SDI Member · ANSI/SDI compliant
Steel purlin supplier in Lakeland
High-strength C & Z steel purlins in Lakeland for efficient roof and wall support.
Supplying Steel Purlins in Lakeland
For job sites in Lakeland, Miami Metal Deck provides Steel Purlins cut to length and ready for installation, serving Polk County and the Central Florida region. We ship to Lakeland from Miami Gardens, offering 1-day service to major Florida cities and coordinating freight with your site schedule.
Inland sites around Lakeland typically see less salt exposure, so the choice between G60 and G90 galvanized usually follows the engineer's specifications and the building's use. We supply to the gauges, lengths and finishes on your approved drawings, which are designed to the Florida Building Code requirements that apply in Polk County.
Product guide
Product specifications for your Lakeland project
Compare profiles, dimensions, material options and applications to prepare your order. Select a product below to explore its technical details.
C Purlin
C purlin is a popular choice for roof and wall work, giving high strength at low weight. The C-shaped profile is available from 12 GA to 20 GA across several depths and gauges, meets ANSI standards, and carries galvanized G60 or G90 finishes.
Dimensions and profile
| Property | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Commercial Name | C Purlin |
| Gauge | 12 to 20 |
| Thickness | 0.039" to 0.094" |
| Weights | 1.2 to 6.78 lbs/ft |
| Size Range | C4x2 to C12x3 |
| Web Depths | 4 to 12 inches |
| Flanges | 2 to 3 inches |
Sizes run from C4x2 to C12x3, with web depths of 4 to 12 inches. Gauges 12 through 20 (0.039" to 0.094" thick) give weights of 1.2 to 6.78 lbs/ft. Flange widths are 2 to 3 inches, and lip dimensions reach 0.787 inches.
Sizes, thicknesses and weights
| Purlin Size | Thickness | Weight (lbs/ft) | Gauge | Web | Flange | Lip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C12x3-12 | 0.094 | 6.78 | 12 | 12 | 3 | 0.787 |
| C12x3-14 | 0.075 | 5.4 | 14 | 12 | 3 | 0.787 |
| C10x3-12 | 0.094 | 5.48 | 12 | 10 | 3 | 0.787 |
| C10x3-14 | 0.075 | 4.37 | 14 | 10 | 3 | 0.709 |
| C8x3-12 | 0.094 | 4.87 | 12 | 8 | 3 | 0.787 |
| C8x3-14 | 0.075 | 3.86 | 14 | 8 | 3 | 0.709 |
| C8x3-16 | 0.059 | 3.02 | 16 | 8 | 3 | 0.591 |
| C6x2.5-12 | 0.094 | 3.83 | 12 | 6 | 2.5 | 0.709 |
| C6x2.5-14 | 0.075 | 3.03 | 14 | 6 | 2.5 | 0.669 |
| C6x2.5-16 | 0.059 | 2.41 | 16 | 6 | 2.5 | 0.630 |
| C6x2.5-18 | 0.047 | 1.94 | 18 | 6 | 2.5 | 0.591 |
| C5x2-12 | 0.094 | 3.19 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 0.630 |
| C5x2-14 | 0.075 | 2.5 | 14 | 5 | 2 | 0.630 |
| C5x2-16 | 0.059 | 1.99 | 16 | 5 | 2 | 0.591 |
| C5x2-18 | 0.047 | 1.59 | 18 | 5 | 2 | 0.591 |
| C5x2-20 | 0.039 | 1.35 | 20 | 5 | 2 | 0.591 |
| C4x2-20 | 0.039 | 1.20 | 20 | 4 | 2 | 0.472 |
| C4x2-18 | 0.047 | 1.41 | 18 | 4 | 2 | 0.472 |
| C4x2-16 | 0.059 | 1.76 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 0.512 |
| C4x2-14 | 0.075 | 2.21 | 14 | 4 | 2 | 0.512 |
| C4x2-12 | 0.094 | 2.82 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 0.512 |
Gauges and thicknesses
| Gauge | Bare steel thickness (in) | Weight (lbs/ft) | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 0.094 | Up to 6.78 lbs/ft | Heavy structural applications, large spans. |
| 14 | 0.075 | Up to 5.4 lbs/ft | Standard commercial structural support. |
| 16 | 0.059 | Up to 3.02 lbs/ft | Medium-duty roof and wall support. |
| 18 | 0.047 | Up to 1.94 lbs/ft | Light-duty applications. |
| 20 | 0.039 | Up to 1.35 lbs/ft | Light framing and small spans. |
Because C purlins come in gauges 12 through 20, you can fit the section to your load and span. Gauges 12 and 14 are the better match for large structural work and heavy roofing loads. Gauges 18 and 20 handle lighter framing and short spans, and they save weight and cost.
