Author(s):
NAHB Research Center Inc.
For centuries homebuilders have made wood their material of choice because of its satisfactory performance, abundant supply, and relatively low cost. In recent years, however, lumber prices have experienced a marked upward trend. Unpredictable fluctuations in lumber prices and concerns about lumber quality have caused homebuilders and other providers of affordable housing to seek alternative building materials and methods.
The use of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing in housing has increased over the past few years, but remains limited because steel has not been integrated into conventional home framing systems. Residential floor construction represents an opportunity to improve resource utilization by integrating steel framing into otherwise conventional wood-frame houses. A recently released publication, Builders' Guide to Residential Steel Floors, provides builders, code officials, homeowners, and design professionals with the necessary information required to use steel floor joists in typical residential construction.
