About the author: Adam Toth
Adam Toth owns Tag Frames, a Queensland-based firm that crafts steel house frames. Holding a QBCC licence, he is acknowledged for his specialisation in steel framing for homes, with a track record of numerous successful steel frame projects.
Should I Use Wood or Steel Joists?
Reading Time: 9 minutes and 25 seconds
When it comes to building a sturdy structure, the choice between wood and steel joists is more important than you might think. Here at Tag Steel Frames, we’ve been in the trenches, installing both types of joists across Queensland. Trust us, we’ve seen it all!
In this blog, we’re going to share what we’ve learned from years of hands-on experience. Whether you’re worried about cost, durability, or the specifics of your project, we’ve got you covered. We’ll dive into real stories from past projects to show you the real-world differences between wood and steel floor joists. By the end, you’ll know exactly which material will work best for your next build.
Table of Contents
Comparing Wood and Steel Joists
Are steel joists stronger than wood?
Steel joists are incredibly strong, with a tensile strength of 400-550 MPa compared to wood’s 40-80 MPa. I vividly recall a project in Brisbane where we needed to span 24 meters in a warehouse. Steel joists made it possible without any intermediate supports, something wood could never achieve. The uniform quality of steel, free from knots and defects, was crucial in a car park supporting heavy vehicles. Steel’s resilience to warping, rot, and termites is a game-changer, especially in coastal areas. In a coastal home, steel joists handled high humidity and salt air like a champ. For strength and durability, steel joists are unmatched in my book.
Which is more cost-effective: wood or steel joists?
Initially, wood joists are about 20-30% cheaper than steel, which sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: those savings don’t last. I once had a client who chose wood to cut costs. Within a few years, they were dealing with termite damage and rot, spending more on repairs than they saved. On the flip side, we did another project with steel joists. The upfront cost was higher, but guess what? No maintenance costs for over a decade! Steel’s durability really shines, saving money in the long haul. Plus, steel’s consistent quality speeds up installation, cutting down labour costs. So, while wood might seem cheaper at first, steel is the better investment over time.
Comparing the Design Versatility of Wood and Steel Joists
Steel joists are fantastic for architectural flexibility! Their strength and light weight mean you can create longer spans with fewer supports, perfect for open designs. I remember an office project in Brisbane where we used steel joists to achieve a spacious, open-plan layout with no intrusive support beams. Wood would have required too many supports, messing up the design. What’s even cooler is that steel can be custom-fabricated into any shape. We did a contemporary art museum project where the steel joists allowed for wide, unobstructed gallery spaces, making the design truly stand out. Steel joists give you the freedom to bring your architectural dreams to life, unlike wood.
Steel or Wood – Which joist is more sustainable?
Steel joists are fantastic for eco-friendly building! They’re fully recyclable and often made with up to 93% recycled content. Compare that to wood, which involves cutting down trees and using chemicals. In a Queensland project, we opted for steel joists to lessen our environmental footprint. The highlight? We used recycled steel joists, pushing our sustainability efforts further. When their lifecycle ends, steel joists can be recycled again, unlike wood, which often ends up as landfill waste. If sustainability is your priority, steel joists are undoubtedly the superior choice. It’s a win for your construction project and a win for the environment!
What is the maximum span for wood joists?
Wood joists usually max out at around 6-10 meters, which is pretty good until you see what steel can do – over 20 meters without needing any support beams! I had a project where we tried using wood joists for a big open-plan office. We quickly found out that wood just wouldn’t cut it. We’d have needed so many supports that it would’ve looked like a forest. Switching to steel joists was amazing – we spanned the full 20 meters, keeping the space wide open and exactly how we wanted it. This experience really showed me how much more flexible steel is for big projects. It’s not just about strength; it’s about making your design dreams come true!
Why use steel joists?
Why use steel joists? They’re strong, durable, and incredibly versatile. But can you use steel for floor joists? We’ll explain how steel joists work, share a personal renovation story where they solved a major problem, and list the top benefits of using steel joists in today’s buildings.
Can you use steel for floor joists?
Absolutely, you can use steel for floor joists, and it’s a fantastic choice! Steel joists offer unmatched strength and durability, resisting moisture and pests like termites. I recall a renovation project we took on where we faced warped wood joists and termite damage. Switching to steel joists was a game-changer. It solved our problems instantly and allowed us to span longer distances without extra support. The design flexibility we gained was incredible, and the client loved the spacious, open layout we achieved. This project really highlighted why steel is a superior option for floor joists, especially when you want reliability and longevity.
Key Advantages of Steel Joists
Steel is strong
Steel joists are incredibly strong and perfect for heavy-duty projects. I remember a multi-storey car park we helped build where steel joists supported heavy vehicle loads effortlessly, something wood couldn’t manage. Their strength keeps everything secure and stable.
