As you likely know, there are a lot of decisions to be made in every construction project. One important choice you’ll need to make is deciding if you want steel framing or wood framing. Here are some of the reasons why steel framing is the better option.

Resistance

Wooden structures are notorious for warping over time. Even if the floors are well maintained and never experience water damage, time alone can cause warping. This is an unattractive and dangerous problem. Steel doesn't rot the way wood does, and it's also resistant to fire whereas wood is highly flammable. Steel is also more resistant to harsh weather and natural disasters. Depending on your climate, this may be something important to consider. Wooden structures are also attractive to pests like termites, unlike steel buildings.

Ease of Use

When compared to wood, steel is actually easier to work with. According to International Timber, steel is stronger and lighter than timber. That makes it a safe choice for builders. This lighter weight can also help to cut down on shipping costs. If you're looking for a highly precise construction done quickly, a steel building contractor will be your best bet.

Affordability

Steel may appear to be more expensive at first, but there are many factors that can affect the long-term investment you make. Wood has a smaller initial investment, but in our experience, there's a lot more maintenance that goes into maintaining it. Steel is also prefabricated off-site, so there is less wastage, and that can definitely affect your overall cost. This prefabrication also creates a much quicker construction timeline for you. Quicker timelines always result in cost savings.

Sustainability

As you might imagine, metal fabrication saves trees. According to the experts at EVS Metal, a frame for a 2,000-square-foot home can be built using just recycled steel from four vehicles, while a wooden frame home would use 40 trees. If you're at all concerned with sustainable building practices, steel framing is a great choice. A steel building contractor can provide you with more information on your options for framing your home.

Are you looking for a steel building contractor in the Charleston, WV area? Our team at Southern Building Systems Inc is here to help! Give us a call today for all your steel building needs.