Advantages of Using a Steel Frame Building Over Timber

Steel frame buildings are being increasingly used for home and garden projects across the UK. This is for many reasons, from the climate to sustainability and flexibility as a growing number of residents become more ambitious with their use of available space.

Building in the garden is a great way of creating valuable additional living or working space at home. Whether you’re planning a family garden room, teen bedroom, workshop or hideaway, a steel frame building offers a wide range of advantages over traditional timber.

Why choose steel frame construction?

The latest steel frame buildings are designed to be lightweight, easy to erect and complete and highly resistant to damp and bug infestations – all in contrast to traditional timber framework:

• As one of the strongest materials used in the construction industry, steel can easily outperform timber in terms of tensile strength.
• In terms of fire resistance, steel will always outperform timber.
• Steel frames have higher resistance to moisture and will not allow rot to set in like it would in a timber framework.
• Using galvanised steel eliminates the chance of the pest infestations that are likely in timber.
• Precision designed steel frame buildings can be better insulated or soundproofed.

Budgeting considerations for steel vs. timber

If you’ve already researched timber and brick construction, you’ll know that you’re looking at a sizeable investment in terms of both labour and materials. Preparation costs, construction and finishing costs, an overview of maintenance, lighting and heating will all be incorporated into the planning and considerations for the project.

Steel frame buildings will require a foundation pad, just as a timber construction would. Permissions will likely be needed for both types of project and building standards will need to be followed too. It may be simpler to acquire planning permission for a timber shed-type building, but sometimes incentives are offered for sustainable materials and planning. Steel frame buildings are more highly customisable and ready to accept modern building and finishing materials.

• Steel frame buildings do offer a new approach. Affordable, lightweight frames can be bought off-the-shelf in standard, project-ready sizes.
• Labour costs can be reduced when precision-manufactured steel frame buildings are erected, either professionally or perfectly suited to DIY.
• Easier to complete with insulation and skylights, steel frames can be more energy-efficient than other types of construction.
• Longer term cost vs. value can be gained from a steel frame building than a timber one.
• A well-finished garden room can add to the overall value of the home. Timber constructions are often regarded as temporary structures.

Can we help you with your steel frame building project?

At PermaRoof, we stock an extensive range of off-the-shelf steel frame buildings to suit many popular garden projects. In stock and ready to buy online, we’ll ship your order quickly via our fleet to anywhere in the UK. Fast and straightforward to erect for a small DIY team with skills – two of our warehouse team did it in an hour!

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more bespoke, we can help you bring your ideas to life. PermaRoom, our sister company within the PermaGroup family, has an expert, in-house CAD design team, waiting to work with you to create the perfect space with almost limitless possibilities.

Find out more about steel frame buildings here, browse our range to buy online or give the team a call today to chat your project through.

PermaGroup has established links with some of the biggest names in our industry thanks to our reputation of excellence. Read more about becoming a supplier or stockist here.