For reasons of strength, durability, versatility and economy, steel is considered by most to be a universal building material. Steel is universally used to build the superstructures of skyscrapers, bridges, medical and educational facilities, and high-rise apartments and commercial buildings and offices. The proven performance and quality of steel have also caused it to dominate commercial interior wall framing applications for many years now.

Today, an increasing number of builders have discovered lightweight steel framing to construct homes, and are doing so with great success. Steel’s sudden growth in residential popularity has been fueled by both economic and environmental considerations in the building industry. Wood has been the material builders traditionally used to construct residential homes in North America.

Okay, let’s get one thing straight, and that's steel! And it stays straight. Being strong and light weight its’ nimble body holds true. Commercial builders and architects figured this out a few years ago. The moisture content of lumber, even kiln dried lumber, leaves chance to drying, warping, twisting and splitting as moisture dissipates it’s heavy, bulkier body.

In the competitive nature of things, lumber is a loser. Taking the lime light, steel wins every time. Fire? Steel wins. Wood framed houses lose. Dry rot, mold, mildew and termites? Steel wins. Building in the rain and melting snow? Wood loses. Steel wins. How about hurricanes and earthquakes? Consistent in its weight yet lighter then lumber, a light gauge steel stud is multiple times stronger then it’s counter part.

Framing costs of a house are around 20 to 22% of the entire home. Upfront costs can be about the same in the long run. Being that steel has superior strength less is needed in actual framing thus reducing overall costs by comparison. However a round of applause is in order for the zero maintenance required and ease of remodeling with steel in the years ahead.