Wood framed construction is a traditional option in house building, but steel framed construction has closed the gap considerably over the years.
So with both now commonplace, what are the relative merits of wood framed and steel framed house building – and which should you choose?
Cost of materials
Cost is often one of the deciding factors in any construction project, so how does wood stack up against steel?
Timber is usually cheaper, but it can depend on a lot of different variables, such as the complexity of the design, the type of timber used, and whether it is supplied partially preassembled.
If steel is preferred, there are ways to save on cost, for example by using second-hand steel which is not only cheaper, but may make an interesting architectural feature too.
Speed of assembly
Timber framed construction gained popularity as a fast alternative to bricks and mortar building, but steel framed construction has all of those benefits too.
Steel sections can be supplied with mounting holes pre-drilled, so all you have to do is align them with the appropriate part, and bolt them together.
Of course you can also weld steel for an even more secure join, or to close any small gaps between adjacent steel sections.
Environmental impact
Timber is sustainably produced nowadays, but there is still a risk of timber fraud, where trees are illegally felled and the timber sold with falsified documentation.
Steel does not carry the same risk and there is very little waste in its manufacture – any offcuts can be reused elsewhere or recycled into fresh steel with no loss of value.
In fact, because steel can be recycled endlessly, it’s a genuinely closed-loop manufacturing material, so when your house eventually reaches the end of its life, the materials can go on to be used in new construction again and again.
Conclusion
Steel offers strength and reliability over many years, without the maintenance demands that are sometimes associated with timber framed construction.
Recycled steel is better for the environment and can cut costs, while pre-drilled assembly points allow steel framed buildings to be put up faster, even allowing some off-site assembly to speed things up more.
To find out more about structural steel for house building visit our guide for building your own steel frame/structure and guide for insulating a steel framed house. To place an order for your next construction project, contact us today.
