Cold Formed Steel vs Wood

Cold-formed steel (CFS) offers numerous advantages over wood in construction. Find out more about these advantages, along with common efficiencies you’re project might gain.

In This Section

CFS vs Wood

Find out about the advantages.

Common Efficiencies

Simplified work for electricians, plummers, and roofers.

Common Questions

The most common questions we get regarding the use of CFS.

Benefits of CFS over Wood

What are the Benefits of CFS over Wood?

Cold-formed steel (CFS) has several benefits over wood when it comes to construction:

Strength and durability: CFS is stronger and more durable than wood, and it can withstand higher loads and resist warping, twisting, and cracking.
Fire resistance: CFS has a higher fire resistance rating than wood, which can provide added protection in case of fire.
Pest resistance: CFS is not susceptible to damage from pests such as termites and carpenter ants, which can be a major problem with wood structures.
Longevity: CFS has a longer lifespan than wood, and it requires less maintenance over time.
Design flexibility: CFS can be formed into a wide variety of shapes and sizes, which allows for greater design flexibility and can result in weight reduction of the building structure.
Speed of installation: CFS framing is light weight and easy to handle, which speeds up the installation process and reduces labor costs.
Energy efficiency: Cold-formed steel framing is thermally efficient, it has a low thermal mass, which means it absorbs and releases heat quickly. This results in lower heating and cooling costs for the building.
Sustainability: CFS is a recyclable material, it can be recycled at the end of its life, it is also known for its ability to be made from recycled steel.

It’s worth noting that, while CFS has many benefits over wood, each material has its own advantages, and the choice between them will depend on the specific project and the requirements of the building.

What is the difference in costs between, wood and CFS ?

The cost difference between wood and cold-formed steel (CFS) can vary depending on several factors such as the location, the complexity of the project, the size and type of the building, and the cost of materials and labor.

Generally speaking, CFS is typically the same as wood when it comes to initial costs. However, over the life of a building, CFS is often less expensive than wood due to its longevity and lower maintenance costs and lower insurance costs.

The cost of the materials for CFS is slighty higher than wood, but it can be offset by the lower labor costs for installation. CFS is lightweight and easy to handle, which speeds up the installation process and reduces labor costs. In addition, CFS framing is thermally efficient, which means it absorbs and releases heat quickly, this results in lower heating and cooling costs for the building.
CFS also offers greater design flexibility, which can result in weight reduction of the building structure and it also provides better resistance to natural hazards such as earthquakes and high winds.

It’s worth noting that, the cost of CFS and wood can vary depending on the region, the availability of materials, and the cost of labor. Therefore, it’s important to consider all factors and consult with a professional to determine the most cost-effective solution for a specific project.

What are 10 benefits of CFS in construction?

Strength and durability: Cold-formed steel (CFS) is stronger and more durable than other framing materials, and it can withstand higher loads and resist warping, twisting, and cracking.
Fire resistance: CFS has a higher fire resistance rating than other materials, which can provide added protection in case of fire.
Pest resistance: CFS is not susceptible to damage from pests such as termites and carpenter ants, which can be a major problem with wood structures.
Longevity: CFS has a longer lifespan than other materials, and it requires less maintenance over time.
Design flexibility: CFS can be formed into a wide variety of shapes and sizes, which allows for greater design flexibility and can result in weight reduction of the building structure.
Speed of installation: CFS framing is lightweight and easy to handle, which speeds up the installation process and reduces labor costs.
Energy efficiency: CFS is thermally efficient, it has a low thermal mass, which means it absorbs and releases heat quickly. This results in lower heating and cooling costs for the building.
Sustainability: CFS is a recyclable material, it can be recycled at the end of its life, it is also known for its ability to be made from recycled steel.
Resistance to natural hazards: CFS offers good resistance to natural hazards such as earthquakes and high winds.
Cost-effectiveness: CFS is typically more expensive than other materials when it comes to initial costs. However, over the life of a building, CFS is often less expensive than other materials due to its longevity and lower maintenance costs.

What are the differences/benefits between CFS joists and wood Joists?

