Locate steel beam suppliers who can fabricate materials for your project

Explore all your choices by looking at the array of manufacturers out there. Having options means that, once you decide what you need, you have a list of companies from which you can choose the one that has the right products. Whether you're looking for heavy-duty support, lighter framework, or pre-fabricated building supplies, there's a wealth of steel beam information available - use it.

I recommend: Find steel beam suppliers by starting at ThomasNet, where you can browse companies and see what's available. You can also request information about products and services from Central Steel and Wire Company, or get "matched" to steel beam manufacturers at HomeBlue.

Look for basic steel H beam, steel I beams and structurals

Whether you're looking in the steel H beam market or searching for more basic steel I beams or other structural steel beams, several companies exist that can work with you. Have your specifications for construction steel beams in mind.

I recommend: Look up various specifications available at eFunda or Illinois Steel Service. They have expertise in various kinds of steel beam manufacturing, including hot and cold forming processes such as rolling. They have charts and tables which can help you identify, see properties of and even customize the design when you buy steel beams. In addition, get some early online quotes from companies like Versa-Steel and Service Steel Warehouse. Parker Steel deals only in metric measurements.

See if pre-fabricated steel beam buildings are a viable option

If you're looking for a quicker alternative to erecting buildings from scratch, look into pre-fabricated buildings. These are structures that use steel beam frames attached to sheet or corrugated metal "skins." Good for storage, warehousing or other functions that require lots of open space, pre-fabricated steel buildings are faster and simpler to put up.

I recommend: Look for examples of pre-fabricated steel beam buildings at American Steel Structures Inc., or customize your building and get a price quote at Olympia Steel Buildings.