The Real Deal for Mike Fourtner

Journey for a Steel Truss Building in Chehalis, WA

The construction industry is being transformed by creative individuals who do not feel the need to follow traditional construction practices, which is confined to what one builder wants to design for the masses. These innovative people choose to utilize their creative skills and design their own customized structure with steel trusses, then utilize low maintenance materials such as metal roofing and metal siding. 

The movement for economical, efficient construction is lead by people who understand there is more durability and strength provided with steel framework. 

Steel Truss Construction

Mike Fourtner knows a bit about strength, durability and reliability. He was the former ship engineer for the Time Bandit on the hit TV series Deadliest Catch. Mike knows what it takes to build a lasting structure that can hold up in rough climates against the toughest elements brought on by mother nature.

Aerial view of a wooden barn under construction in a rural area, surrounded by green fields and tall pine trees. Building materials and equipment are scattered around the site. A white house is visible nearby.

At a glance, Mike’s new building appears to be wood construction, but underneath the secondary wood framing are solid steel columns and solid steel trusses that create the strongest type of structure available on the market. Builders have the option to utilize metal or wood to finish out the secondary framework. 

Structural Framework

“I decided to be my own GC and had 3 friends with some basic building experience to help me over several weekends. During the process, we had quite a few people stop by to check out our new structure early in the install phase because not many buildings up here are built like this one.”

 ~Mike
A large metal framework of a building under construction, with visible beams and supports. Various construction equipment, including a blue lift and an orange forklift, are on site. The background shows trees under a clear blue sky.

After the columns and trusses have been set and joined together with bolts, the secondary framing is now ready to be installed. Mike chose to utilize wood for his secondary framing material, which makes his building style a ‘Hybrid’ structure.  

A partially constructed building with a metal frame is set against a backdrop of trees and a blue sky. Wood planks and metal beams are scattered on a concrete floor, with a single tall tree visible through the structure.

Insulation Choices

A house under construction with workers installing roof insulation. The building is wrapped in Tyvek sheeting. A forklift lifts materials to the roof, and various tools and insulation rolls are on the ground. Overcast sky in the background.

There are several routes you can take when insulating your building. Traditional insulation has an R value, which is the measurement of the insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The R value needed will depend on your climate, location, and your framing materials. 

Mike chose to use 4 inch compression insulation on the walls, and 6 inch compression insulation on the ceiling. He then added plywood and Tyvek on top of that before he screwed down the metal siding and roofing. This method will leave the interior columns and trusses exposed and leave more space inside the building as well.

Two workers are installing metal roofing sheets on a house under construction. The house is wrapped with Tyvek, and the sky is overcast. The surroundings are green with grass and trees.
Workers install a metal roof on a large building amid a forested landscape. Part of the roof is completed, while some workers position materials on a turquoise underlayment. Overcast skies and machinery are visible in the background.

Once the insulation, plywood and Tyvek was all in place, the metal roofing and siding was screwed down, which is the final layer of protection against the elements of nature. Mike was very innovative in the way he chose to triple layer his materials under his metal panels.

The Outer Shell

Mike chose metal roofing and metal siding with a wainscot and side overhang for a covered porch area to complete the look of his maintenance-free building that will provide a long lasting outer shell of the structure for decades to come.

Mezzanine System

Interior of a partially constructed building with wooden flooring. The space has metal beams and a high ceiling. Construction materials, tools, and windows are visible, allowing natural light to illuminate the area.

Mezzanine kits are bolted directly to your steel trusses. You can order your trusses with pre-punched bolt holes for a mezzanine system to be installed during your build, or if you are planning to add your mezzanine at a later date. Either way, you have the flexibility you need to customize your build to your design specifications.

When you add a steel mezzanine to your building kit, you are increasing the usefulness of your interior space by adding a second floor within the same building footprint. Your mezzanine joists can be set at any height for steel floors that have high load-bearing weight capacity. 

A spacious garage workshop with bright overhead lights. A metal boat labeled "BONNIE" is on the right, with various tools and equipment, including a blue welder and a white machine, scattered around the concrete floor.

The Inner Shell

“We just installed a 48,000 BTU ductless split system last week so we are excited to see how well it performs compared to a traditional HVAC system this winter.”

 ~Mike
Interior view of a large warehouse or barn with metal and wooden beams, white insulation on the ceiling, and construction equipment, including a lift and scaffolding, on the floor. Small windows provide natural light.

The true beauty of a steel building is that your interior finishing elements are a blank canvas for complete customization. You can encase your trusses with wood, or leave them exposed for a more industrial look. You can create just about any design style from the ceilings to the walls as well as the flooring.

Bonus Office Space

A spacious warehouse interior with a high ceiling, featuring a wooden mezzanine and staircase on the right. Construction materials and tools are scattered on the concrete floor, including a ladder, saw, and planks. Natural light enters through windows.

Mike wanted more than just a garage area and storage space in his new building. So he added a 17×24 finished office space to his second floor mezzanine area.

An office space with two desks, chairs, and computers under a slanted brown metal beam ceiling. There's a painting above one desk, a backpack on the floor, and a large pet bed near the window. The floor is wooden.

Customized Interior

“Everything came together as planned. We ended up wiring eight 36,000 Lumen LED lights overhead with three more in the mezzanine area so there is plenty of light for my boating project I have planned for the winter season.”

 ~Mike
A workshop with high ceilings features a tractor, various tools, and equipment. A rustic wood-paneled office is elevated on the left, and a large vehicle labeled "Bonnie B" is suspended above the ground on the right.

Our building design experts are available to answer any questions you may have about your building project. Call us at 800-825-0316 or contact us for more information.

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