Metal Building Window Options: Sizes, Styles & Custom Frame-Outs
Windows can make a metal building more comfortable, more useful, and more finished in appearance. They add natural light, can improve ventilation, and help enclosed buildings feel less like a dark storage space.
When designing a metal garage, workshop, storage building, commercial structure, or red iron building, window size and placement should be planned early. Windows affect wall layout, framing, panels, trim, interior use, and the overall look of the structure.
At Legacy Carports, we help customers compare standard window sizes, grid options, red iron window options, and custom window frame-outs before finalizing their building design.
Quick Answer: What Window Options Are Available?
For many tubular steel buildings, common window options include 24"x36" and 30"x36" vertical sliding windows. Depending on the manufacturer, customers may also have access to 30"x30" vertical sliding windows, along with white grid or black grid options.
For red iron and structural steel buildings, window options may include 20"x70" fixed windows, along with 30"x30", 40"x30", and 60"x40" windows in horizontal slide or thermal break horizontal slide styles.
Custom window frame-outs may also be possible when a customer wants to use a different window size or style. Larger windows should be planned carefully because they can affect framing, leg placement, headers, and wall layout.
On This Page
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Tubular Steel Window Options
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Red Iron Window Options
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Window Sizes
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Grid Colors
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Fixed and Sliding Windows
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Custom Window Frame-Outs
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Window Placement
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Framing and Header Requirements
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Choosing the Right Windows
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FAQs
Why Window Options Matter
Windows are more than a cosmetic upgrade. They can make a metal building easier to use by adding natural light and helping the space feel more open.
For garages and workshops, windows can brighten the interior during the day. For storage buildings, they can make it easier to find tools, equipment, or supplies. For commercial or agricultural buildings, windows may improve comfort, visibility, and overall usability.
Window choices should be planned with the full building layout in mind. Size, placement, frame spacing, door location, wall panels, and interior use can all affect which window option makes the most sense.
What Legacy Carports Looks at Before Recommending Windows
Before recommending window options, Legacy Carports looks at the building type, wall layout, frame spacing, foundation, and how the customer plans to use the space.
We also consider whether the customer wants natural light, ventilation, a more finished appearance, or a specific window size. The location of garage doors, walk-in doors, shelving, workbenches, vehicles, and equipment can all affect the best window placement.
For larger windows or custom window openings, framing becomes especially important. If a window needs to go where a leg would normally be placed, or if the window is wider than the normal frame spacing, the opening may require additional planning or headers.
Window Options for Tubular Steel Buildings
Tubular steel buildings commonly use vertical sliding windows. These windows are practical for metal garages, workshops, storage buildings, and other enclosed structures.
From our main manufacturer, common window sizes include 24"x36" and 30"x36". Another manufacturer may offer those sizes as well as a 30"x30" option.
These windows are commonly used when customers want natural light and basic ventilation without needing a fully custom window package.
Common Tubular Steel Window Sizes
Window Size | Common Use |
|---|---|
30"x30" | Available through some manufacturers for certain tubular steel buildings |
30"x36" | Larger standard option for more natural light |
24"x36" | Smaller window option for garages, storage buildings, and workshops |
Availability can vary by manufacturer, building design, location, and project requirements. Window options should be reviewed before the building order is finalized.
White Grid and Black Grid Window Options
Some tubular steel windows may be available with either white grid or black grid options, depending on the manufacturer.
White grid windows can blend well with lighter trim, white doors, and traditional color combinations. Black grid windows can create a stronger contrast and may work well with darker trim, modern color schemes, or buildings where the customer wants the windows to stand out.
Grid color availability can vary by manufacturer and window size, so it should be confirmed during the design process.
Window Options for Red Iron Buildings
Red iron and structural steel buildings often have different window options than standard tubular steel buildings.
Common red iron window options may include 20"x70" fixed windows, along with 30"x30", 40"x30", and 60"x40" windows. Depending on the project, these may be available as horizontal slide windows or thermal break horizontal slide windows.
