Prospective homeowners often get to choose either steel or wood when looking for a material to frame their homes with. They need to know which of the two options is best suited for the job while considering the factors that affect the suitability of either.

Like any other framing product or technique in the construction market, steel framing and wood framing have strong points. Potential builders will have to weigh the benefits of using either of the two options to be better informed on the most appropriate option for their home.

This article discusses the merits of both options and makes certain comparisons between the two options.

Steel framing

1. Steel has an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, enabling buildings to be constructed with the lightest bearing loads. This implies that you can convert the savings in framing loads for other purposes, like adding extra furniture or heavy appliances

2. Steel frames have nearly a third of the strength of their timber equivalent in size. This makes them easier to haul around on site. And by extension, it can result in massive health and security-related advantages for builders and laborers alike.

3. Unlike wood frames built from tons of fallen trees, steel frames do not significantly deplete the natural environment. And as they can be recycled, it can lead to significant savings in the energy resources used in their fabrication process. 

4. When used in conjunction with appropriate cladding materials, steel frames can provide robust resistance against the existence of thermal bridges around the steel frame sections. These thermal bridges are heat loss channels and can lead to extra heating cost implications.

5. Steel frames cannot be negatively impacted by the action of termites, mold, or any other harmful organism. Unlike wood frames, they do not require extra treatment against these organisms before they are installed.

6. Steel is a durable material, and structures built with steel frames are very solid and enduring compared to their wooden counterparts. They can hold out quite well under pressure from natural circumstances like tremors and large storms, as well as against fire outbreaks and other construction-related impacts. 

Wood framing

1. Wood frames are relatively cheaper than steel frames, although the running costs that accrue from maintenance can affect the overall economy of wooden-framed structures.

2. Homebuilders will be able to build a strong and secure house with timber frames. It is a relatively strong material and can sustain high pressures and loads without experiencing any significant deformation.

3. Wood-constructed housing has been tried and trusted for hundreds of years, with tons of building data to show for it. It is still a very fashionable choice for countless home builders worldwide.

4. Wood frames perform very well under harsh climatic conditions. They’ll not become too cold in winter and can protect against heat gain from outside in gotter periods.

5. When treated with adequate protection materials, wood frames can become less susceptible to pest invasion and subsequent damages that can cause significant harm to the quality of the timber.

6. Wood framed structures are relatively more aesthetically pleasing than their steel counterparts. They can be worked on and textured to attractive shapes or adorned with striking veneers to improve their overall appearance.