Warehouse tent or steel building? A tent is a demountable, relocatable structure put up without any masonry work; a prefabricated steel building is a permanent, thermally insulated building with panels. In this article we compare the structure, covering, assembly and documentation to help you choose the right solution for your storage.
In short
- Warehouse tent: a galvanised steel structure, bolted together on site and covered with 640 g/m² PVC membrane. Fully demountable and relocatable.
- Prefabricated steel building: a hot-dip galvanised steel structure in execution class EXC 2, with insulated sandwich panels or trapezoidal sheeting.
- Choose a tent for unheated storage and when the location may change; choose a steel building for production, offices and heated spaces.
- For both, we prepare the design documentation; if a permit is needed, we obtain it, and if not, we put the building up without one.
What is a warehouse tent and what is a steel building?
Both have a load-bearing steel structure, but they differ in their envelope and in how permanently they are installed.
A warehouse tent is a prefabricated standard structure: a steel frame with anchor plates, covered with a PVC membrane. It is made of galvanised steel tubes and profiles that are assembled on site with bolts only. There is no masonry or welding work during assembly.
A prefabricated steel building is a made-to-measure steel building. All the steel elements are protected by hot-dip galvanising, and the roof and walls are made of insulated sandwich panels or trapezoidal sheeting. Read more about the options on the prefabricated steel buildings page.
Warehouse tent or steel building: a comparison
The table below summarises the differences that matter most for the decision. The data apply to the versions we make in our company.
| Feature | Warehouse tent | Prefabricated steel building |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Galvanised steel tubes and profiles, bolted on site | Hot-dip galvanised steel structure, execution class EXC 2 |
| Roof and walls | Sattler PVC membrane, 640 g/m² | Insulated sandwich panels or trapezoidal sheeting |
| Thermal insulation | No | Yes, with panels |
| Assembly | No masonry or welding work | On a concrete slab |
| Relocation | Demountable and relocatable | Permanent building |
| Interior | A single storage space | Floors, offices and a crane runway possible |
Warehouse tents
More on thisWhen is a warehouse tent the better choice?
A warehouse tent is the right choice when you need covered space quickly and without a permanent intervention on your land.
- You store goods that do not need a heated space: building materials, pallets, machinery.
- The location may change or the land is leased, because the structure can be dismantled and moved.
- You want a structure that is placed on the market as a whole, with all the documentation for erecting a minor building under Slovenian law.
One example is the Stadler warehouse tent in Krško, measuring 20 × 100 m. All our versions are described on the warehouse tents page.
When should you choose a steel building?
A prefabricated steel building is the right choice when people work in the building every day or when the space has to be thermally insulated.
- You need a production or service space, not just storage.
- You want offices, a mezzanine or a crane runway in the building.
- The building will stand permanently and has to match your company's image.
One example is the Grafoline warehouse and production hall in Zreče: a building with a parapet, a two-storey office section and a roof of 100 mm insulated sandwich panels.
How do I get a quote for a warehouse tent or steel building?
For a first quote, four details are enough: what the building is for, the type of building and the width, length and height you need. We adapt the dimensions to your requirements and your site.
Enter the details in the inquiry form or give us a call. If you are not yet sure which solution is right, describe what you will store or make in the building and we will advise you.
Author
Konstrukcije Gajšek team
The designers, production staff and installation crews of Rastlinjaki Gajšek d.o.o.
