238120 - Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors

When it comes to the backbone of modern infrastructure, NAICS code 238120 plays a crucial role. This code represents businesses specializing in the fabrication, erection, and installation of structural steel and precast concrete components—essential elements for building strong bridges, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. Whether you're a contractor, supplier, or government agency, understanding the nuances of NAICS 238120 is vital for identifying the right experts in the construction sector.

What is NAICS Code 238120?

NAICS Code 238120 specifically covers establishments primarily engaged in:

• Fabricating structural steel components.
• Erecting structural steel frameworks.
• Installing precast concrete products such as panels, beams, slabs, and more.

These contractors are essential in creating the skeletons and load-bearing components of buildings and other critical structures.

Sector Overview: Construction

NAICS 238120 falls under the Construction sector, which includes companies performing specialized trade work for building infrastructure. These contractors typically focus on the structural steel and precast concrete segments, providing services that are indispensable during the building phase of:

• Bridges
• Commercial office complexes
• Industrial manufacturing plants
• Stadiums and auditoriums
• Multi-story residential buildings

Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 238120

Businesses classified under this code often engage in:

• Structural steel erection and ironwork.
• Installation of precast concrete balconies, stairways, and curtain walls.
• Placement and tying of reinforcing steel rods (rebar) at construction sites.
• Installation of precast concrete panels, slabs, and prestressed components.
• Handling rebar, reinforcing mesh, cages, and other reinforcing materials.

Size Standards for NAICS 238120

To qualify as a small business under this NAICS classification for government contracts, the size standard is:

• Annual revenue of $19 million or less

This metric is crucial for contractors seeking to participate in small business set-aside contracts or other federal procurement opportunities.

Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 238120

Here are typical examples of businesses operating under this classification:

• Structural steel erection contractors specializing in high-rise buildings.
• Precast concrete installation firms working on commercial or industrial projects.
• Bridge construction contractors focusing on steel frameworks and precast concrete decks.

Detailed Code Descriptions Table

Code Detail	Description
Balcony, precast concrete, installation	Installing concrete balconies made offsite
Concrete product (e.g., structural precast, prestressed)	Setting up precast or prestressed concrete elements
Concrete reinforcement placement	Placing steel reinforcement before concrete pour
Curtain wall, precast concrete, installation	Mounting external precast concrete curtain walls
Erecting structural steel	Assembling steel frameworks for buildings/structures
Iron work, structural, contractors	Structural ironwork installation
Placing and tying reinforcing rod at construction site	Binding rebar rods for structural reinforcement
Precast concrete panel, slab, or form installation	Installing modular concrete components
Prestressed concrete beam, slab component installation	Setting up beams and slabs with pretensioned steel
Rebar contractors	Specialists in reinforcing rod installation
Reinforcing rod, bar, mesh and cage installation	Binding and installing various steel reinforcements
Reinforcing steel contractors	Experts in all reinforcing steel work
Stairway, precast concrete, installation	Installing precast concrete stairways
Steel reinforcing contractors	Contractors focused on steel reinforcement
Structural steel erecting or iron work contractors	Full-scale steel erection and ironwork services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of projects do businesses under NAICS 238120 typically work on?

They commonly work on bridges, commercial buildings, parking garages, stadiums, industrial complexes, and other structures requiring strong steel or precast concrete frameworks.

How does NAICS 238120 fit into government contracting?

Contractors classified under 238120 can bid on federal, state, and local government projects involving structural steel and precast concrete work. Small business size standards apply for set-aside contracts.

What is the difference between structural steel contractors and precast concrete contractors?

Structural steel contractors focus on fabricating, erecting, and installing steel frameworks, while precast concrete contractors specialize in installing pre-manufactured concrete components like slabs, beams, and panels.

Can a company involved only in reinforcing steel be classified under NAICS 238120?

Yes. Reinforcing steel contractors are included under this classification as they provide essential prep work for concrete structures.

What is the importance of the $19 million size standard?

It helps determine if a business qualifies as a small business for government contracting purposes under this NAICS code.

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Understanding NAICS code 238120 is essential for construction professionals, government agencies, and stakeholders seeking expertise in structural steel and precast concrete work. With its focus on vital infrastructure components, this code embodies a critical niche within the construction sector that ensures safety, strength, and durability in countless projects nationwide.

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Keywords: NAICS 238120, Structural Steel Contractors, Precast Concrete Contractors, Construction Sector, Government Contracting, Structural Steel Erection, Precast Concrete Installation, Rebar Contractors, Structural Steel Fabrication