Wondering if you should invest in a timber or a steel frame when building your dream home? These different framing options both have their benefits, and new home builders can choose a steel or timber frame based on their own preferences. We take a look at the factors to consider when choosing the right frame type for your property.
Choosing a Frame Type
When deciding on a type of frame for your new home, it’s important to remember that each has its advantages. Steel and timber frames are both widely used in Australia, are well-understood by building professionals, and provide a quality foundation for your dream home. When making a decision, it is crucial that new home builders consider all the relevant factors – like cost, availability of materials, and how the frame type will suit their individual build.
Benefits of Steel Frames
Steel is universally considered one of the best building materials due to its strength and longevity. There are many advantages to working with steel when building a dream home that will stand tall for generations.
Solid and Sturdy
Steel frames allow less movement and do not warp, buckle or twist over time. Regardless of your building environment, your steel frame will be a sturdy base for building your ideal home.
Precise and Easy to Assemble
Steel frames can be manufactured off-site to exact measurements. They can also be better for sealing around windows, door frames and other finishes. Once on site, steel frames are lightweight and easy to maneuver and assemble.
Sustainable
Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world, making it a sustainable building option.
Disadvantages of Steel Frames
While steel is a great option, it might not be the best choice for every home builder.
Cost
Steel is often a more expensive option, due to the production costs and need for raw materials. Homeowners working within a tight budget may want to consider a different alternative.
Benefits of Timber Frames
Timber is one of the oldest building materials and the most reliable when it comes to creating a quality, beautiful home. A timber frame offers many advantages, including ease of processing and increased efficiency.
Flexibility
Changes to your building plans? A timber frame can be modified on-site, making it easy to be flexible with your build. Timber is also more readily available, so can be sourced quickly when changes are required.
Renewable and Natural
Timber is a natural material that is also renewable. Home builders looking to be sustainable can even source timber that is sourced responsibly.
Easy to Work With
Almost all builders have experience working with timber and will be able to construct frames and other building elements. Timber requires minimal tools and is easy to work with.
Disadvantages of Timber Frames
There are some potential drawbacks to timber that home builders need to be aware of.
Changeable
Timber is a natural substance that is susceptible to some movement and change over time. Environmental conditions can make timber expand and shrink, and it is also receptive to damage from water, termites and stress fractures.