What to know: the advantages of steel frame construction

After discovering the benefits of steel framing as a builder, Bruce Wolfe launched Steel Frame Solutions to expand the resources available in New Zealand for light gauge steel framing systems.

“It all started when I was finalising designs for 10 houses in a subdivision,” says Wolfe. Introduced to the benefits of steel framing by New Zealand Steel, he quickly switched gears. 

“At the time, there wasn’t the same level of support as what we offer now, and it didn’t come with all the components back then. They sent out a team to help us with the installation process, but the set out was almost identical to timber framing. 

“The first house took some getting used to, but the second was amazing – it saved us so much time. Our team absolutely loved using the steel framing; it made a huge difference for us.” 

Dedicated to embracing smarter solutions that help save time and costs for builders and homeowners, Wolfe quickly embraced steel framing and is now an expert in cold form steel production. 

“Steel framing is revolutionising the industry for builders when it comes to standardisation. If you can offer standard plans for consumers, they know exactly what they’re buying and they get better value,” says Wolfe. “As a builder, I understand the reluctance to try a new product. We do get questions and concerns about whether there will be a steep learning curve, or if their plumbers and electricians will have issues.” 

However, by arriving on site pre-cut and assembled to size, there are no further adjustments required once the steel framing system leaves Steel Frame Solutions’ manufacturing facility. 

“Today it’s a much more streamlined process. Compared to timber, making revisions looks a little different. If there’s an alteration needed, the builders come back to us – the manufacturers – and we send out a new panel to simply replace. This is a very quick turnaround – just a day or two, in most cases – because the manufacturing process is so efficient. All in all, it saves heaps of time for the builders.” 

By weighing up to 70 per cent lighter than timber panels – depending on the panel configuration – the steel frames are also easier to move around on site than timber. 

Steel Frame Solutions’ engineered steel frames and trusses are also ideal for remote locations as they can be positioned and screwed together without needing access to the power grid, are pre-punched for plumbing and electrical, are compatible with any roofing and cladding system, and require fewer columns and stud support due to superior strength. 

“Steel Frame Solutions uses light gauge steel to deliver superior, precision engineered frames providing longer-lasting protection for residential and light commercial structures,” says Wolfe.

The prefabricated steel frames are straight and true, making it easier and faster to achieve a high level of internal finish on the walls, floors and ceilings. This saves time and money, and there is no need to plane off and compensate for warps, twists and knots.

“What we keep seeing is that steel framing is very easy to install on site, and that once builders try it, they never want to go back to timber. I love seeing how excited builders become when they discover this product. You can tell that this is really helping them do their job better,” says Wolfe. 

“I think steel framing is going to eventually become the new norm for residential and light commercial builds in New Zealand as it is in Australia, and the result is going to be stronger, longer-lasting homes, built more efficiently.

“We put a lot of work into developing the manufacturing systems to support the building process. That’s why we made sure to handle the sizing of the frames before they arrive on site. Because we evolved from building ourselves, we know how to communicate between engineers, owners and site managers. The Steel Frame system is designed to work well in practice for builders – and I think that sets us apart.”

Learn more about light gauge steel frame construction and working with Steel Frame Solutions on ArchiPro.