Because red iron buildings are engineered around the individual project, window size, style, placement, and frame-out requirements should be discussed during the design stage.
Fixed Windows vs. Sliding Windows
Fixed windows do not open. They are often used when the main goal is natural light, visibility, or appearance.
Sliding windows can open, which may help with ventilation and airflow. Many tubular steel building windows are vertical sliding windows, while red iron buildings may offer horizontal slide options.
Thermal break horizontal slide windows may be available on some red iron projects. These can be useful when the building design calls for a more advanced window option, depending on the structure and intended use.
The best choice depends on whether the customer mainly wants light, airflow, appearance, or a specific style of window.
Custom Window Frame-Outs
Customers are not always limited to standard window sizes. Custom window frame-outs may be possible when a customer wants to use a different window size or style.
Custom windows should be discussed before the building is finalized because the opening size can affect framing, wall panels, trim, and pricing. If the customer is supplying the window, the window should be onsite at the time of construction so the crew can confirm the size and frame the opening correctly.
Custom frame-outs are especially important for larger windows, specialty windows, or windows that do not match standard manufacturer options.
Window Placement
Window placement should be planned around how the building will be used. A window may look good on a drawing, but it also needs to make sense with the interior layout.
Customers should think about where vehicles, workbenches, shelving, storage racks, garage doors, walk-in doors, and equipment will be located. A poorly placed window can interfere with storage, reduce usable wall space, or create layout issues inside the building.
Windows should also be planned around exterior use. Driveways, walkways, nearby structures, fences, property views, and sunlight direction may all affect the best placement.
Framing and Header Requirements
Windows are installed into the wall system, so they need to work with the building’s frame.
If a window fits between the normal frame spacing, the frame-out may be straightforward. If a window is wider than the normal leg spacing, or if it needs to be placed where a leg would normally be located, additional framing changes may be required.
A header may be needed to distribute the load above the opening and allow the frame to span across the window. This is especially important for larger custom windows or window openings that interrupt the standard framing layout.
Because windows can affect structural support, larger openings should be reviewed before manufacturing begins.
How Window Options Affect Price
Window pricing can vary based on size, style, grid color, frame-out needs, building type, and manufacturer availability.
A standard tubular steel window will usually be more straightforward than a larger custom window or red iron window package. Custom frame-outs, larger openings, thermal break options, or windows that require additional headers may increase cost.
The best window option should match the customer’s goals. A simple storage building may only need one or two standard windows, while a workshop, office-style space, or commercial building may benefit from larger or upgraded window options.
How to Choose the Right Window Option
Choose a 24"x36" window if you want a smaller standard window for natural light and basic ventilation.
Choose a 30"x36" window if you want a larger standard option for more light in a tubular steel building.
Choose a 30"x30" window if that size better fits your layout and is available through the manufacturer.
Choose a fixed window if natural light and appearance matter more than ventilation.
Choose a sliding window if airflow and ventilation are important.
Choose a custom frame-out if you want a different window size, specialty window, or customer-supplied window.
Choose a red iron window package if the structure is a red iron or structural steel building with larger or more commercial-style window needs.
The right window depends on the building type, wall layout, frame spacing, appearance goals, and how the space will be used.
Why Planning Windows Early Matters
Windows should be planned before the building design is finalized because they affect wall panels, frame spacing, trim, interior layout, and overall appearance.
This is especially important for large windows, custom windows, or windows placed where a structural leg would normally be located. These situations may require additional headers or framing changes.
Changing window size, style, or placement after the order is finalized may affect pricing, materials, approval, manufacturing, and scheduling.
Get Help Choosing the Right Windows
Choosing the right windows starts with understanding how the building will be used, where natural light is needed, and how the windows fit into the wall layout.
Legacy Carports can help you compare standard tubular steel window sizes, grid options, red iron window styles, and custom frame-outs before finalizing your building design.
Ready to plan your structure? Use our 3D Builder or reach out to Legacy Carports for help choosing the right window options.