Choosing The Structural Makeup Of A New Build

For those doing a proper DIY project, and having everything from the plot of land, to the raw components sourced to your liking, this post on the framework/structural materials of a house should come in handy.

When it comes to building a home, there are so many things to consider. First you have to determine the design, and then you have to choose every element of the construction process.

One of the most important decisions you can make is what kind of frame to use for your home. The frame not only holds up the walls and roof of the house, but it can also determine how durable your house will be and how long it will last.

Prefabricated Walls

Prefabricated homes are homes that are built in a warehouse, then shipped to the construction site for assembly. The frames are sometimes made of wood, metal, or even fiberglass in some cases.

The advantage of a prefabricated frame is that it will be inexpensive and install quickly. The downsides are that typically, the materials are cheap and the home may not last long. The frame cannot be customised beyond the original intention of the manufacturer.

Timber Frame

The timber frame is one of the most common for home construction. A wood frame uses large wood beams to hold up the walls and roof of the house. The benefits of a timber frame are that it is inexpensive and easily customized.

Drawbacks of this frame style include susceptibility to decay (from mold, bugs, and moisture), and the frame cannot withstand natural disasters like flooding, hurricanes, or tornadoes.

Concrete

You may not think of concrete as a form of home frame, but it can be used in some cases. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) use concrete to make up the frame of the house rather than wood or fiberglass.

ICFs are resistant to fire, insects, and water damage. The drawback of this form of framework, however, is that the material is heavy, bulky, and expensive. It will not work with all construction styles.

Steel Frame

Steel framed buildings are often used in commercial buildings- and with good reason. Steel is a strong material that has none of the drawbacks of a timer frame. A steel frame is strong, resistant to rotting and bugs, and will even withstand some natural disasters, including flooding, fire, and hurricanes.

A steel frame is also customisable and can be used in any style of home. The only disadvantage to a steel frame home is that the metal frame is more expensive than a wood frame.

In general, steel frames are the best choice for flexibility, durability, and ease of use. The extra cost of the frame is easily made up with the benefits that the steel frame can provide in the future as a protection against damage and natural disasters. You will never regret using a steel frame in your home.