Steel gable frames are the most commonly used structural system to cover large spans. To obtain the optimal design of gable frames, many optimization algorithms can be used. Recently, a novel meta-heuristic optimization algorithm called the Crystal Structure Algorithm (CryStAl) has been proposed. The purpose of this study is to introduce the Enhanced Crystal Structure Algorithm (ECryStAl) and use it to optimize gable frames with tapered members. Several improvements are implemented in the algorithm including the dynamic crystal inclusion mechanism, grade-D crystal selection process, and a continuously narrowing search range. In addition to ECryStAl, the frames are optimized using four other meta-heuristic optimization techniques to compare their results with ECryStAl and investigate its effectiveness. The results statistically confirm that ECryStAl consistently converges to a more optimal design with less weight than the other meta-heuristics.