Things to Consider Before Buying a Steel Quonset Hut

When looking to purchase a steel building or Quonset hut, you may have several questions. We’ve put together a guide to help you answer these questions and ensure you are confident before you buy.

Quonset Hut FAQs

What is a Quonset hut?

A Quonset hut is a semicircular structure made from steel. They were originally created in the U.S to fill the need of an easily transportable, multi-purpose structure.

What is a Quonset hut used for?

Quonset huts have a variety of uses including shelters, storage, garages, and agricultural and recreational buildings. They are also often used for commercial purposes.

Where do Quonset huts get their name?

This style of building is named for the location it was initially built. The first Quonset hut was created by the U.S. Navy at the former Davisville Naval Construction Battalion Center in Quonset Point, Rhode Island.

Considerations When Purchasing a Quonset hut

• Will a Quonset hut work for me?

  If you aren’t attached to the idea of a brick or wooden structure, then a Quonset hut can be perfect for you. They are very strong, and the steel combined with the arched shape means they are durable through a variety of weather conditions like heavy snow, storms, and strong wind. In addition to this, the fact they don’t require any interior support like beams or trusses allows you to maximize the interior space.

• What can I use the building for?

  A Quonset hut can be used for a variety of things, including residential, commercial and agricultural purposes. Our customers have used them for things like storage, sheds, garages, carports, airplane hangars and more. When you know what you’re going to use the building for, it makes it easier for our team to make recommendations to suit the purpose.

• What building size will I need?

  At Future Buildings, we offer several styles of Quonset hut with widths ranging from 16’ to 125’ and a variety of center heights. Additional arches can be added to create a building with unlimited lengths. Take some measurements of your available area and the size of what you need to place inside the building to help determine the size of structure you need.

• How much will it cost?

  The cost of your building will depend on several things, such as the size, model, and additional features added. Features include windows, skylights, doors, and venting.

• Is it easy to build?

  A smaller, basic Quonset hut is able to be built yourself. The prefabricated kit doesn’t require any welding or drilling, allowing for easy construction and assembly.

• What are Quonset huts made from?

  Our Quonset huts are exclusively made of steel for increased strength, a longer lifespan, and inexpensive maintenance. While tin and aluminum can also be used in a Quonset building, they do not offer the protection and durability of steel, particularly against intense weather conditions.

• What are their load restrictions?

  If you reside in a location where the winters are harsh, you’ll want to invest in a building that can withstand heavy snow loads. During significant snowfalls, the weight of the accumulation may cause some traditional structures to leak or collapse. The arch style of the Quonset hut is able to remain strong under the weight and offer a water-tight seal to keep the inside of your building dry.

• Can I build my Quonset building myself?

  An advantage of Quonset hut structures is that they are easy to construct, even for those without building experience. Our prefabricated building kits are pre-cut and predrilled, making it simple for anyone to assemble a Quonset hut with a group of friends. By doing it yourself, you will also save money on construction crews and contractors.

• How long does it take to erect a Quonset building?

  It only takes a few people a few days to build an average structure. We’ve made the process easier by using one size bolt and one size nut for the assembly, eliminating any sorting, guesswork, and errors.

  One of the most appealing features of these structures during WWII was how quickly they could be constructed for the troops in the field. Although our technology has improved significantly since then, the key benefits have remained the same. When it comes to affordability, strength, and ease of construction, the steel Quonset hut continues to be the industry leader.

• Are Quonset huts strong?

  Compared to other structures, the arch design of the Quonset hut makes it one of the strongest building choices. When coupled with high-grade steel, the result is a structure that can endure different weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, strong winds, seismic activity, and heavy snow.

• How long do Quonset huts last?

  Quonset huts can last for a long time. When properly cared for, they can last nearly 100 years. At Future Buildings, we use Galvalume Plus™ steel in our construction for added corrosion resistance and include a 40-year rust perforation warranty.

• Will Quonset huts continue to be a popular choice?

  When comparing Quonsets to traditional structures, the benefits are easily seen. Quonset huts offer better value, easier assembly, and enhanced durability. Furthermore, because Quonset huts are so adaptable, they can be employed in a variety of settings, including garages, workshops, warehouses, storage, retail stores, and even homes. Additionally, Quonset huts are an environmentally friendly option, as the steel they are made from can be recycled once the structure has reached the end of its service life. Their long-lasting strength and eco-conscious materials mean they are sure to be a popular option in the future.

Other Common Questions

Because Quonset huts are somewhat unique compared to other metal building types, we tend to get a lot of questions about them. The following are some of the most common questions that we get about our steel Quonset huts:

What is the Best Insulation Option for Quonset Hut?

Insulating your Quonset hut is a good idea if you want to maintain a comfortable temperature inside and reduce your energy costs. At Future Buildings, we offer steel building insulation kits that are pre-measured and pre-cut. As such, they make adding insulation to your Quonset hut as easy and convenient as possible.

Why is a Quonset Hut less Expensive than Other Steel Buildings?

Quonset huts are often less expensive than other steel buildings because they are constructed using fewer materials and require less labour to assemble. Quonset huts are made from individual arches that are attached together once they are lifted. This makes them a lot easier to assemble and more cost-effective as a result.

Will I Save on the Construction Costs?

Yes. Our Quonset huts are available as prefabricated metal building kits, which require significantly less labour and time to assemble. Additionally, since all of the components come from the same location, there is no worry about trying to source different materials from different places. This helps you save both time and money on the construction of your Quonset hut.

What Type of Foundation is Best for Quonset Huts?

Although you can use a permanent foundation, it can be beneficial to use a portable foundation, which doesn’t require grouting and makes it easy to move your Quonset hut should you ever need to.

What Steel is Used?

We use Galvalume Plus steel in all of our structures. This coated steel is strong and durable, ensuring it can withstand the conditions in your area. Additionally, we offer a 40-year rust perforation warranty on all of our metal building kits.

Future Buildings Offers High-Grade Quonset Huts for Sale

A Quonset hut can fit a lot of the needs you may have. Contact the team at Future Buildings to learn more about the right size, style and accessories for you. We can also provide information about any of the other building styles we offer. Call us at 1-800-668-5111 to speak to an expert or fill out our online form to request a quote.

Also Read

• The History of the Quonset Hut
• 5 Ways to Use a Quonset Hut Building
• Quonset Huts – Benefits and Comparison to Traditional Structures