Finishes and coatings
| Finish | Details |
|---|---|
| Galvanized G60 | Zinc coating of 0.6 oz/ft². Recommended for general environments. |
| Galvanized G90 | Zinc coating of 0.9 oz/ft². Ideal for highly corrosive environments. |
| Prime-Painted | Provides a base coat for additional protection or paint adhesion. |
| Bare Steel | Unfinished; typically for indoor use or controlled environments. |
Galvanized (G60 and G90) and prime-painted finishes are offered on C purlins. Use G60 for general environments for corrosion protection. G90 adds a heavier zinc coating for coastal or high-humidity settings. Prime-painted gives a base coat for jobs that need further coating.
Material and finish options
Our C purlins use 55 KSI high-strength steel. Finishes include corrosion-resistant galvanizing that meets ANSI standards, paint for a tailored appearance, and bare steel for custom applications, each designed to boost durability and performance on Lakeland projects.
Custom lengths
We cut to the length your job calls for, from 6′-0″ on smaller projects to 40′-0″ spans on larger builds. Custom lengths for Lakeland projects help the pieces fit properly and keep waste low.
C Purlin features
With a high strength-to-weight ratio, quick installation, and corrosion-resistant coatings, our C purlins fit industrial buildings, solar panels, agricultural structures, and commercial roof and wall systems. They are a practical pick for Lakeland projects.
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Strong load-bearing performance in a light section means less dead load on the structure and easier installation.
Easy and Fast Installation
Because the section is light and symmetrical, crews spend less time and face fewer complications in roof and wall systems.
Galvanized or Prime-Painted Finish
G60 and G90 galvanized finishes, along with prime-painted, improve durability and corrosion resistance.
Ideal for Custom Applications
Fits industrial buildings, solar panels, agricultural structures, and a variety of other commercial structures.
Compliance with SDI Standards
Steel Deck Institute and ANSI guidelines are met, supporting quality and code compliance.
Versatile Design Options
Choose from C4x2 to C12x3 sizes in gauges 12 to 20 to suit different structural needs and load requirements.
Installation and connections
Installation practices
- Place C purlins perpendicular to primary structural supports.
- At each support, anchor with bolts, welds, or self-drilling screws.
- Overlapped purlins are secured with bolts or screws at 12" o.c.
Fasteners and attachments
- Secure purlins to primary frames using ½" diameter bolts.
- Use #12 self-drilling screws at 6" o.c. along supports; at overlaps, space them at 12" o.c.
- Lapped joints take #12 self-drilling screws at 12" o.c.
Confirm the profile, gauge, span, loads and connections against your project drawings and the applicable product load tables before ordering.
Applications
Roof and Wall Structural Framing
These purlins give strong support to roofing and wall cladding on commercial and industrial buildings, and they work in vented or non-vented structures.
Mezzanine and Racking Support
Mezzanine floors and industrial racking get excellent strength here, which is ideal for warehouses and factories needing durable structural support.
Standards and product documentation
SDI (Steel Deck Institute) specifications govern the C purlin, so design and performance meet a high standard.
C Purlin questions
What is a C purlin, and what is it used for?
It is a cold-formed steel member with a 'C' shaped section. Its main job is structural support in the roofs and walls of industrial, commercial, and agricultural buildings.
How does a C purlin differ from a Z purlin?
The C purlin has a symmetrical 'C' section that gives strength and stability, and it works best in simple-span applications. A Z purlin has a 'Z' section that lets pieces overlap, which adds rigidity on longer continuous spans.
Which gauges and materials do C purlins come in?
Gauges 12 to 20 are available. They are made from galvanized steel (G60/G90) or prime-painted steel, depending on what the project requires.
What are the benefits of C purlins in Lakeland?
They offer high structural strength in a light profile, quick installation thanks to a standardized design, and flexibility across building types. Galvanizing adds corrosion resistance, and durability keeps maintenance and cost down.
Are custom C purlins available?
Yes. We make custom C purlins to order, with length (6' to 40'), gauge, and finish set to your project specifications.
Z Purlin
Z purlin, widely used in roof and wall applications, gives superior load-bearing capacity and an overlapping design for extended spans. Gauges 12–18 are available. It meets ANSI standards and comes with G60 and G90 galvanized finishes.
