Steel framing contains up to 28%-recycled material and construction waste generated during framing is 100% recyclable. It is resistant to corrosion, warping, and termites. Framing members can be ordered cut-to-length which can result in reduced on site labor costs and reduced on site waste. Framing weighs up to two-thirds less than conventional materials. Lightweight steel framing lends itself to panelization techniques that can speed the on site construction process by allowing the assembly of walls in controlled environments. Steel framing members also have pre-punched holes that allow for easy installation of electrical wiring and plumbing. There are a number of inherent functional attributes of steel that are beneficial. For example, steel is:

• flexible-- it can serve as stick-built, panelized, or pre-engineered frames for houses. The variety of sizes and thicknesses of steel contribute to flexibility. For example, to obtain a desired design you can reduce the width of a joist but compensate with a heavier gauge steel and not change the spacing of members.
• durable-- it will not shrink or warp, resulting in fewer call-backs for nail pops or split seams in gypsum board. Also, steel is inorganic and therefore, it is resistant to moisture and insect infestation and will not rot, warp, split, crack or creep.
• light weight – it is easy to handle, contributing to reduced labor costs and worker fatigue.
• strong-- it can meet the highest seismic and wind load specifications. Its allowable stress values on the average range from 21,000 to 33,000 pounds per square inch (psi).
• dimensionally stable-- since steel is a processed material rather than organic, it is straight, uniform and consistent in quality.
• fire resistant-- it is non-combustible. It does not burn or contribute fuel to the spread of a fire, and may contribute to lower home owner insurance rates.
• strength-- cold-formed steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any building material.