Structural Concrete vs. Structural Steel: Choosing the Right Material for the Job

Choosing between structural concrete and structural steel requires careful consideration, and for good reason. Both materials play a critical role in how a building performs, lasts, and functions, and the differences between them aren’t always obvious at first glance. 

Remember, there’s no wrong starting point here. Both structural concrete and structural steel are proven, reliable options, and if you’re taking the time to learn the distinctions, you’re already on the right track. 

In this guide, we’ll break down what sets structural concrete and structural steel apart, compare the key factors that influence material selection, and outline when each option makes the most sense, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Table of Contents

• What Is Structural Concrete? 

• What Is Structural Steel? 

• 7 Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Structural Concrete vs. Structural Steel

• When To Use Structural Concrete vs. Structural Steel

• Madden Fabrication Offers Custom Structural Steel Fabrication Services in Portland and Beyond

What Is Structural Concrete? 

Structural concrete is engineered and reinforced to carry loads and play a critical role in supporting weight, resisting forces, and maintaining overall stability in applications including: 

• Foundations 

• Columns 

• Shear walls 

• Slabs

In most cases, structural concrete is reinforced with steel rebar, wire mesh, or post-tensioning systems to improve its tensile strength and control cracking. 

It also offers excellent fire resistance and performs reliably in environments exposed to moisture, chemicals, or temperature fluctuations.

What Is Structural Steel? 

Structural steel is fabricated and shaped specifically for load-bearing applications. It is also designed to support heavy loads while maintaining stability, strength, and long-term performance. Common structural steel shapes include:

• I-Beams

• Channels

• Angles

• Hollow structural sections (HSS)

• Plates

• Bars

These standardized shapes allow engineers and fabricators to design systems that distribute weight efficiently and perform predictably under stress.

7 Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Structural Concrete vs. Structural Steel

#1: Availability

Both structural concrete and structural steel are generally accessible materials for most construction and industrial projects. In normal market conditions, supply constraints are rarely the deciding factor between the two. Some of their differences include:

• Structural concrete’s core components are widely available and sourced locally. Also, materials are inexpensive to transport and easy to procure. These include:
  

  • Sand

  • Gravel

  • Water

  • Cement
    

• Structural steel is also readily available, supported by domestic steel production and a strong network of fabrication shops. For most projects, sourcing steel is not challenging. However, availability can be influenced by different factors such as: 
  

  • Market fluctuations

  • Lead times for fabrication

  • Overall steel pricing
    

#2: Cost

Structural concrete is typically associated with stable material pricing, especially for ready-mix concrete. 

However, concrete construction can carry higher upfront and time-related costs because it requires skilled labor, extensive formwork, and curing time.

If you’re choosing structural steel, you’ll benefit from a high strength-to-weight ratio that allows projects to use less material to achieve the same structural performance. Additionally, prefabricated steel elements can be produced off-site and installed quickly, shortening project timelines and reducing labor costs. 

Projects benefit from balancing these and many other factors with experienced partners like Madden Fabrication. We can help you optimize designs, control fabrication costs, and support projects from concept through completion.

#3: Strength

Structural concrete offers excellent compressive strength and performs reliably under constant, heavy loads. However, it has limited flexibility due to concrete's rigid nature. In seismic events, that rigidity can lead to cracking or localized failure. 

Structural steel is known for its ductility and tensile strength. Steel frames can bend slightly without breaking. This characteristic allows them to absorb and dissipate energy, which is a major advantage in earthquake-prone regions where steel members and connections can shift, rotate, and recover without compromising the overall structure. Steel also maintains its strength under repeated loading, making it well-suited for industrial environments with dynamic forces.

#4: Installation Time

Even with efficient crews, concrete must be given adequate time to cure before additional loads can be applied. The wait can be further extended depending on weather conditions. 

Structural steel, by contrast, allows for much faster installation. Steel components are commonly prefabricated off-site to precise specifications and delivered ready for assembly. Once on-site, steel frames and columns can be set up quickly, often within days rather than weeks. This streamlined process reduces downtime and allows other trades to begin work sooner.

#5: Fire-Resistance

Structural concrete offers inherent fire resistance due to its non-combustible composition and dense mass. Concrete absorbs and slowly transfers heat, helping delay a rise in temperature within the structural core. 

Structural steel, while non-combustible, behaves differently. When exposed to intense heat, steel can lose strength and stiffness unless it is protected. For this reason, steel structures typically rely on fireproofing methods such as intumescent coatings, fire-resistant cladding, or sprayed fire-resistive materials. When properly protected, steel systems can meet or exceed required fire ratings while maintaining structural integrity.

#6: Environmental Impact

Although structural concrete is made primarily from natural materials such as stone, sand, and gravel, this material is difficult to recycle once it has been cast. Demolition often results in material that can only be crushed and has limited uses. However, technology is working on improving options for sustainable concrete. 

Alternatively, structural steel offers a strong advantage in terms of recyclability and reuse because it can be recycled repeatedly without losing its strength. 

Also, in terms of production, cement production requires a significant amount of energy and contributes to carbon emissions. Steel production, on the other hand, has lower emissions and proves to be more efficient, particularly when combined with prefabrication steps.

#7: Versatility

Versatility plays a major role in determining which structural material is the best fit for a project’s design, layout, and future use. Both structural concrete and structural steel offer flexibility, but they do so in different ways.

Concrete’s primary advantage is its formability. While it is still in a semi-liquid state, concrete can be poured into molds to create: 

• Curves

• Custom shapes

• Complex architectural forms 

• Tailored designs 

Structural steel framing can span long distances without intermediate supports. This makes steel ideal for large-scale facilities such as: 

• Warehouses

• Manufacturing plants

• Aircraft hangars

• Commercial spaces with high ceilings

While standard steel components are often simple in shape, custom fabrication allows steel to support more complex designs when needed.

When To Use Structural Concrete vs. Structural Steel

Structural concrete is often the right choice when durability, mass, and inherent resistance are key priorities. Structural concrete:

• Is ideal for foundations, slabs, shear walls, and load-heavy structures

• Performs well in fire-prone or moisture-exposed environments

• Is suitable for projects requiring solid, molded, or custom-formed shapes

• Is common in regions with low seismic risk or where thermal mass is beneficial

• Works well for large, continuous structural elements with minimal future modification needs

Structural steel is a strong fit for projects that prioritize speed, flexibility, and efficient use of space. It is:

• Ideal for long spans and open layouts without interior columns

• Faster installation due to prefabrication and off-site fabrication

• Well-suited for seismic regions where flexibility and energy absorption matter

• Easier to modify, expand, or retrofit over time

• Commonly used in industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and large-scale structures

Madden Fabrication Offers Custom Structural Steel Fabrication Services in Portland and Beyond

Choosing between structural concrete and structural steel ultimately comes down to the specific demands of your project, but having the right fabrication partner can make all the difference. 

With more than 20 years of experience, Madden Fabrication provides custom structural steel fabrication for projects of all sizes, from industrial facilities and seismic upgrades to commercial builds and architectural metal work.

Based in Portland, OR, and trusted by clients beyond Oregon, our team at Madden Fabrication brings hands-on expertise to complex structural steel projects where reliability matters. We work closely with subcontractors, plant managers, and property owners to refine designs, develop precise specifications, and fabricate steel components built for performance, longevity, and accuracy.