Structural Steel Estimating Services
Steel is bought, fabricated and erected by weight. To price a steel package, you need to know how many tons are in the building, and where they are. A structural steel estimate gives you that number, along with the cost to fabricate and erect it.
Estimexa provides structural steel estimating services for contractors across the USA. We list every member from your structural drawings, calculate its weight, and price the full steel scope.
You get a clear tonnage and cost breakdown you can bid with or send to your fabricator.
How Structural Steel Is Estimated
Each beam, column, and brace on the framing plans is listed by size and length. We count and measure every member in PlanSwift and Bluebeam.
Each steel size has a set weight per foot. Multiplying that weight by the member length gives its total weight. The weights are added together and converted to tons. Connections are added, and then material, fabrication, and erection costs are applied.
What Your Steel Estimate Covers
- Structural framing: beams, columns, girders and bracing
- Joists and deck: steel joists, joist girders, and roof and floor deck
- Connections: base plates, shear tabs, bolts and welds
- Miscellaneous metals: stairs, railings, ladders, lintels and embeds
- Fabrication and erection: shop and field labor, plus cranes and equipment
- Summary: total tonnage by member type, with a cost breakdown
Who It’s For
Steel Fabricators
Tonnage by member type helps you plan material orders and shop hours.
Steel Erectors
Piece counts and member weights help you plan crane picks and crew size.
General Contractors
A full steel cost lets you check fabricator bids before you award the package.
See What You’ll Receive
Before you send your plans, you can review a sample estimate to see the format, the level of detail and how costs are broken down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is structural steel priced?
Usually by the ton. The price per ton depends on the type of members, the amount of connection work, fabrication and local erection rates.
Do you include metal deck in the estimate?
Yes. Roof and floor deck are measured by area and included with the joists.
What drawings do you need?
Structural framing plans, sections, details and the general notes. Architectural drawings help with miscellaneous metals.
How long does a steel estimate take?
Smaller projects are often ready within 24 hours. Larger steel packages get a delivery date with your quote.