Quonset Hut Buildings

Choose a Quonset Hut Size and Style

Choose Q-, S- or P-model and determine the width and length of your building. Standard widths are less expensive than highly customized kits, so round up for more space. With arch buildings, you can include a 2-foot panel or two for additional length on a standard kit.

Choose a Height

The height of a Quonset is taken from the center of the highest component, i.e., the arch's highest point.

The height of your Quonset will be dictated by what you intend to use the building for. Typical eave heights include 10', 12', or 14' for garages and shops and 16', 18', and 20' for agricultural storage buildings and warehouses.

Typical Q-model Quonset hut kit building heights range from 10' to 24'. But, the height is limited to half of the width or less.

S-model Quonset kits are available in heights from 10' to 20' and have different center heights based on the height of the used walls.

P-model Quonset kits come in heights of 12' to 16'. But, again, the height is primarily dictated by the wall height.

Building Codes, Permits, and Zoning

Most Quonsets can be assembled with a standard floating 4-inch foundation. Still, you'll want to check your local codes carefully before construction. Zoning approval is rarely a problem for Quonsets but must also be obtained. Read more about building permits and codes.

Construction Site Analysis

Site selection is essential for the foundation of your new structure. Shallow or weak soils may require larger footings or deep foundations such as piles. A preliminary site analysis is critical to determine if the soil at the site is buildable, drainable, etc. It is strongly recommended you engage a structural engineer to assist with the site selection and analysis process.

Financing

Financing Quonsets are slightly different from other buildings, especially homes. Most American banks don't finance steel frame buildings like they do other structures. Not to worry: here's our guide to financing metal buildings.

Choose Customization Options

Whether you're constructing a mancave or a storage shed, add doors, windows, skylights, a mezzanine second levels, and more.

Most customization in terms of design with a Quonset hut is limited to the design of the end walls. That being said, windows and access doors can be added along the length of the building. But, this will add significantly to the cost due to the additional engineering involved.

We have also seen some extremely stunning Quonset designs for modern homes that were architecturally designed using modified components and roof-only components.

Typical Upgrade Options include:

• Pre-assembled end walls
• Garage doors
• Sliding doors
• Service (personnel) doors
• Louvered vents
• Turbine vents
• Skylight panels

Note: The style and design of these vary by supplier. Be sure to check when applying for quotes.

After you have a reasonable idea of your building's size, style, and design, the next step is to get quotes for the Quonset hut kit. We can help here - tell us a little about your project, and we will match you with four reputable suppliers who will provide competing quotes for your building kit. Request quotes here.

After choosing a supplier to work with, you'll need to put down a deposit (typically 20-30% of the total cost of a Quonset hut) and sign a contract before the factory can begin engineering your custom building. You'll then receive the engineering drawings and foundation plans (usually within 2-3 weeks) stamped by an engineer licensed in your state. In most cases, the plans are included in the price. Still, some suppliers charge extra for the foundation plans, so ask about this before placing your order.

Now that you have all of the relevant plans, you can get quotes from local subcontractors or a general contractor to help with the construction of your building. You'll also be able to approach your local building department, begin the permitting process, and talk to lenders if you need financing.

TIP: Find out whether the pricing breakdown for the metal Quonset hut you purchase includes both of the structure's end walls. Many suppliers charge extra for the Endwall in addition to the standard kit since they see it as an optional feature.

Site Preparation

After it has been confirmed the site is buildable from Step 1 (above), soil testing, site clearing (which may include demolition), and preparing a site plan (to obtain a permit) can commence. With the building permit, construction activities can begin, like grading, soil compacting, and running services to the site. For more information on these measures, see our article on site preparation.

You may also need to consider:

• Room for setbacks.
• Location of current utilities and access routes.
• Any easements on the property.

Note: Be sure to arrange construction insurance before erecting your building - accidents happen.

Foundations

The size of your foundation depends on your building's end use. For example, quarters without end walls will require a smaller foundation than those with end walls. All Quonsets are engineered to fit into a U-shaped channel, which can be built into a 4" poured concrete slab or built with a more economical footer system.

The foundation must be the correct size, depth, and strength to support the structure.

Erecting the building yourself is possible, but we strongly recommend having:

1. A local, licensed structural engineer experienced in designing steel building foundations designs the foundation and draws up a foundation plan for the structure.
2. An experienced concrete contractor pours the foundation.

