Why aren't houses built with steel?

Question

It won't warp or rot, it's termite-proof, and it's lighter than wood. And wood is getting expensive. Commercial building always have steel frames - why not houses? Is the only reason tradition?

Answer 1

because steals is not good idea and may cause alot of problems to the house

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

There is certainly no reason to not build a wood frame house. Probably 90% of the homes in Texas are wooden framed. The majority have a brick veneer outside finish but the basic frame is wood. You need to treat for termites regardless unless you have all steel or masonry home. I would suggest that you follow the new Florida building code with regard to hurricane proofing the structure. It isn't a huge expense and gives you a lot more protection from storm damage. I would also use the new Hardy board type of siding. If properly installed, it will last much longer than other forms of siding. I would be curious as to what type of structure and finish these contractors are suggesting.

Answer 4

Believe it or not, Steel prices are through the roof. Houses can be made of steel, but the cost is at least triple what it is for wood. Tradition has nothing to do with it, but cost does. Most people want to be cost effective when building a house, and steel is definitely not the way.

Where I live steel prices are through the roof....Obviously that may not be the case elsewhere.

Answer 5

Actually steel studs cost less than wood. The problem is in the labor. Steel is difficult to cut. If you use a circular saw, it will rust on the cut. It has to be cut using a by-pass type cutter to cover the cut edge with the galvanizing zinc. While many houses are starting to be fabricated out of steel studs, the use of wood is still more popular. I personally do not like the idea of having a "c" member as the bottom plate, where condensation in the walls will collect. I have seen problems with the studs rusting where fasteners penetrated in this area.

Answer 6

If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/yCYTz
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.

Answer 7

They do build houses from metal, where have you been. Most people that have them wish they didn't`t. Hard to heat, not easy to decorate, and if you think wood has gone up in price, check on metal. The initial price is much more.

Answer 8

COST! By the time you finish framing the house in steel, you can't afford to finish it out.

Answer 9

There are homes built of steel.

Answer 10

good idea but the cost would be really high compared to building with wood