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About Us

Our Story
Dedicated to innovating, and reframing, how the world builds for over 35 years.
Why Steel Framing
Known as cold-formed or light gauge, steel is a modern framing solution to build fast and built to last.
Careers

Interested in joining a team that’s shaping the future of construction?

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Applications

Mid-rise Buildings
Our systems support a wide range of medium-rise applications, including residential apartments and commercial buildings.

Modular Construction
Whether it’s offsite construction, volumetric builds, bathroom pods, tiny homes, or ADUs, our systems streamline your modular projects.

Disaster Relief
Provide rapid construction capabilities directly to disaster-affected areas to quickly erect safe, durable structures.
Residential Housing
From single-family homes to multi-unit developments and build-to-rent housing, our solutions provide the versatility you need.

Interior Drywall Framing
Perfect for internal fit-outs, our solutions ensure precision and speed in drywall framing.
Commercial Structures

For retail outlets, office buildings, quick-service restaurants (QSR), or mixed-use developments, we offer tailored systems to meet your needs.


Facades and Curtain Walls

Our solutions combine stunning aesthetics with robust durability, making your project stand out and last.

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Products

Design & Engineering
Steel framing software, offering precise detailing, real-time engineering analysis, and easy tool integration.

Production Management
Gain complete visibility and control of your operations with real-time data, quality control, and capacity management.
Roll Forming Equipment
Whether single-profile or multi-profile, our machines offer you the versatility and world-class reputation you need to deliver your projects.

Building Components
Your one-stop shop for everything you need: connectors, fasteners, and steel coils to get your projects rolling.
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Support 

Customer Success
Fast-track your steel framing journey with our education, services, and support.
Communities
Your central portal for all business needs. Access support, Nexa, the Knowledge Center, shop, and training videos in one place.
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Resources

Blog
Get the latest insights and updates on steel framing, construction trends, and industry news.

Case Studies
See steel framing in action with real-world examples from our customers. 

eBooks
Access guides and in-depth resources on steel framing and its benefits for various construction projects.
Videos
Watch informative videos, including product demos, educational content, and expert interviews.

Events
Join our local steel framing events or come visit us at one of our global tradeshows.

FRAMECAD Connect
Looking for steel frames ? FRAMECAD Connect partners are specialists in designing, manufacturing, and building with the FRAMECAD System.

Why Steel Framing?

When choosing a construction material for your next project, steel framing stands out as a superior option. Known for its robustness and rapid assembly, steel framing offers a range of benefits over traditional materials. With prefabricated components, steel framing ensures quick and efficient on-site construction while maintaining high standards of strength and durability.
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What is Steel Framing?

Steel framing, also known as cold-formed steel (CFS) framing or light gauge steel (LGS) or LGSF, is a modern construction material that offers strength and durability, making it a preferred choice for many builders. Steel framing materials can be prefabricated off-site, allowing for quick and efficient assembly on the construction site.

Benefits of Steel Framing

  • Less Waste
  • Termite-Proof
  • Insecticide-Free
  • Resistant to Mold and Rot
  • Fire-Resistant
  • 100% Recyclable
  • Lightweight
  • Exact and Straight
  • Design Versatility

Reducing Waste with Precision

Less Waste-1

Steel framing offers a more sustainable construction process by generating significantly less waste compared to traditional wood framing. Its precise manufacturing and advanced design techniques lead to efficient material use, with typical waste around 2% compared to wood framing’s 20% wastage. That 2% waste from steel framing can also be recycled, resulting in 0% waste to landfill. 

Steel is 100% recyclable and can be reused repeatedly without losing integrity, while using recycled steel helps preserve raw materials. For example, constructing a 2,000-square-foot home can use steel from six scrapped cars, reducing the need to cut down trees. Prefabrication of steel panels in a controlled environment further minimizes on-site waste and environmental impact.

The Termite-Proof Advantage

100� Termite Proof

Steel framing provides a robust, termite-proof solution, eliminating the need for chemical treatments or repairs due to pest infestations.

Termites cause billions in damage globally each year, particularly in regions like the U.S., Mexico, Africa, South America, and Australia. Steel’s resistance to pests makes it a superior choice to timber, which can suffer severe structural damage from termite activity.

Cold-formed steel (CFS) or light gauge steel (LGS) offers a long-lasting, low-maintenance alternative, as steel does not warp, rot, or degrade over time. This durability aligns with recommendations from the International Residential Code (IRC) for termite-resistant materials.

Healthier Living with Steel Framing

Insecticide Free

Steel framing’s natural resistance to pests eliminates the need for toxic insecticides and chemical preservatives often required in traditional wood construction. These chemicals can leach into the environment, posing health risks and contributing to pollution.

By choosing steel, you avoid these chemicals, creating a healthier living and working environment. Steel’s resistance to termites and other pests not only prevents damage but also improves indoor air quality by avoiding the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), leading to a cleaner, safer building.

The Durability of Steel Framing

No Mold or Rot

Steel framing is immune to moisture-related issues like mold and rot, ensuring long-term structural integrity even in damp or humid conditions. Unlike wood, which absorbs moisture and becomes susceptible to decay, steel remains unaffected.

This resistance to moisture-related problems makes steel an ideal choice for environments prone to mold and mildew, which can cause health issues such as respiratory problems and allergies. Additionally, steel framing enhances indoor air quality by not supporting mold growth.

The Safety of Steel Framing

Wont Catch Fire-1

Steel framing is non-combustible, providing exceptional fire resistance and increasing overall building safety.

Unlike wood, steel does not ignite or contribute to the spread of flames, which offers critical time for occupants to evacuate in the event of a fire. Steel withstands high temperatures and reduces the total amount of combustible material in a building.