This will ensure the safety of your building and eliminate any code violations by having a foundation unsuitable for your intended construction site.

Note: If you're housing heavy machinery you'll likely need a 6" slab foundation.

Typical foundations for include:

1. Standard (Trough or Keyway) Foundation

The footers are 18 inches wide and 16 inches deep. Dig a 3.5x9 inch channel, erect the Quonset arch panels within the channel, and grout the channel at a 1" slope. This anchors the structure to your foundation without needing a concrete slab (typical for grain and other farm storage applications).

Each arch must be installed with an anchor bolt and a tie-down bracket to attach it to the foundation. The 3/8" diameter fasteners are used to secure the arch panels to the tie-down brackets. The arches are fixed in the middle of the panels and at each place where they cross over an adjacent arch. Along the length of the foundation, the anchor bolts are placed within the trough.

Trough foundations need to be grouted where the building meets the foundation to provide a weathertight seal.

Note: Anchor bolts are not typically included in the kit package.

2. Slab Foundation with C-Channel Base Connectors

An alternative to the standard trough foundation is to use a floating slab foundation with C-channel base connectors to secure the arches to the foundation. The advantages of this foundation option include:

• Faster and simpler construction, as a trough doesn't need to be formed.
• Tie-down brackets are not required.
• Less concrete is required due to the smaller foundation design.

C-channels are secured to the foundation using expansion bolts or epoxy anchors. The base connectors are then attached to the anchor bolts and connected to the arch panels.

As the foundation is flat (without troughs), the base connectors must be caulked to prevent leaks.

Construction Options

You have three options when it comes to deciding who is going to erect your new steel Quonset building.

DIY Construction: You carry out all the labor yourself, including laying the foundation, erecting the building, adding insulation, and completing any interior finishing. All Quonset kits are designed for easy do-it-yourself assembly and are complete with arch panels, nuts, bolts, and detailed instructions.

For buildings under 3,000 square feet, around 75% of customers choose to construct their own Quonset hut. A DIY build is highly doable with preparation and planning. It can result in savings of 30% to 60% on the project's overall cost.

Self-Build: You take on the role of the project's general contractor (GC), hiring and supervising the different subcontractors to finish the build. By choosing this option, you can save 10–20% on general contractor fees.

General Contractor (GC) Build: If you choose to use a GC for your project, they will recruit and supervise all sub-contractors. Although it is usually the most efficient and convenient method to build, this choice is also the most costly. GC fees range from 10 to 20 percent of the project budget. However, you will gain from the GC's knowledge and the suggestions they may have for the project. You could also gain from a speedier permit approval procedure since many GCs already have connections with local building departments and inspectors.

Prep for Quonset Kit Delivery

Quonset kits are ready to assemble upon delivery, but you'll want to be prepared when your kit arrives.

Kit packages are generally available for delivery 4 to 16 weeks after you make your purchase.

Make sure you have a location to keep the pallets with the component packages before construction begins (see below) and lifting equipment (a backhoe, forklift, etc.) at your project site.

The job site should also have adequate access and be able to accept a 40' semi-trailer for the delivery and unloading of the pallets.

Typically, the final balance of payment will also be due upon delivery.

Here's our guide for prepping for delivery day.

Storing the Kit Components

Please follow the following recommendations to help avoid staining or discoloration of your building's components during storage:
Never allow moisture on or between any steel components before construction.
Store the components inside in a dry, well-ventilated place.

If your construction materials are kept outside, the coating will shield the steel for a brief length of time.

Indoor or covered storage is strongly advised. We highly suggest taking the extra safety measures listed below if you must store your construction materials outside to minimize the likelihood of damage or discoloration:

• Lay a tarp on the ground.
• Do not lay directly on grass.
• Cut the bands and use dry wood to divide each part so that no two pieces of steel are in contact.
• Ensure water or moisture does not accumulate on any steel components.
• Avoid simply covering the bundles and pallets with tarps.

Quonset Hut Construction

Assuming you have chosen to erect your building, here is a basic overview of the construction process.

Step 1: Carefully Read the Supplied Construction Manual
When erecting an arch structure, the most important things to remember are to read the assembly instructions thoroughly and plan ahead. By reading the instructions all the way through, you will understand what needs to be done. And by planning, you can avoid surprises or delays during the assembly process.

