Whether you’re starting concepts on a single family or multi-family residential or commercial project, your choice of materials has a big impact on the final result. From the scope of the design & detailing, to on site installation and durability, the right material plays a big important for client satisfaction. It can also be the difference between your project exceeding expectations, meeting the required codes, and standing the test of time – or unfortunately, failing to do so.

Light gauge steel framing (also known as cold form steel framing) is rapidly gaining momentum as the material of choice for a growing number of clients & Builders alike. Working with light gauge steel (LGS) framing for structural walls, floor joists and roof trusses offers a host of non-combustible benefits during both the design and construction phase.

Maybe you’ve heard about LGS framing but haven’t explored it further? Or perhaps you have some understanding of the benefits but are not sure whether it’s worth making the change from traditional conventional alternatives? Either way, if you’re an Client & builder looking for new ways to drive innovation and efficiency with non-combustible materials, read on to discover how LGS framing can give your projects the edge.

What is Light Gauge Steel Framing?

Steel is flexible and can be fabricated and engineered as required to suit your exact design needs.

LGS framing system consist of structural frames fabricated using cold formed steel sections. They can be used throughout a structure, including load-bearing exterior wall, interior non load bearing walls, floor joists, curtain wall and roof trusses. LGS framing is becoming more of a common material used on construction worksites.

Benefits

Working with non-combustible LGS framing allows for design flexibility that is not possible with traditional conventional framing solutions. The high strength-to-weight ratio reduces the need for intermediate columns and load-bearing walls. This gives the ability to utilise long spans and allows you to incorporate services within the floor.

The bonus of greater open spaces is a feature of many of the most impressive modern buildings of today.

CFS steel framing can also help you tick many of the boxes when it comes to quality, longevity and compliance. It is straight and true, termite proof and provides enhanced corrosion resistance, which gives developers and homeowners complete confidence that it will perform and stand the test of time. It is also non-combustible (which can enable your design to meet the requirements of building in high bushfire risk areas) and is rigorously tested to ensure compliance with global.

Build with Steel on Site

On site, the benefits are clear too. Steel framing is pre-fabricated in our controlled factory environment, with precision and accuracy, then passed through our QA check and delivered to site ready to be installed. Many builders find our lightweight frames are faster and easier to handle and fit than traditional framing choices such as timber and or complex heavy structural steel.

The speed of installation and reduction in labour can result in substantial time and cost savings on larger projects. In tight spaces or difficult sires, the streamlined installation process of the lightweight framing also makes a big difference. And because pre-fabricated framing is straight, accurate and true, the time spent on adjustments is minimal and material wastage significantly reduced.