Fire-resistant coatings can be applied to steel to delay structural damage, further enhancing safety and potentially lowering insurance premiums. Steel framing maintains its fire-resistant properties over time, ensuring long-term safety.

The Sustainability of Steel Framing

Recyclable

Steel is the most recycled material on Earth, making it an eco-friendly choice for construction. It can be recycled repeatedly without losing its strength or properties.

Each steel frame contains at least 25% recycled content, with some products reaching 100% recycled material. Building an average house with steel requires recycling six to seven cars instead of cutting down up to 50 trees.

Steel’s recyclability and minimal on-site waste contribute to sustainable construction practices, reinforcing its position as one of the most environmentally friendly building materials.

The Efficiency of Steel Framing

Lightweight

Steel framing offers a lightweight design combined with exceptional strength. Its high strength-to-weight ratio allows steel to support more load relative to its weight compared to traditional materials.

This efficiency is due to the engineering of cold-formed steel, where C-shaped studs enhance strength significantly. Compared to dimensional lumber, steel’s strength-to-weight ratio is up to seven times greater, reducing the load on foundations and simplifying handling and transport.

This efficiency leads to faster, more cost-effective construction.

The Precision of Steel Framing

Exact and Straight

Steel framing components are manufactured with exceptional precision, ensuring exact dimensions and straightness. This precision minimizes alignment issues and the need for rework.

Produced to stringent specifications in a controlled off-site setting, steel components are crafted to exacting standards, reducing errors and ensuring the finished product matches the design.

Unlike wood, steel does not warp, twist, or shrink, providing consistent stability and reducing maintenance needs.

The Flexibility of Steel Framing

Design Versatility

Steel framing offers remarkable design flexibility, supporting expansive open spaces and larger spans without the need for excessive columns.

This flexibility allows for modern, open floor plans while maintaining perfectly straight walls. Steel frames work well with various traditional finishing materials, providing limitless design possibilities and enabling creative architectural solutions.

Its strength and flexibility facilitate innovative designs while ensuring structural integrity and compatibility with diverse finishing options.

Steel Framing vs Timber Framing

Timber framing faces supply chain issues, structural limitations, and fire risks, driving a shift to light steel framing. Steel offers superior strength, durability, and stability, without twisting, warping, or buckling. Its non-combustible nature and resistance to pests and moisture lower insurance costs and reduce repair risks, offering long-term savings and peace of mind for builders and property owners.
Steel frame roof

How is Steel Framing Made?

Steel framing construction is a design-led process, often referred to as Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), which ensures precision, efficiency, and reduced on-site labor. The process is divided into three main stages: Design & Engineering, Manufacture & Panelization, and Construction.

1
Design & Engineering Stage
The process starts with precise design and engineering using advanced software. This ensures accurate models, reducing the need for on-site adjustments and lowering costs. The focus on detailed design streamlines compliance and minimizes errors.
2
Manufacture & Panelization Stage
Steel framing components are produced from high-quality steel coils using roll-forming machines. This process shapes the steel with precision, enabling rapid and consistent production of trusses, wall frames, and joists. This reduces waste and speeds up construction.
3
Construction Phase
Steel frames are delivered pre-assembled and straight, which eliminates on-site welding or cutting. Their lightweight nature means no heavy lifting equipment is needed. Steel frames resist moisture, reducing weather-related delays, and their precision ensures a perfect fit for pre-made components, speeding up construction and cutting on-site costs.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Does steel framing rust or corrode? Modern steel framing is often treated with protective coatings to prevent rust and corrosion, making it suitable for a wide range of environments, including coastal areas.
Is steel framing environmentally friendly? Steel is highly recyclable, and steel framing generates less waste compared to traditional methods. Its durability also means fewer resources are needed for repairs and replacements.
Is steel framing more expensive than wood framing? The initial cost of steel framing can be higher than wood, but its durability, reduced maintenance costs, and other long-term benefits often offset the higher upfront investment.
How does steel framing impact construction time? Steel framing can speed up construction time due to its prefabricated components and ease of assembly, reducing labor costs and project timelines.
Where to buy steel framing? To find steel framing for your project, explore our comprehensive directory of steel frame manufacturers from around the globe. Whether you need trusses, walls, or floors, our directory connects you with trusted suppliers who can provide the right frames for your needs. Visit FRAMECAD Connect to discover top-quality steel framing suppliers and bring your project to life.
What is cold formed steel framing?

Cold Formed Steel (CFS), also known as Light Gauge Steel (LGS), is a sustainable and versatile material widely used in modern construction. It's popular due to its environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency.

CFS is made by combining iron ore and steel scrap in a Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF), rolling it into thin strips, and applying a protective zinc coating through galvanization. The steel is then shaped into its final form at room temperature, using specialized machinery—hence the term "cold-formed."

What is light gauge steel framing? Light Gauge Steel (LGS) Framing is a construction method that uses thin, lightweight steel sections to create structural frameworks for buildings. Known for its strength, durability, and precision, LGS is a popular choice in modern construction, particularly for residential and commercial projects.

LGS is manufactured by cold-forming thin sheets of steel into specific shapes at room temperature. This process results in strong, yet lightweight, components that are easy to transport and assemble. Because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, LGS Framing offers significant design flexibility while also being resistant to common issues like rot, termites, and warping.
How well does steel framing protect against earthquakes? Positive connections and the strength of steel provide great protection against earthquake and hurricanes. A lighter structure with stronger connections results in less damage from seismic force. Steel’s high ductility makes it the best construction material for earthquake-resistant design.
Is a steel frame safe from lightning in storms?

Yes. A steel frame actually allows more protection for the occupants since it provides a direct path to the ground in the event of a lightning strike. This reduces the likelihood of explosions or secondary fire.