Which wall frames are best for your home?

13 May 2021

Eugene Vargas

If you have decided to build your own home, there are several decisions that you must make almost immediately. The location and style of the home will be important, but you must think in specific terms about the materials used to construct your home. One decision that you can't put off is the choice between timber and steel wall frames. Some advantages and disadvantages come with each option, and ultimately, it is a personal decision. Here is what you need to know before you make your choice.

What factors are involved?

House frames are the basic framing elements that support your property. The columns and beams of the frame fit together to create support for the roof, floors, and internal fixtures of the property. When considering whether steel or timber wall frames would be the better choice, you must bear in mind, the initial cost of the wall frames and the longevity of the frame, the flexibility of the frame, the sustainability of the wall frames, and the amount of time needed to work with each type of frame.

Understanding steel wall frames

Mild steel wall frames are durable and sustainable. They are renowned for their strength and low weight. Steel wall frames are generally lighter than wooden frames, yet they can support a greater load. A further advantage of steel wall frames is their flexibility. Steel wall frames can be created in a range of configurations without losing their strength and remain impervious to the insect attacks that can affect timber frames. Finally, remember that under equal conditions, steel wall frames will always outlast wooden frames.

Understanding timber wall frames

Timber wall frames have existed for millennia. Traditionally, the frames would have been built by skilled craftsmen. Today, timber frames are just as advanced as steel wall frames. You could opt to have your wall frames created on-site or cut to size in advance and slotted quickly and cost-efficiently into place. Timber wall frames are often easier to install than steel frames since they don't require the specialist welding tools often needed by steel frames. The flexible design options provided by timber wall frames often allow for more natural light to enter the building. Timber wall frames are also more energy-efficient, helping you to save money on your fuel bills over the lifetime of your property.

Think through each of these factors before deciding what type of wall frames would be best for your property.

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