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With the construction industry booming and more people looking for affordable housing options, many are weighing the pros and cons of different building options. Steel-frame buildings have gained popularity for many industrial, personal, and commercial projects and in the housing market. But are they better than traditional wood-framed homes?

This article will explore the differences between steel and wood framing. You’ll learn about the advantages of steel vs. wood framing, construction project costs, and more.

Reach out to the team at Titan Steel Structures to explore our line of pre-engineered steel-framed houses and other structures. Contact us today to get a customized quote for your project or guidance during construction.

Steel Framing vs. Wood: Exploring the Pros and Cons

When you invest in a residential construction project, you want the building to last for decades with minimal maintenance. For decades, wood framing was the standard in construction. Wood is an inexpensive framing material that can serve as an adequate base for many construction projects.

However, metal framing has some serious advantages when compared to wood frames. Here are some of the pros of steel frame construction to consider when building a home.

Strength

When comparing the sheer strength of building materials, steel always beats wood. Steel outperforms wood in high wind, flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other severe natural conditions.

Insurance companies often offer lower rates to steel-framed buildings because of their outstanding structural integrity. A steel-framed home ensures your building will last for the long term, no matter what Mother Nature throws at it.

Fire resistance

Wood-framed homes have no natural protection against fires. One of the most significant steel framing pros is that metal framing is naturally fireproof. Insurance companies often take this into account and may offer lower rates for metal-framed homes.

Resists water damage

Water that leaks or seeps into your metal home won’t damage its structural integrity. Instead of soaking up water like wood does, coated metal repels water and resists damage. Flooding, leaks, or driving wind won’t damage the steel framing of your home if you choose steel framing.

Durability

Steel framing will not warp, swell, bend, or decay. Pests like cockroaches, mice, ants, and others cannot damage its structural integrity. Unlike wood-framed houses, your steel-framed house will not sag or slant over time.

Low maintenance costs

Steel framing typically has a higher up-front cost than wood framing. However, lower long-term maintenance costs will more than make up for this initial expense.

Wood-framed houses can sustain damage from water, pests, fire, and age. Over time, structural damage and “normal” decay can lead to serious, costly problems. With a steel-framed home, you will spend less time and money repairing the structure and may save money insuring it.

Are Steel Frame Homes Better Than Wood?

Steel-framed homes can retain their structural integrity and strength over time. They withstand a range of intense weather conditions, hold up well in any climate, and provide durable, cost-effective structures for a wide range of projects.

However, it is crucial to consider the benefits of both wood and steel framing. Here are some of the benefits of wood framing.

Availability

For many decades, wood has been the primary construction material of choice. Wood is readily available and relatively inexpensive when compared with other framing materials.

However, the market is shifting as more people explore the benefits of steel-framed houses. At Titan Steel Structures, we offer a wide range of affordable, ready-to-ship metal home kits. Contact our team now to explore our kits or to design something new.

Up-front costs

Wood is relatively inexpensive and widely available, making it cheaper than steel framing on the front end. However, lower up-front framing costs may mean more costly and time-consuming maintenance down the road.

Wood is susceptible to water damage, rot, pest infestation, warping, and other serious issues that threaten the home’s structural integrity. Choosing a steel-framed home can help you avoid costly maintenance and repairs over your building’s lifetime.

Energy costs

Wood is naturally better at providing natural insulation than steel. Wood homes typically have lower heating and cooling costs when compared to steel-framed structures.

However, innovative insulation techniques, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and thoughtful ventilation systems can significantly reduce energy costs in your steel building. Reach out to the team at Titan Steel Structures to learn more about how we build energy-efficient metal homes.

Choosing between a metal and steel-framed home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Steel structures offer significant advantages over traditional wood-framed homes. Choosing a metal building can save you money and help you enjoy living in your home for decades to come.

Get a Quote

Contact the steel building experts at Titan Steel Structures to learn about our pre-engineered metal building kits or to get support during construction. Start your free, customized metal house kit quote by getting in touch now.