Cold-formed steel (CFS) joists and wood joists are both used for supporting the floors and roofs in construction. However, there are several key differences between the two materials:
Strength and durability: CFS joists are stronger and more durable than wood joists and are less likely to warp, twist, or crack. CFS joists are also more resistant to fire and pests.
Longevity: CFS joists have a longer lifespan than wood joists, and they require less maintenance over time.
Design flexibility: CFS joists can be formed into a wide variety of shapes and sizes, which allows for greater design flexibility and can result in weight reduction of the building structure.
Speed of installation: CFS joists are lightweight and easy to handle, which speeds up the installation process and reduces labor costs.
Energy efficiency: CFS joists are thermally efficient, they have a low thermal mass, which means they absorb and release heat quickly. This results in lower heating and cooling costs for the building.
Sustainability: CFS joists are made of recycled steel and can be recycled again at the end of their life.
Consistency: CFS joists are consistent in their quality, strength and size, this makes them ideal for use in multi-unit buildings and other structures where uniformity is important.
Cost: CFS joists are typically more expensive than wood joists when it comes to initial costs. However, over the life of a building, CFS joists are often less expensive than wood joists due to their longevity and lower maintenance costs.

It’s worth noting that, both CFS joists and wood joists have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them will depend on the specific project and the requirements of the building.

What are the differences/benefit between CFS Roof Trusses and wood Trusses?

Cold-formed steel (CFS) roof trusses and wood trusses are both used for supporting the roofs in construction, but there are several key differences between the two materials:

Strength and durability: CFS roof trusses are stronger and more durable than wood trusses and are less likely to warp, twist, or crack. CFS roof trusses are also more resistant to fire and pests.
Longevity: CFS roof trusses have a longer lifespan than wood trusses,
Design flexibility: CFS roof trusses can be formed into a wide variety of shapes and sizes, which allows for greater design flexibility and can result in weight reduction of the building structure.
Speed of installation: CFS roof trusses are lightweight and easy to handle, which speeds up the installation process and reduces labor costs.
Energy efficiency: CFS roof trusses are thermally efficient, they have a low thermal mass, which means they absorb and release heat quickly. This results in lower heating and cooling costs for the building.
Sustainability: CFS roof trusses are made of recycled steel and can be recycled again at the end of their life.
Consistency: CFS roof trusses are consistent in their quality, strength and size, this makes them ideal for use in multi-unit buildings and other structures where uniformity is important.
Cost: CFS roof trusses are typically more expensive than wood trusses when it comes to initial costs. However, over the life of a building, CFS roof trusses are often less expensive than wood trusses.

Common Efficiencies When Using CFS

How does CFS speed up an electrician’s work?

Cold-formed steel (CFS) construction can speed up an electrician’s work in several ways:

Lightweight and easy to handle: CFS is lightweight and easy to handle, which means electricians can move it around the job site more easily and quickly. This can speed up the installation process and reduce labor costs.
Accessibility: CFS framing members are typically spaced at 16 or 24 inches on center, which makes it easy for electricians to run wires and install electrical fixtures.
Well Done 1 Homes pre-fabricated CFS framing systems come with pre-punched holes for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, This can make it easier to install the electrical wiring, as the holes are already in the right location and at the right angle. Cold form Steel frames holes can be simply modified to adjusted holes sizes and adjusting /securing wiring connections/fixtures locations and can be pre programmed into our software.

How does CFS speed up Plumber’s work?

Cold-formed steel (CFS) construction can speed up a plumber’s work in several ways:

Lightweight and easy to handle: CFS is lightweight and easy to handle, which means plumbers can move it around the job site more easily and quickly. This can speed up the installation process and reduce labor costs.
Accessibility: CFS framing members are typically spaced at 16 or 24 inches on center, which makes it easy for plumbers to run pipes and install plumbing fixtures.
Plus1 homes prefabricated CFS framing systems come with pre-punched holes for plumbing, electrical and HVAC work, this can make it easier to install the plumbing, as the holes are already in the right location and at the right angle.
This allows for greater design flexibility, which can make it easier for plumbers to run pipes and install plumbing fixtures in tight spaces or in complex structures.
Easy to drill and cut: CFS is easy to drill and cut, which allows plumbers to make modifications and add plumbing fixtures without having to spend a lot of time and effort.
No special equipment needed: CFS does not require special equipment to be handled and cut, this makes it easy for plumbers to work with it.

How do you attach drywall to CFS?

There are a few ways to attach drywall to Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) framing:

Using self-drilling, self-tapping drywall screws. These screws have a pointed tip that allows them to easily penetrate the steel framing, and a wide thread that provides a secure hold in the drywall.
Using steel drywall studs and track. These are specially designed steel members that provide a nailing surface for drywall. They are attached to the CFS framing using self-drilling screws, and the drywall is then attached to the studs using regular drywall screws.
Using steel drywall clips. These are small steel clips that are attached to the CFS framing using self-drilling screws. The drywall is then hung on the clips using regular drywall screws.

It’s important to use the appropriate fasteners, as well as to ensure that the drywall is properly aligned and supported. It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes.

