Why Steel Frames

Steel framing offers a cost effective, efficient, and durable alternative to traditional timber construction. With benefits like superior strength, resistance to pests and rot, and precision engineering, steel frames are changing the way how homes and commercial spaces are built. They are lighter, straighter, and more sustainable, saving time, money, and labor while providing unmatched reliability. Whether you’re building in challenging weather or seeking a long-term, eco-friendly solution, steel framing ensures your project is built to last. Discover why so many architects, builders, and homeowners are making the switch to steel.

SmartFraming
WHY STEEL FRAMES

Our precision-engineered steel frames and trusses are crafted to the highest standards, offering a range of benefits:

50% Faster Construction
70% Lighter Than Timber
80% Savings on Engineering Fees
Custom-Cut for Accurate and Efficient Builds
Straighter and Easier to Assemble
Stronger, More Durable Construction

By choosing SmartFraming, you work with seasoned experts—our design team consists of Framecad specialists, supported by experienced builders with decades of industry knowledge.

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DURABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ON

Our light gauge steel frames and trusses are crafted using Axxis® steel, developed and rigorously tested by New Zealand Steel to withstand New Zealand’s unique conditions.

Coated with 100% galvanised zinc for superior protection, Axxis® steel is backed by a 50-year Durability Statement, giving you confidence that your structure is built to last for generations.

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STRONGER

Steel stands out as a superior construction material due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, outperforming most conventional building materials. This strength ensures structures built with steel are robust, durable, and long-lasting.

Homes framed with steel benefit from perfectly straight walls and precisely square corners, eliminating issues like nail pop-ups and drywall cracks that can occur over time with other materials. Unlike timber, steel resists warping, bowing, and twisting caused by shrinkage, ensuring the frame and trusses remain stable without long-term movement problems.

Light gauge steel framing is versatile and performs exceptionally well in all climates, unaffected by rain or extreme weather conditions. There's no need for drying out before construction, which accelerates the building process.

Additionally, steel framing accommodates a wide range of popular finishes, including brick, stucco, and stone, offering flexibility in achieving your desired aesthetic while maintaining structural integrity.

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FIRE RESISTANT

Steel-framed structures are an excellent choice when considering fire resistance, offering substantial advantages over traditional timber framing. One of the most critical benefits is that steel doesn’t act as fuel for a fire, unlike timber, which accelerates the spread of flames. This inherent resistance means that fires in steel-framed buildings are less likely to spread beyond their point of origin, potentially limiting damage and saving lives.

In contrast, timber frames not only contribute to a fire’s intensity but can also weaken structural integrity much faster under high temperatures. Steel framing ensures that even in a fire scenario, the structural framework remains more stable and less prone to collapse.

Additionally, steel is resistant to other threats like termites, mold, and rot, which further enhances its long-term durability and reliability. In an era where fire safety is paramount, particularly in residential and commercial projects, opting for steel framing offers peace of mind and compliance with stricter fire regulations in construction.

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ECO-FRIENDLY

Switching from wood to light gauge steel (LGS) framing provides substantial environmental and practical benefits for modern construction. While a typical wood-framed house requires cutting down around 40 trees, an equivalent steel-framed structure can be built using the recycled steel from just a few cars. This significantly reduces deforestation and helps preserve forests, a vital natural resource.

Moreover, steel is a highly sustainable material, being 100% recyclable and the most recycled product globally. Manufacturing processes for light gauge steel also result in minimal waste—often less than 2%, compared to 20% waste typically associated with timber framing. This means a smaller environmental footprint and reduced on-site cleanup.

From a performance perspective, steel framing maintains its structural integrity regardless of weather conditions, unlike timber, which can warp or degrade due to moisture. Steel-framed buildings are dimensionally stable, ensuring straighter walls and higher construction precision. Additionally, because steel doesn’t absorb moisture, it avoids problems like rot and mold, improving the overall longevity and indoor air quality of the building.

Finally, steel structures are more energy-efficient over time, as their resilience to temperature and humidity changes reduces the energy required for heating and cooling. These features make light gauge steel framing an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for both residential and commercial projects.

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EASIER TO WORK WITH

Using commercial-grade galvanized light steel offers significant advantages. Its slender, strong, and lightweight profile makes it an ideal solution for various builds. Unlike heavier materials, steel frames can be assembled without cranes, saving both time and money while ensuring efficiency on-site.

Slender Profile

Steel’s lightweight and strong profile eliminates the need for cranes, reducing both time and costs on-site.

Simple Assembly

With screw-together framing, there’s no need for special tools, making it an easy option for builders.

Minimal Disruption

Perfect for environmentally sensitive or sloping sites, steel framing causes little disruption to native vegetation and requires minimal site preparation.

No Power Required

Wall frames and roof trusses can be assembled in remote locations without needing power, simplifying the build process.

Cost-Effective

Steel beams are thinner than timber beams, offering more usable space at a lower cost compared to other materials.

Superior Strength & Flexibility

Steel’s strength and flexibility allow for longer spans with fewer support columns, maximizing usable space.

Safe and Easy to Assemble

Steel frames are easy to assemble on even the toughest terrain with adjustable stumps, making them safe and convenient.

Dimensionally Stable

Prefabricated frames are quick to assemble with minimal waste. Once in place, they remain stable and won’t warp or move.

Time and Cost Savings

With steel’s straight frames, there’s no need to deal with warps, twists, or knots, allowing for faster, cleaner finishes, saving both time and money.

Easy Installation for Services

Steel frames come pre-punched for plumbing and electrical, speeding up the installation process.

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HERE IS A QUICK OVERVIEW HIGHLIGHTING THE ADVANTAGES OF CHOOSING LIGHT GAUGE STEEL
FRAMES FOR YOUR PROJECTS.

Lightweight, Strong, and Straight: Steel provides superior strength while being lighter than timber, minimizing foundation movement and simplifying handling.