Dimensions and profile
| Property | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Commercial Name | Z Purlin |
| Gauge | 12 to 18 |
| Thickness | 0.047" to 0.094" |
| Weights | 1.94 to 6.78 lbs/ft |
| Size Range | Z6x2.5 to Z12x3 |
| Web Depths | 6 to 12 inches |
| Flanges | 2.5 to 3 inches |
The range spans Z6x2.5 to Z12x3 with 6 to 12 inch web depths. Choose gauges 12 through 18 (thickness 0.047" to 0.094") for weights from 1.94 to 6.78 lbs/ft. Flanges are 2.5 to 3 inches, and lip dimensions go up to 0.787 inches.
Sizes, thicknesses and weights
| Purlin Size | Thickness | Weight (lbs/ft) | Gauge | Web | Flange | Lip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z12x3-12 | 0.094 | 6.78 | 12 | 12 | 3 | 0.787 |
| Z12x3-14 | 0.075 | 5.4 | 14 | 12 | 3 | 0.787 |
| Z10x3-12 | 0.094 | 5.48 | 12 | 10 | 3 | 0.787 |
| Z10x3-14 | 0.075 | 4.37 | 14 | 10 | 3 | 0.709 |
| Z8x3-12 | 0.094 | 4.87 | 12 | 8 | 3 | 0.787 |
| Z8x3-14 | 0.075 | 3.86 | 14 | 8 | 3 | 0.709 |
| Z8x3-16 | 0.059 | 3.02 | 16 | 8 | 3 | 0.591 |
| Z6x2.5-12 | 0.094 | 3.83 | 12 | 6 | 2.5 | 0.709 |
| Z6x2.5-14 | 0.075 | 3.03 | 14 | 6 | 2.5 | 0.669 |
| Z6x2.5-16 | 0.059 | 2.41 | 16 | 6 | 2.5 | 0.630 |
| Z6x2.5-18 | 0.047 | 1.94 | 18 | 6 | 2.5 | 0.591 |
Gauges and thicknesses
| Gauge | Bare steel thickness (in) | Weight (lbs/ft) | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 0.094 | Up to 6.78 lbs/ft | Heavy structural applications, large spans. |
| 14 | 0.075 | Up to 5.4 lbs/ft | Standard commercial structural support. |
| 16 | 0.059 | Up to 3.02 lbs/ft | Medium-duty roof and wall support. |
| 18 | 0.047 | Up to 1.94 lbs/ft | Light-duty applications and agricultural buildings. |
Z purlins come in gauges 12 through 18 to suit different loads and spans. Gauges 12 and 14 are best for big structural applications, and gauges 16 and 18 handle medium to light-duty work in commercial and agricultural structures for Lakeland builders.
Finishes and coatings
| Finish | Details |
|---|---|
| Galvanized G60 | Zinc coating of 0.6 oz/ft². Recommended for general environments. |
| Galvanized G90 | Zinc coating of 0.9 oz/ft². Ideal for highly corrosive environments. |
| Prime-Painted | Provides a base coat for additional protection or paint adhesion. |
| Bare Steel | Unfinished; typically for indoor use or controlled environments. |
G60 and G90 galvanized and prime-painted finishes are available for Z purlins. G60 gives corrosion resistance for general environments. G90 offers a thicker zinc coating suited to coastal or high-humidity applications. Prime-painted supplies a protective base coat for projects requiring additional coatings.
Material and finish options
Each Z purlin is rolled from high-strength 55 KSI steel. Galvanized finishes meeting ANSI standards provide corrosion resistance, painted options offer tailored aesthetics, and bare steel serves custom applications. Every finish is designed to enhance durability and performance.
Custom lengths
Lengths run from 6′-0″ for smaller projects to as much as 40′-0″ for larger construction, and we cut every one precisely and efficiently. Custom lengths give an optimal fit with minimal waste for Lakeland contractors.
Z Purlin features
Superior load-bearing capacity, an overlapping design for extended spans, and corrosion-resistant finishes define our Z purlins. They work well in large-scale commercial, industrial, and agricultural roofing and wall systems.
Superior Load-Bearing Capacity
Handles higher structural loads, and the overlapping design delivers continuous-span structural efficiency.
Overlapping for Extended Spans
At intermediate supports, Z purlins overlap and interlock to form continuous-beam behavior, giving greater efficiency across longer distances.
Corrosion-Resistant Finishes
Choose G60 or G90 galvanized, or prime-painted, for excellent durability in harsh environmental conditions.
Cost-Effective
Material and labor costs drop on large roofing and wall systems because spans are longer and intermediate supports fewer.
Compliance with SDI Standards
Quality and code compliance come from meeting Steel Deck Institute and ANSI guidelines.
