The Pros and Cons of Steel Framing vs Wood Framing

"Choosing between steel framing and wood framing for home construction can be challenging. Both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the decision about which material to use should be based on a thorough consideration of these pros and cons."

As the United States begins to enter some sort of normalization since the pandemic occurred, the construction industry has entered a boom. Attributed to the continuing of many paused projects that were started pre-pandemic along with a fruitful housing market, contractors and builders are in no short supply of jobs that need to be done. However, there is an obstacle in the way of building new homes: pricing and supply of lumber. For that reason, many contractors and homeowners are now faced with framing their new homes with lumber or steel. Below you will learn the pros and cons of framing a home with steel or lumber to help you on your next project.

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Steel Framing vs Wood Framing

Steel Framing Pros

Durability: One thing steel is known for is its ability to withstand over time. As opposed to lumber, steel will not warp over time and will not experience rot as it does not attract insects or pests. Also, with the advantage of steel's durability comes the peace of mind that your home will not experience give or slanting that wood framing tends to show over time.

Long-term costs: If you've purchased the material to create a steel-framed home, you may have experienced a larger upfront cost compared to other options. However, it will be worth it over the life of the home because it will not require as much maintenance and repairs as a wood-framed home.

Fire-retardant: The last thing you want for a new project or house is the possibility of it catching fire. While this remains a slim possibility with wood-framed homes, a steel frame will significantly mitigate this risk. With steel frames, you will have a structure that is not combustible, all while being compliant with most building and fire codes.

Strength: In a battle of strength, steel will always outperform wood. This means steel will hold up better in the event of a natural disaster. Whether it's a hurricane or earthquake, your steel-framed home is less likely to sustain damage. Additionally, insurance companies often look more favorably upon steel-framed homes because they pose less risk due to their strength.

Wood Framing Pros

Commonality: The main advantage of selecting a wood frame for a home is the familiarity most builders and contractors have with it. As wood has been the most commonly used material in home building for decades, you will find the most options in who you want to build your home. Additionally, most contractors will price you cheaper when using wood as opposed to steel due to this familiarity.

Short-term cost: Traditionally, wood is a more affordable material than steel. However, this has recently changed with the surges in wood pricing that have even surpassed steel pricing.

Steel Framing Cons

Short-term cost: Calculating the project budget often dismisses long-term costs, as they will be incurred years down the line. Historically, steel prices have been substantially higher than lumber. Although the current climate has seen prices of steel equating to or even falling below lumber, steel generally demands a larger upfront cost.

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Insulation: Overall, steel is less adept at maintaining home insulation compared to wood. With a steel-framed home, you will most likely experience higher cooling and heating costs in comparison to wood.

Rust: Although steel is not subject to termites, rotting, or severe weathering, it can still experience rust. Any area of the steel frame exposed to moisture is susceptible to rusting.

Wood Framing Cons

Maintenance: Wood frames have a long lifespan but come with plenty of issues. Whether it’s rotting, insects, pests, or warping, these are all common issues wood-framed homes encounter. In comparison, steel requires a fraction of the maintenance that wood does.

Long-term costs: Associated with the higher upkeep and maintenance, wood demands higher costs. With all the possible projects you may need to undertake with a wood-framed home, accumulated costs will occur over the years.

On a side-by-side comparison, there is no clear winner between steel and wood-framed homes. You will be either paying more upfront and less in the future or less upfront and more in the future. What it really comes down to at this moment in time, with all-time high prices in both steel and lumber with limited supply, is your budget and ability to source materials. Whatever type of material you choose to frame your next home in, make sure you consider both.

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I first built a steel frame house way back in 1997 with what was then Taylor Woodrow. It was a trail which in the end came out as too expensive. We had issues with the build as it is a major problem to alter if something isn't fitting on-site. Also, there were issues with fixing to the frame and the staircases not fitting due to incorrect storey heights. From a buyer's point of view, a newly built steel frame home should be much better than a timber frame - no shrinkage, steel does not rot, house less likely to catch fire, walls are not bowed etc. I cannot envisage the steel frame expanding and contracting with heating and cooling because of its location and insulation. I can't see any mortgage lender worrying about resale value either. It will depend more on what the house looks like and where it is and how many rooms it has, just as with any other home. The few steel frame houses I built were steel frame with bracing, insulation in between, a brick outer skin, and plasterboard inner skin.

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