Steel Framing vs Wood – Which is best for construction?

Choosing the right framing material is a critical decision in any construction project, particularly as builders balance cost, performance and long-term durability.

A key decision in any construction project is choosing between steel and wood framing. This guide compares steel vs wood framing across cost, durability, fire resistance, and long-term performance to help you make an informed decision for your next project.

Steel vs Wood Framing: Which is Better?

Steel framing is stronger, more durable, and more resistant to fire, moisture, and pests than wood framing. Steel framing offers straighter walls, consistent quality and lower long-term maintenance, while wood provides flexibility and familiarity for residential projects. The best choice depends on the project’s budget, building type, location, and long-term performance requirements.

Key Differences Between Steel and Wood Framing

The frame is the backbone of any building, so when choosing a construction material, it must be both safe and secure. Steel and wood framing both have pros and cons, such as cost, longevity, sustainability, and flexibility during the construction process. Let’s take a look.

The Ability to Customise Your Design

When it comes to construction materials, cold-formed steel is seen as one of the most versatile materials. Cold-formed steel is popular among architects and designers because it has superior consistency, strength and reliability. By utilising the FRAMECAD system and software, architects and engineers can easily bring to life any design with CFS framing. This, combined with the strength of a metal frame, means that cold-formed steel is frequently a better choice than a wood frame.

Lifetime Durability

Mold, rot, and mildew are all significant threats to wood structures. However, cold-formed steel, unlike wood framing, doesn’t retain water, making it stable and more robust over time. Corrosion and rust are potential weaknesses of a steel building material, but with modern zinc coatings, corrosion is avoided. From a long-term performance perspective, CFS offers clear durability advantages in many construction environments.

Structural Integrity

Steel-framing is built to last. Steel frame buildings have less movement over time because they do not twist, warp, shrink, or buckle, whereas timber frames are much more likely to distort as timber will continue to dry and shrink for many years after the tree was cut down.

While any form of construction is a long-term investment, those built with steel framing and CFS are particularly sturdy.

Sustainability is Key

Sustainability and green practices are becoming key in construction. While wood framing is often seen as natural, it has a high wastage. Steel framing, on the other hand, can be produced with minimal waste, which is then reused and recycled. Timber frames are also often treated with toxic chemicals to protect them from pests and hazards, whereas steel doesn’t require this.

Labor Costs

In your construction project, the cost of labor will drive return on investment and be a key deciding factor. Though wooden frames are also seen as easy to construct and often don’t require highly skilled labor, the same is true with steel, where, with the frames being much lighter, there can be less labor required onsite.

Even more labor cost savings can be achieved by moving framing offsite. The frames are assembled as part of a manufacturing process and then shipped to the site to be assembled. This results in a higher labor utilisation, productivity and ultimately a lower cost.

Insurance Costs for Steel Framing

CFS and steel framing are non-combustible and therefore a much safer, more reliable alternative to other framing materials on the market. As a result, insurance companies have rewarded contractors for using CFS with lower building insurance. Landlords also often receive lower insurance costs, so the savings continue once the construction is complete.

Is Steel Framing Better Than Wood Framing?

Steel framing is often better for projects requiring strength, durability and fire resistance. It resists moisture, pests, and warping, making it well-suited to commercial and multi-residential buildings. Wood framing remains popular for smaller residential projects due to lower upfront costs and familiarity.

What Are the Disadvantages of Steel Framing?

The main disadvantages of steel framing include higher upfront material costs, the need for specialised tools or skills, and potential thermal bridging if not properly insulated. Design and engineering requirements can also be more complex compared to traditional wood framing in smaller residential builds.

Is It Cheaper to Frame With Steel or Wood?

Steel and wood framing costs can be very comparable, depending on market conditions. Overall project cost is often influenced just as much by the construction method as the material itself, including whether framing is stick-built on site or panelised offsite, local labor rates, project scale, and build speed.

How to Decide What Material to Use for Your Building Frame

Both steel and wood framing offer proven construction solutions. The right choice depends on project requirements such as budget, building type, location, and long-term performance goals. Understanding the strengths of each material helps builders and designers make informed framing decisions.

When deciding between wood and steel, remember that both materials are good foundations for building a structure. The final decision comes down to what works best for your location and budget.

You may also be interested in reading, fire safety with steel framing, savings with steel framing, steel framing boosts resilience and smart cities with steel framing.

Want to learn more about how steel framing can transform your next project? Reach out to industry experts here. 

* updated 29 January 2026