Versatile Applications
With sizes from Z6x2.5 to Z12x3 and gauges 12–18, Z purlins serve commercial, industrial, and agricultural structural applications.
Installation and connections
Installation practices
- Place Z Purlins perpendicular to the primary structural supports.
- Anchor at every support with bolts, welds, or self-drilling screws.
- At intermediate supports, overlap and interlock the purlins and fasten at 12" o.c.
Fasteners and attachments
- Secure purlins to primary frames using ½" diameter bolts.
- Use #12 self-drilling screws at 6" o.c. along supports; at overlaps, space them at 12" o.c.
- Lapped joints take #12 self-drilling screws at 12" o.c.
Confirm the profile, gauge, span, loads and connections against your project drawings and the applicable product load tables before ordering.
Applications
Long-Span Roofing Systems
Z purlins fit large-scale commercial and industrial roofing that needs continuous spans and fewer intermediate supports, and overlapping boosts structural efficiency over long roof runs.
Continuous Wall Cladding Support
Metal cladding on industrial, commercial, and agricultural buildings is supported by continuous Z purlin wall girts, with the interlocking profile providing superior lateral stability.
Standards and product documentation
The Z purlin conforms to SDI (Steel Deck Institute) specifications, which keeps design and performance standards high.
Z Purlin questions
What is a Z purlin?
A Z purlin is a cold-formed steel structural member whose section resembles the letter 'Z'. It is used chiefly as roof purlins and wall girts in commercial, industrial, and agricultural metal building systems.
How are Z purlins better than C purlins?
Overlapping and interlocking at intermediate supports gives Z purlins continuous-beam behavior. Over longer spans, this brings greater structural efficiency and load capacity than simple-span C purlins.
What are the available sizes and gauges for Z purlins?
Sizes go from Z6x2.5 to Z12x3, in gauges 12 through 18. Web depths are 6 to 12 inches, and flanges are 2.5 to 3 inches.
What finish options exist for Z purlins?
You can choose G60 or G90 galvanized finishes for corrosion resistance, or prime-painted finishes for projects requiring additional coatings.
Can Lakeland projects get customized Z purlins?
Yes. Custom Z purlins are offered with length (6' to 40'), gauge, and finish tailored to specific project specifications.
Before you order
Order Steel Purlins for your Lakeland project
Share your drawings or a material list and our team will check quantities, profiles and cut lengths. We also prepare takeoffs and shop drawings, then send pricing and delivery options for the Lakeland job site.
Start your quoteWhat to include in your quote request
- Your Lakeland project address and when you need material on site.
- Drawings or a material list with quantities and cut lengths.
- Specified profile, dimensions, gauge and finish.
- Connection details, load tables and any supporting documentation.
How We Work
We Guide You Through the Process
From manufacturing to delivery, we ensure precision, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.
Takeoff and Shop Drawings Services
We provide specialized takeoff services for accurate quotations and detailed shop drawings to produce optimized cutting lists for sheets, ensuring efficient execution and waste-free outcomes in your projects.
Manufacture
We manufacture metal decks to SDI and ANSI standards, ensuring strength, durability, and compliance. We provide custom lengths and high-precision fabrication for optimized performance in roof, floor, and form deck applications.
Swift Deliveries & Nationwide Reach
While based in South Florida, we serve clients nationwide, ensuring quality, efficiency, and timely deliveries across the U.S., reflecting our commitment to excellence without boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you supply steel purlins in Lakeland?
Yes. We deliver C and Z purlins to Lakeland with 1-day delivery available. Contact us at 305-760-2575.
What is the difference between C and Z purlins?
Z purlins overlap and interlock at supports for continuous-span efficiency. C purlins suit simple-span applications where continuity is not required.
Why are steel purlins used?
They support roof and wall sheeting, moving load from the cladding into the main structural frame. Purlins run horizontally across the rafters or columns of a building.
What are the usual steel purlin types for Lakeland buildings?
C and Z Purlins are the most common. Simple, non-overlapping spans suit C Purlins, and Z Purlins overlap and interlock for continuous spans with greater structural efficiency over long distances.
What is the main difference between C and Z Purlins?
Continuous beam behavior is more efficient with Z purlins, because they overlap and interlock at intermediate supports. C purlins serve simple spans, where continuity is not needed.
Can one purlin type serve both roofs and walls?
Yes. Both C and Z purlins serve as roof purlins that support roof panels and as wall girts that support wall cladding, which makes them flexible parts of metal building systems.
Which coatings come on purlins?
Purlins are all available in galvanized steel, with G90 or G60 coatings for corrosion resistance and lasting performance in commercial, industrial, and agricultural settings.