About steel homes
Why choose steel frame home construction?
Zincalume steel possesses the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any building material being used today.
Zincalume steel remains one of the strongest, most durable and economically manufactured materials available. The majority of commercial buildings are constructed from steel frames, and for good reason: stronger, straighter and longer lasting than traditional timber frames, steel frames are non-combustible, termite proof and unaffected by damp, dry mould or rot — making them an undeniably superior choice.
BlueScope Steel provides a 50-year warranty for its TRUECORE® steel used correctly in steel house frames. A preferred framing material with many builders, steel framing is the only framing material for which any kind of structural durability warranty is offered, and it performs well in any climate — an ideal choice for extreme environments with highly variable temperatures.
A steel frame permits complete freedom in floor layout and architectural style, and facilitates construction of energy efficient dwellings. Because it is straight and true it is easy to achieve a first class interior finish: no shrinkage or warping occurs, so linings and cornices stay in place, with no unsightly cracks or popping of nails. A steel frame's dimensions are stable — walls, ceilings and roofs are free from ripples or bumps, and door and window frames do not distort, eliminating jamming. Being non-combustible, it may also attract a lower insurance premium.
Steel frames and trusses
Six reasons steel beats timber
Superior quality, durability, ease of use, design freedom and safety — and an environmentally friendly, economical choice.
50-year warranty
BlueScope Steel provides a 50-year warranty for TRUECORE® steel used correctly in house frames. Steel framing is the only framing material offered any structural durability warranty at all.
Termite proof, non-combustible
Steel is a termite-resistant material under the Building Code of Australia, and it is non-combustible. No repeat pest sprays, no borer, no dry rot.
No shrink, no warp
Straighter and longer lasting than timber, and unaffected by damp, dry mould or rot. Frames stay true, so cornices and doors stay true with them.
Longer spans
Designs are possible in steel that cannot be done in other materials — longer spans, more open living, larger rooms.
Better resale
A fully engineered steel frame is structurally sound decades later, and resale values reflect it.
Made complete
Frames arrive with bracing panels, tie downs, pre-punched service holes and lintels over windows already in them. Compare that to the timber equivalent.
Joining
Henrob rivet system
Steel frames are now the norm in house building. But traditional joining techniques — MIG-welding, blind-riveting and bolting — are proving too costly, slow and unreliable, and manufacturers worldwide are turning to high-speed self-pierce riveting (HSPR) for their steel frames, lintels, floor joists and roof trusses.
Using HSPR means no fumes and a clean working environment. It is a cold joining process, so the zinc coating on the galvanised steel does not get burnt, maintaining the frame's corrosion resistance. With no requirement for holes, there are no subsequent alignment problems — making it a fast, one-shot process that gives a consistent, high-quality joint.
Still deciding? The frequently asked questions cover cost against timber, cyclonic areas, council approval and termite protection.
Talk through a steel frame for your build
Call for an obligation-free chat about your block, or send the details and we will come back to you.