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Residential steel framing utilizes cold-formed steel members for walls, floors, and/or roofs. The framing members are C-sections with standard dimensions similar to wood framing studs. Steel framing can be a cost effective alternative to wood framing.

Steel mills produce galvanized sheet steel, the base material for steel members. Sheet steel is roll-formed into shapes used for framing. The sheets are zinc coated (galvanized) to prevent corrosion. Although there are a variety of shapes available, the primary shapes used in residential construction are the C-shape stud and the U-shaped track. Framing members are generally produced in thickness of 12 to 24 gauges with 3-½ and 5-½ widths.

Manufacture of steel framing members adheres to strict tolerances, which results in consistent strength, straightness, and dimensionally stable members. Steel framing provides excellent design flexibility due to the inherent strength of steel, which allows it to span longer than wood, and also resist wind and earthquake loads.

There are many manufacturers throughout the country. These manufacturers typically have a network of distributors who sell directly to building materials suppliers, builders and home remodeling centers. In addition, the number of building suppliers that stock steel framing is increasing.

While the steel frame lays out similarly to the wood, there can be a significant learning curve for the carpenter to change over. Using a screw gun rather than a hammer or pneumatic nailer, is an ergonomic adjustment. The process of fastening steel members includes two steps - clamping the assembly, and then driving the screw. Overhead connections can be difficult and a step ladder may be required for the tradesperson building a steel wall in the air.

There is a trend to panelize steel walls in a factory setting before shipping it to site. This way, labor and material costs are reduced, and other obstacles that are common in the filed are eliminated.

Steel framing uses the same layout, spacing and general framing techniques used in traditional wood framing. So learning how to use steel is very easy because many of the same principles apply. The only difference lies in fastening and cutting. With steel, typically a fastener (screw) and screw gun is used, vs. a nail and nail gun with wood. Steel is cut with a carbide or metal cutting blade. Using historical averages, steel framing material prices have been about the same or slightly higher than wood framing.

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However, if the builder, framing contractor or other subcontractor is new to steel, then labor costs could account for a $1.00 - 2.50 per square foot premium over wood. The steel industry continues to improve the processes by which steel homes are built, bringing hard construction costs down to a minimum, so that builders will be able to enjoy a competitive and stable framing package price.

Site-built or conventional steel framing is typically a one-for-one substitution for wood framing members used for both non-load-bearing and load-bearing applications. The steel studs, joists and rafters fit into a top and bottom track. Steel members can be cut with a chop saw, circular saw, aviation snips or electric shears. The primary fastener used in steel framing is the self-drilling screw which takes longer time to drive than pneumatic framing nailers used in wood framing. However, there are new fastening systems that utilize pneumatics (pins), crimping, and welding that promise to speed up the construction process. Typically, in-line framing is required (trusses, joists, and studs must be vertically aligned with a tolerance of ¼”) unless a load distribution members are installed. 

Steel framing contains up to 28%-recycled material and construction waste generated during framing is 100% recyclable. It is resistant to corrosion, warping, and termites. Framing members can be ordered cut-to-length which can result in reduced on site labor costs and reduced on site waste.

Framing weighs up to two-thirds less than conventional materials. Lightweight steel framing lends itself to panelization techniques that can speed the on site construction process by allowing the assembly of walls in controlled environments.

Steel framing members also have pre-punched holes that allow for easy installation of electrical wiring and plumbing.

There are a number of inherent functional attributes of steel that are beneficial. For example, steel is:

  • flexible-- it can serve as stick-built, panelized, or pre-engineered frames for houses. The variety of sizes and thicknesses of steel contribute to flexibility. For example, to obtain a desired design you can reduce the width of a joist but compensate with a heavier gauge steel and not change the spacing of members.
  • durable-- it will not shrink or warp, resulting in fewer call-backs for nail pops or split seams in gypsum board. Also, steel is inorganic and therefore, it is resistant to moisture and insect infestation and will not rot, warp, split, crack or creep.
  • light weight – it is easy to handle, contributing to reduced labor costs and worker fatigue.
  • strong-- it can meet the highest seismic and wind load specifications. Its allowable stress values on the average range from 21,000 to 33,000 pounds per square inch (psi).
  • dimensionally stable-- since steel is a processed material rather than organic, it is straight, uniform and consistent in quality.
  • fire resistant-- it is non-combustible. It does not burn or contribute fuel to the spread of a fire, and may contribute to lower home owner insurance rates.
  • strength-- cold-formed steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any building material.

Disclaimer: The information on the system, product or material presented herein is provided for informational purposes only. The technical descriptions, details, requirements, and limitations expressed do not constitute an endorsement, approval, or acceptance of the subject matter by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD/FHA), The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH), or any PATH-affiliated Federal agency or private company. There are no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information. Full reproduction, without modification, is permissible. NAHB Research Center