15 Surprising Facts About Airplane Hangar Designs

A metal airplane hangar might look like a basic shelter, but it’s a lot more than just a parking spot for planes. These structures blend strength, smarts, and style to protect your aircraft for the long haul. At Armstrong Steel, we craft pre-engineered hangars that stand tough for decades, tailored to your needs with no fuss. Modern designs have evolved with better tech and engineering, making them more versatile than ever. Here are 15 surprising facts that show what metal airplane hangars can do.

1.  Size Is No Limit

With pre-engineered steel, your hangar can be as big as your dreams. Need space for a single prop plane or a jumbo jet? We design it to fit. Bigger projects often cost less per square foot because steel’s strength spreads the load efficiently—think a massive 100,000-square-foot hangar that’s still budget-friendly compared to smaller, pricier builds.

2. They Can Match Your Vision

Ditch the idea of a dull metal box. Our hangars support custom looks—paint it bright red for your brand, add textured panels, or mix in windows for flair. We engineer the steel to handle any roof or wall style you want, so your hangar’s both a workhorse and a head-turner.

3. Steel Cuts Costs Upfront

Building with steel can save you 40% or more compared to wood or brick. Why? Steel’s cheaper to produce and ship, and our pre-engineered designs streamline the process. You’re not just saving now—those dollars stay in your pocket instead of going to overpriced materials or slow construction.

4. They’re Tough Against Nature

Steel hangars laugh off threats that ruin other buildings. Our commercial-grade, galvanized steel fights rust with a zinc shield—perfect for humid or coastal spots. Plus, it resists wind, lightning, and pests like termites, keeping your planes safe without constant repairs.

5. No Columns, No Problem

Imagine sliding a wide-winged plane inside with zero obstacles. Our clear-span designs use steel’s strength to skip interior columns, giving you a wide-open floor. Wood needs supports every few feet, but with us, you get uninterrupted space for even the biggest aircraft.

6. They Grow With You

Your fleet’s expanding? No sweat. Steel’s modular setup means we can extend your hangar later—add 20 feet to the side or double the length. Our designs bolt on easily, so you’re not stuck tearing down and starting over like with rigid brick setups.

7. Built for Your Backyard

Every area’s got its quirks—blizzards, quakes, or hurricanes. We engineer each hangar to tackle your local weather and seismic zones, meeting codes without piling on extra steel. A hangar in Texas might brace for wind, while one in Oregon handles shakes—all custom-fit to your spot.

8. They Sip Energy, Not Guzzle It

Steel hangars keep power bills low. Their tight frames pair with basic insulation—like fiberglass rolls—to trap heat or cool air better than leaky wood buildings. In summer, your hangar stays bearable; in winter, it’s cozy—saving you cash year-round.

9. Doors Can Steal the Show

Hangar doors aren’t just functional—they’re a statement. Steel’s strength lets us fit massive sliding or bi-fold doors that glide open for easy access. Picture a 60-foot-wide door lifting smoothly—wood frames can’t handle that kind of scale or wow factor.

10. They Handle Harsh Climates

From desert heat to arctic cold, steel hangars hold up where others fail. Our galvanized steel won’t warp in 120-degree summers or crack in subzero winters. We’ve built hangars from Arizona to Alaska, engineered to keep your planes safe no matter the extremes.

11. Low Maintenance, Big Savings

Planes need constant FAA checkups, but your hangar shouldn’t. Steel’s durability means less time fixing rot or leaks—our galvanized finish shrugs off rust, and the solid frame skips wood’s upkeep hassles. That’s more money for fuel or upgrades, not repairs.

12. They Multitask Like Champs

Steel’s big interiors aren’t just for planes. Add a corner for tools, a partitioned office, or cargo storage—your hangar becomes a one-stop shop. Flying freight? Stack goods inside. It’s space you can tweak without tearing walls down.

13. Wind Won’t Win

High winds—say, 100 mph or more—can rattle weaker buildings, but not ours. We design hangars to stand firm, using steel’s heft and smart engineering to anchor them against storms. Your aircraft stays put, even when the weather’s wild.

14. They Keep the Peace

Got neighbors nearby? Engine roars don’t have to bug them. Add fire-rated drywall or acoustic panels inside, and your hangar quiets down. It’s a simple fix that keeps the peace—and your planes—without fancy tech or big costs.

15. Future-Proof Flexibility

Plans change, and steel adapts. If aviation’s not your game later, turn your hangar into a warehouse, workshop, or even a gym. Its sturdy frame and open layout hold value, making it a smart investment that shifts with your future.

Design a steel aircraft hangar today

Let our team at Armstrong Steel design the perfect metal airplane hangar for your project. Start by getting a quote, or speak with one of our building consultants by calling 1-800-345-4610.