Contractors always need to satisfy their clients, as well as provide safe, quality construction metal products. The construction industry uses steel to reinforce structures, but also uses different types of metals such as brass and bronze to create beautiful, unique designs.

Whether your intention is to find steel building materials or simply find a metal building component to finish off your project, you need to find the right supplier. When searching for a manufacturer or supplier, keep the following things in mind:

1. Look for a supplier who specializes in metal roofing. There are metal roofs that look similar to traditional shingles, but offer more strength and durability.

2. Inspire your clients with the beauty of architectural metals by searching for suppliers who create and finish unique metal designs.

3. Consider shipping when looking for a steel manufacturer. Find a company that manufactures and delivers steel building materials directly to your job site.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the right metal materials supplier for your roofing needs

Contractors are in the business of giving their clients what they want. If you are in the business of roofing, you are well aware of the benefits of metal roofing. You can sell your clients on the strength and durability of metal building products and find a supplier able to get you what you need when you need it.

I recommend: The Metal Roofing Alliance displays a listing of metal roofing suppliers by the type of metal building material they offer. The Blue Book of Building and Construction gives you a state-by-state listing of roofing manufacturers, including those who create metal products for the construction industry.

Get architectural metals that fit your construction project

Architectural metals enhance your construction projects, and can offer safety and stability to your design. In order to see your project completed, you need to find architectural metal suppliers that not only give you what you need, such as handrails, metal sheets or tubing, but also polish and finish the metal to your specifications.

I recommend: Nationwide Architectural Metals distributes and polishes stainless steel, brass and bronze architectural metals. Find metal railings and other metal building products at The Wagner Companies.

Search for steel building materials to strengthen or complete your construction project

Steel used in construction can come in different forms. It can be simply a metal building component used in conjunction with other materials, or steel can make up the entire structure. No matter what type of building you intend to erect, the right steel supplier is essential.

I recommend: American Straight Steel manufactures and delivers steel building components. Steel Building Materials has a database of steel and metal manufacturers and suppliers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The metal products industry doesn't just stop with steel frames and handrails. Consider using metal doors for commercial or residential projects. They offer more security than traditional wood doors and now come in more eye-pleasing designs.