Steel as a material has revolutionised the building industry, providing high structural integrity and long-term cost benefits. The advantages of steel framing have made it a top choice in the industry, offering numerous benefits over traditional timber framing. Whether you are planning a new build of a residential or commercial building, understanding the benefits of steel framing will help inform your decision on the right framing to use.
At BetaBoard, we are the steel frame suppliers you can trust for your residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Come in and browse our stock at your nearest BetaBoard store, or get in touch online.
Key Advantages of Steel Framing
Strength and Durability
Steel is renowned for its strength and longevity. Unlike timber, steel framing doesn’t warp, crack, or split over time. This ensures that your structures will remain stable and secure for years. This strength results in a resistance to environmental factors, which in variable and often humid Australian climates is ideal.
Pest Resistant
One of the biggest drawbacks of timber framing is one of the main benefits of steel framing, pest resistance. Timber is notoriously susceptible to termites, which are not a concern with steel framing. By choosing to build with steel framing, you can have peace of mind and avoid costly repairs of your buildings.
Fire Resistant
Steel is a non-combustible material, meaning it will provide protection against fire hazards. This is one of the major benefits of steel framing, especially in areas prone to bushfires, where the frame can help protect the community by stopping the spread. In contrast, timber frames are highly flammable and can often make the impact of bushfires worse.
Design Advantages
Steel framing is a popular choice for architects as it provides greater design flexibility. Steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning taller and longer structures can be built with fewer support beams. This opens up endless possibilities for open-plan design and innovation.
Sustainability
Almost every discussion in the construction industry touches on sustainability. With trends moving towards sustainable choices, there are many advantages of steel framing. Steel is 100% recyclable and can be reused and repurposed multiple times without losing its strength or quality. Steel production is also becoming more energy-efficient with new developments, reducing the overall environmental impact.
Are There Any Disadvantages of Steel Framing?
Having looked at the advantages of steel framing, the next logical question is, are there any disadvantages? Of course there are, as any building material will have its drawbacks. For example, steel is often more expensive upfront when you compare it to timber. However, the durability benefits can make it more cost-effective in the long term.
Another drawback of steel is that it conducts heat and cold more efficiently than timber. This leads to more insulation being needed to increase the building’s energy efficiency. Finally, the biggest drawback of steel framing is its susceptibility to corrosion. When exposed to moisture and air, steel can rust, resulting in a weaker frame. All of this isn’t to say that steel is a bad choice; you will just need to know all the considerations before you make your choice.
Build Better with BetaBoard
We are your go-to building supplies store for any residential, commercial, or industrial project. From high-quality steel framing to plasterboard to tools, we have it all! At BetaBoard, we have the largest distribution network in Queensland, with stores throughout the Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast regions. Come in and browse our stock at your nearest store, or get in touch online.
