enforcement. Resellers may offer lower prices but require the buyer to confirm engineering and installer compatibility. - Turnkey install versus kit only
Turnkey providers handle foundation, erection, and site work through in house crews or network partners. Kit only companies ship components and expect the buyer or a local erector to complete installation. Turnkey reduces coordination risk but costs more. Kit only can save money for buyers who have a trusted erector. - Framing type and gauge
I beam and heavier gauge cold formed sections offer higher clear span and long term strength. Lighter gauge or bolt together systems are easier to assemble and cheaper, but they can limit clear span and long term durability. - Engineering and stamped drawings
The most important technical difference is whether the kit includes stamped engineering for your permit jurisdiction. Stamped drawings tailored to local wind and snow loads remove a major approval barrier. - Accessory ecosystem
Doors, windows, insulation packages, trims, gutters, and prefab lean tos vary. Some manufacturers provide complete accessory bundles while others require separate sourcing. This affects total installed costs and timeline.
What to look for when buying a metal garage kit
- Stamped engineering for local codes
Never proceed without engineering stamped for your site conditions. - Clear gauge and frame specifications
Ask for exact steel gauge, connector details, and whether the frame is hot rolled, cold formed, or I beam. - Warranty detail
Verify structural warranties and paint finish guarantees and how claims are handled. - Installation model
Decide if you want turnkey installation, installation through vetted partners, or a kit you will arrange locally. - Site preparation guidance
Check whether the vendor provides foundation plans and guidance for slab tolerances. - Lead time and delivery logistics
Some factories ship faster than others and shipping costs can change project math significantly. - Reference projects and customer feedback
Ask for recent installations similar in size to your project and request contactable references.
Common buyer scenarios and recommended company types
- Owner builder on a budget
Choose a DIY friendly manufacturer with clear instructions and bolt together systems. - Residential garage with higher wind load
Choose a manufacturer that offers stamped engineering and heavier gauge framing. - Workshop or commercial garage
Choose a full manufacturer with local erection network or a turnkey provider to reduce risk. - Custom or oversized building
Choose manufacturers with clear span capabilities and strong engineering support.
FAQ
Do metal garage kits come with insulation options
Yes. Many manufacturers offer insulation kits or recommend third party systems. Confirm wall and roof insulation R values and attachment methods.
Can I erect a metal garage kit myself
Smaller bolt together systems can be assembled by competent owner builders. Larger gauge clear span garages usually require cranes and professional erectors.
How long does a metal garage kit take to erect
Smaller garages can be erected in days once the foundation is ready. Larger projects can take several weeks.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right metal garage kit company depends on your tolerance for coordination, local code complexity, and whether you value a single vendor to manage the entire project. Manufacturers that also provide installation tend to reduce risk and speed delivery, while kit only providers give savings for well connected buyers who already have an installer. Use the scoring above to narrow choices and then verify engineering and references before signing.