When it comes to steel framing systems, a lot of home owners think steel frame houses are a relatively new phenomenon in modern housing construction. However, steel has been used as a building material in Australia for over 50 years and continues to grow from strength to strength. Steel has been experiencing a boom in recent years thanks to the many advantages it offers home owners and builders.

The Post-War Boom

After World War II, shortages of building materials such as timber led to the development of a steel wall framing system called ‘Econosteel’. Econosteel was essentially uncoated sections of steel that were dipped in bituminous paint. It was used in the construction of 300 houses in the ACT. Unfortunately, despite its name, Econosteel was six times more expensive to use than timber in constructing a house.

From the 1960s to the 1980s

The 1960s saw the first real boom in steel frame housing construction in Australia. An American builder on the Gold Coast constructed 50 steel homes on reclaimed land. During this construction project, galvanised frames were finished with stucco. But it was in 1968 that the first ‘new era’ of steel frame houses was built. At this time the construction of steel frame homes commenced using 1.2m thick galvanised steel in Thornleigh, Sydney. This development continued in steel home construction for more than 20 years.

In the 1980s, availability of hi-tensile zinc-aluminium alloy coated steel was a driver of new framing systems development. This steel was not only lightweight and strong but it also exhibited excellent corrosion-resistant performance. Steel enabled the freedom of design that 1980s designers craved with their open plan living and desire for greater economic benefit from their investment.

Modern-day steel framing systems

Computer technology advancements have made steel cutting, prefabrication, and frame detailing a reality that makes steel one of the most versatile and cost effective building materials. The steel we use at Dynamic Steel Frame (TRUECORE® steel) is also extremely light, strong and durable, and comes with a 50 year warranty* from BlueScope Steel. These are just a few of the many reasons why steel frames represent the future of house framing.