Due to their strength, light gauge steel also requires fewer studs because they can be placed further apart. These thin members are used to frame out walls, floors, and roof systems in much the same way as 2x wood studs. These light-framed steel members are similar to wood-framed construction in principle. “Cold-Formed” means the sections are shaped at room temperature by guiding the steel through a series of rollers. Cold-Formed Steel (CFS)-also called Light Gauge Steel or metal studs-is cold-formed into “C” or “Z” shaped members, capable of holding heavy loads.They are very different in both production and framing methods. When using steel framing, there are two main options to consider: Cold-Formed Steel and Structural Steel. Steel has an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and flexes with force, which is why it’s frequently used for large construction projects like high-rise buildings. Today we are going to take a deep dive into what we mean when we say “Cold-Formed Steel”. The term “Steel” is one of those broad terms that gets thrown around a lot. With lumber prices soaring, developers are looking for steel solutions. “Our goal is to continue to provide resources to both owners and builders so that they can explore innovative and cost-effective steel framing solutions for their next project.We’ve recently discussed cold-formed steel and how it can be utilized with Industrialized Construction. Park 4200 is the perfect example of how steel framing can be used for structural applications on multi-story buildings as high as 9 stories,” says Mark Nowak, president of The Steel Framing Alliance. “Over the last decade the use of steel framing in commercial construction has continued to grow. This amounts to over $400,000 for the 99,000 square foot of interior space.

Compared to the cost of an all concrete structure, Park 4200 was able to save $4.20 per square foot. Park 4200, a 6-story apartment project built over a 3-story parking garage in Dallas, found CFS to be a cost effective solution. With the use of CFS framing, dollar savings can be significant. The increased use of new techniques using steel helps reduce costs of an overall project and makes commercial projects more marketable since steel is inherently a stable, engineered material with consistent properties and attributes.

However, according to the Steel Framing Alliance, CFS is an excellent and cost competitive choice for structural applications on buildings as high as 9 stories.

Traditionally CFS is relegated to non-bearing partition and curtain walls due to its light weight, high strength, non-combustible nature, and ease of installation. With recent improvements in load bearing capacities, cold-formed steel (CFS) is being used in new applications.

Cold formed steel framing projects