Why Use Steel Framing?

The reasons why home builders are turning to steel framing members as replacements for wood are as varied as the homes they build. Here are just some of the most significant benefits for both user groups, the builder and the homeowner, that give steel an edge over the competition.

Builder Benefits

  • Steel will not rot, shrink, swell, split, or warp and is non-combustible;
  • Every steel stud is a good stud. Steel framing is of consistent quality;
  • Steel framing can be supplied to the exact lengths required thus eliminating much of the on-site cutting and most of the waste;
  • Steel framing is a proven technology that is user friendly allowing for a smooth transition from other materials;
  • Steel framing members are available in a variety of standard shapes and sizes and in varying thicknesses to accommodate any structural requirements;
  • Steel members weigh as much as 60% less than wood members; therefore, foundation and seismic loads can be reduced;
  • Steel framing members are manufactured with pre-punched holes for running piping and electrical wiring, minimizing preparation work for other trades;
  • Steel is competitively priced and consistent in quality. Steel prices are more stable than wood and steel supplies have historically been more readily available;
  • Steel members can easily be prefabricated at the construction site, at a central assembly point near the site or can be assembled in panels at a factory. Steel gives a flexible response to nearly every home builder requirement;
  • No heavy equipment is necessary when light gauge steel framing is used;
  • Workers can be easily trained to work with steel framing elements. Assembly details are easy for workers to quickly pick up; and
  • Job-site scrap has resale value.

Homeowner Benefits

  • Steel's inherent strength and non-combustible qualities enable a steel framed building to resist such devastating events as fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Homes can be designed to meet the highest seismic and wind load specifications in any part of the country;
  • Because of its strength, steel can span greater distances offering larger open spaces and increased design flexibility without requiring intermediate columns or load bearing walls;
  • Steel framing does not need to be treated for termites. It is free of resin adhesives and other chemicals used to treat wood framing products;
  • Steel framed homes can be found in every climate; and
  • Steel framed walls are straight and remain that way. There is no shrinkage to cause nail-pops and squeaking floors.

Environmental Benefits

  • All steel products are 100% recyclable. The overall recycling rate of steel products in North America is 66%, the highest rate of any material;
  • Steel products can be recycled repeatedly without degradation or loss of properties;
  • The steel industry is the single largest recycler in North America;
  • During the last decade, more than 1 trillion pounds of steel scrap have been recycled, keeping a valuable commodity out of the country's landfill sites;
  • Magnetic separation makes steel the easiest and most economical material to remove from the solid waste stream; and
  • The amount of energy needed to produce a ton of steel has been reduced by 34% since 1972 and continues to decrease.