Ask the designer

Planning your new home`s design, renovating or extending your house is not just challenging, but also brings up a lot of questions about regulations, permits, town planning. The purpose of our Ask the Designer page is to give you lots of valuable information so you can get prepared. Have a browse through our topics and see if somebody has already asked something similar. Or to save time, type your question topic in the Search box and see what you find. If you can`t find the answer for you question, click on the orange Ask your question here button. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

 

Ask the designer

What are the advantages and disadvantages of steel and timber frame?

There are many misconceptions about choosing steel or timber structure, such as steel structures are noisier than timber. However, with the refinement of the newer steel structures, there is a less noticeable difference.

Advantages of building with timber.

  • Slightly less expensive then steel frame
  • Easier to work with
  • Easier to fix errors on site
  • Can be treated for termites.
  • Timber has better a thermal transfer rate when comparing a house using similar building insulation (timber frame will keep your home cooler)
  • Easy to install hooks and brackets off walls in the future

Advantages of building with Steel.

  • Termite resistance (keep in mind that using steel structure does not protect 100% of your home. Proper termite protection system should still be used to protect other items in your home (timber flooring, cabinetry, etc.)
  • More accurate

It is also important to note that timber is a more environmentally friendly solution as the process in which steel frames is manufactured produce a greater carbon footprint.


Get prepared

Be inspired

Book a consultation

Testimonials
Kelie Savage Camp Hill
We are very happy with the work Otto has done for us in the design for townhouses. He is very easy to deal with, open to our suggestions and very happy to listen to our requests and explain why he...