Step 2: Assemble the required Tools and Supplies
You will need the following:

• Scaffolding or a scissor lift and ladders
• Spirit or a laser level
• Several lengths of 2x4s for bracing
• Lengths of rope (to hoist up the arches)
• Wrenches, sockets, and ratchets
• Plumb-bob and chalk line
• Drill, hacksaw, reciprocating saw, and an impact gun

Step 3: Plan for a SAFE Build
You will be working with sharp and heavy steel panels. Read all the safety guidelines outlined in the manual before construction and have gloves, goggles, hard hats, safety boots, harnesses, and a first aid kit available.

Note: If feasible, build the arches such that they face away from the direction of the prevailing winds in your area. The arches overlap will then run in the same direction as the prevailing regional winds and more readily shed driving wind, rain, and snow, which will aid in weatherproofing your structure.

Step 4: Staging the Components
Before you start hoisting, lay the individual pieces of each steel arch on your construction site. Arch panels are only about 8 to 12 feet long and 2 feet wide, so this process can be handled by only one or two people if necessary.

A large clear area should be left at each end of the foundation, and leave approx. 10' of space along the length of the foundation. This will allow for unrestricted movement as the steel arches are constructed.

Step 5: Assemble the First Arch
Bolt together the first arch while still lying on the ground. Be sure to apply caulk between each panel before securing.

Step 6: Hoist the First Arch
You'll need two people for this step. One person will hoist the first arch upward above the foundation using a ladder, ropes, or crane. Then, the person on the ground will bolt the first arch into place at the foundation (base plate or trough). The arch is then secured by tying it to support jacks on the scaffolding and stakes in the ground.

Note: Bracing. As the arches are erected, supporting and keeping the structure in the right shape is crucial.

Extra care is required with the first arch as it can be flexible and difficult to control. It is not recommended that this be done if there is any wind.

Step 7-x: Repeat
You'll repeat this process for all the remaining metal arches, assembling each on the ground, hoisting them up, bolting them to the foundation, then snapping each arch to the previous one and bolting them into place. Again, caulk each section as you move along.

Note: All arch bolts are left finger-tight until the building is completely erected. At this stage, they can be fully tightened.

Add End Walls

As addressed above, your end walls can be engineered with your kit, or you may choose to make your own unique end walls with doors and windows of your choice.

Wiring Plumbing and Flooring

When you buy a Quonset hut kit from one of our suppliers, you buy just the building shell, including all paneling, fasteners, doors, and windows. You will need to engage local contractors to take care of the wiring, lighting, heating, plumbing, flooring, and internal framing (if required).

Install Insulation

Quonset huts can be insulated with all standard types of insulation, including fiberglass blankets and spray foam insulation.

Adding insulation to your will help resist cooling in winter and overheating in summer. It also helps prevent condensation and provides a good sound barrier. In addition, a little extra insulation expenditure will yield significant energy cost savings. This can be purchased from your kit supplier or sourced locally.
For more, see our metal building insulation page.

Interior Framing and Finishing

Quonset huts look unique on the outside, but inside they're similar to all other metal buildings.

Once the insulation has been installed, you can frame the structure's interior with 2x4 lumber or steel studs if you require an office or bathroom or if you are constructing a Quonset home. Hiring a local framing company for this build stage is typically recommended.

Walkthrough and Final Inspection

Minor problems that exist now can develop into much larger issues in the future. For this reason, it is crucial to conduct formal inspections throughout the construction process and upon completion of the build. A final inspection will be required to complete the permit process. Once the final inspection is complete, and the building inspector has provided a certificate of occupancy, the building permit process is officially complete.

For more information, see our article on metal building interiors.

Your steel Quonset hut building will not rust, corrode, or easily succumb to natural forces like weather or fire. That being said, there are a few aspects you will need to consider to keep your building in good condition and prevent damage.

Snow Removal

The manufacturers recommend that you do not allow snow to accumulate, as excessive snow and snow shadow conditions can cause damage to the building's steel panels.

Avoid Contact With Corrosive Materials

Some materials that cause corrosion may also cause discoloration to your structure. Be careful not to use grout containing calcium chloride, as this may result in corrosion of the steel panels and connectors.

Regular Cleaning

To prevent discoloration, the manufacturers also recommend a regular cleaning schedule with warm water and a light detergent.