Why More and More Builders are Choosing Steel Framing Over Wood
As a builder, it's crucial to stay ahead of the game and offer your clients the best options for their outdoor projects. That's why it's vital to make an informed decision on what framing material will provide the most value for your investment: steel or wood.
The deck framing is the foundation for the entire decking structure, and choosing a material that will keep it sturdy, safe, and strong for decades to come is essential. While traditional wood may seem like the go-to option, it's important to note that it's susceptible to aging, rotting, and warping, requiring significant maintenance. Plus, using large amounts of pressure-treated lumber can have negative environmental impacts.
That's where steel deck frames come in. They are the next evolution in the construction industry and offer a range of benefits that wood simply can't match. Steel is highly durable and resistant to corrosion, insects, and most environmental and weather conditions. It also has a much better strength-to-weight ratio than wood, meaning it's lighter in weight but far stronger and safer.
In terms of appearance, steel frames offer a sleek and modern look that is aesthetically superior to wood. They are perfectly level, straight, and square and remain that way forever. Plus, steel beams allow for greater flexibility in post placement, resulting in fewer posts and fewer obstructed views.
Finally, when it comes to environmental impact, steel is the most recycled material on the planet and can be continuously reclaimed without losing quality. Steel-framed decks also use fewer materials than traditionally framed decks, lowering construction waste with little to no leftover materials. On the other hand, the wood used for deck framing is only sometimes sustainably sourced and can harm forest ecosystems. Pressure-treated wood also contains synthetic chemicals that can be hazardous if not handled correctly during cutting.
As a builder, offering your clients the best options for their outdoor living spaces is important. Choosing steel deck framing over traditional wood can guarantee safety while continuing to look great through decades of outdoor conditions, all while using materials that are kinder to the earth.