How easy it to roof a steel stud home frame?

Roofing a steel stud home frame can be relatively easy, as long as the proper materials and techniques are used. Some of the factors that can make it easy to roof a steel stud home frame include:

Lightweight: Steel studs are lightweight, which can make it easier to handle the materials and equipment needed for roofing.
Strong and stable: Steel studs are strong and stable, which can provide a solid base for the roofing materials.
Easy to work with: Steel studs are easy to work with and can be cut and drilled to accommodate the roofing materials.
Versatility: Steel studs can be used for a variety of roofing styles, including pitched, flat, and mansard roofs.
Prefabrication: Steel studs are prefabricated off-site, which can speed up the construction process and reduce labor costs.

How do you attach roofing to CFS?

There are a few ways to attach roofing to Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) framing:

Using steel roofing screws: These screws have a wide thread that provides a secure hold in the steel framing, and a rubber washer to seal the hole and prevent leakage.
Using steel roofing clips: These are small steel clips that are attached to the CFS framing using self-drilling screws. The roofing material is then attached to the clips using steel roofing screws or nails.
Using steel roofing hangers: These are specially designed steel members that provide a nailing surface for the roofing material. They are attached to the CFS framing using self-drilling screws, and the roofing material is then attached to the hangers using steel roofing nails.

It’s important to use the appropriate fasteners, as well as to ensure that the roofing is properly aligned and supported. It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. Additionally, it’s important to seal all the penetrations on the roof as well as flashing to prevent leakage.

Is the CFs roof done the same way as wood?

Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) framing is similar to wood framing in some respects, but there are also some important differences to consider when attaching roofing to CFS.

Like wood, CFS framing can be attached to the roof decking using screws or nails, but it’s important to use steel fasteners that are specifically designed for use with steel. These fasteners typically have a wider thread and a rubber washer to seal the hole and prevent leakage.

Additionally, CFS framing is generally more lightweight than wood framing, and requires special hangers and clips to support the roofing material. These hangers and clips are attached to the CFS framing using self-drilling screws, and the roofing material is then attached to the hangers and clips using steel roofing nails or screws.

Another important factor to consider when attaching roofing to CFS is the thermal movement. CFS is more thermally conductive than wood, and it expands and contracts more with temperature changes. This must be taken into account when designing the roofing system, to ensure that the roof can accommodate this movement without cracking or breaking.

How easy is it to assemble panelized CFS homes?

Assembling a panelized Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) home can be relatively easy, as the majority of the construction work is done in a factory and then assembled on site. The panels are pre-cut and pre-drilled to fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, and the assembly process is similar to that of building with traditional wood-framed homes.

The process typically starts with a foundation being poured or knowing your type of foundation, whether it be crawl space, basement or on piers , the CFS can be adapted/fabricated to the type of foundation requirements including a CFS flooring system, from the choice made/requirements the panelized walls, floors, and roofing or flooring system are delivered to the site and assembled on top of the foundation type. The process of assembling the panels are connected together with self-drilling screws, and the connections and hardware provided and sealed with sealant or caulking to prevent leakage.

The advantages of panelized CFS homes include:

Faster construction time: The majority of the construction work is done in the factory, which can reduce the time required to build the home.
Better quality control: The panels are pre-cut and pre-drilled in a controlled environment, which can reduce errors and improve the overall quality of the home.
Reduced waste: The panels are cut to size in the factory, which can reduce the amount of waste generated during construction.
Energy efficiency: CFS homes are known for their energy-efficient properties as they are more thermally conductive than wood, and they expand and contract less with temperature changes.

However, it’s important to mention that the ease of assembly will also depend on the complexity of the design, the skill level of the workers, and the weather conditions on the site.
It’s always important to check the manufacturer’s instructions

Is there welding involved with the assembly of CFS homes?

Welding is typically not required for the assembly of Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) homes. Most CFS homes are assembled using self-drilling screws, which are designed to provide a secure hold in the steel framing without the need for welding.

The panels are pre-cut and pre-drilled in the factory and Panelized , then assembled on site. The process of assembling the panels , because each panel weighs around 100 to 150lbs , they are light to lift and position for assembly , the panels are connected together with self-drilling screws, and the connections and hardware provided and sealed with sealant or caulking to prevent leakage on the foundation. This method of assembly is similar to that of building with traditional wood-framed homes, but with the use of steel screws.

However, in some cases, welding may be required for certain specialized applications such as steel beam connections or custom fabrication work. Additionally, it’s important to note that welding should only be done by a qualified welder and in accordance with local building codes and the manufacturer’s instructions, welding is not common, more so in the commercial aspects.