It saves you time and money
Steel joists can save heaps of time and money. On a commercial project, we wrapped up 30% faster using prefabricated steel joists, cutting labour costs by 25%. It was a total win!
It offers flexibility in design
Steel joists are fantastic for creative designs. In a museum project, we used long-span steel joists to create wide-open gallery spaces without any columns. This flexibility lets us get really innovative with the layout.
It’s excellent for large and open spaces
Steel joists are perfect for large spaces. They can span greater distances without intermediate supports, making them ideal for expansive areas like warehouses and commercial buildings.
It gets rid of rot and termite issues
You know what’s cool about steel joists? They don’t rot or become termite snacks as wood does. We actually swapped out wood for steel in this one house we worked on. No more bug worries and our client had peace of mind that the place is gonna stay rock-solid for ages.
It requires less maintenance
Steel joists are pretty low-maintenance, which is a big plus in construction. I recently worked on a project where we used steel joists in a home, and it’s been smooth sailing for 20 years – no upkeep needed. Compare that to a house down the street with wood joists, where they’ve had to do repairs every 5 years like clockwork. When you break it down, less maintenance translates to more money in your pocket long-term and fewer headaches for homeowners.
Steel joists are pretty amazing when it comes to fire resistance. These tough guys can handle temperatures up to 1000°C without breaking a sweat or losing their strength. We recently used them in a project in one of Queensland’s high-risk fire areas. Given our hot and dry climate, especially during bushfire season, this fire resistance was a real game-changer. It helped us tick all the boxes for safety and building compliance without breaking a sweat. For Queenslanders living in fire-prone areas, steel joists offer that extra peace of mind that’s hard to put a price on.
It is mould-resistant
Steel joists are a top choice for keeping mould at bay and maintaining great indoor air quality. We recently used them in a coastal project here in Queensland, and they’ve been fantastic at handling our humid climate.
It is rust-resistant
Galvanised steel joists are real troopers, often lasting more than half a century without rust becoming an issue. We’ve used them in quite a few projects across Queensland, and they’ve proven to be a solid investment for our clients who live near coastal areas.
It helps save Mother Earth
Steel joists are a great choice if you’re looking to go green with your build – they’re incredibly recyclable and help cut down on waste. In a recent project here in Queensland, we managed to reduce waste by a whopping 30% just by opting for steel joists.
The Traits of Wooden Joists
Wooden joists are a popular choice in Queensland, especially for residential projects, thanks to their flexibility and ease of use. From my experience working on various builds across the state, it’s crucial to understand both the strengths of wood joists and potential challenges like warping or termite issues – especially given our climate. Now, let’s look at the specific characteristics of wood joists and where they’re most commonly used.
Characteristics and Limitations of Wooden Joists
Wood joists are fantastic for their flexibility and ease of use! They’re perfect for smaller spans and can be a cost-effective choice for residential builds. However, in my experience, they do have some drawbacks. Wood can warp, shrink, and fall prey to termites, which can lead to structural issues. I once had a project where the wood joists shrank and caused a lot of problems, leading to additional repairs. Understanding these limitations can help you make a smarter choice between wood and steel joists.
- Natural flexibility
- Ease of use
- Cost-effective for smaller spans
- Prone to warping
- Susceptible to shrinking
- Vulnerable to termite damage
When should you use wood joists?
Wood joists are ideal for smaller residential projects with lower budgets and straightforward designs. They’re great for single-family homes, cottages, and small extensions. Here in Queensland, we often use them for elevated Queenslander-style homes, where their lighter weight is a real advantage. Wood joists also offer excellent noise-dampening properties, which can be a nice bonus for multi-story homes or if you’re looking to create a quieter living space. Plus, they’re easier to work with if you need to make on-site adjustments, which can be a lifesaver when you’re dealing with the quirks of older Queensland homes during renovations.
Comparing Wood and Steel Joists
| Feature | Steel Joists | Wood Joists |
| Strength | Incredibly strong, supports heavy loads (e.g., multi-storey car parks). | Suitable for lighter loads, and limited spans. |
| Time and Cost Efficiency | Saves time and money; projects completed 30% faster and labour costs reduced by 25%. | More labour-intensive and time-consuming. |
| Design Flexibility | Offers flexibility for creative designs (e.g., open gallery spaces without columns). | Limited design options require more support. |
| Span Capability | Ideal for large and open spaces, can span greater distances without intermediate supports. | Limited to shorter spans, needs more support. |
| Durability | Does not rot or get damaged by termites; perfect for long-term durability. | Prone to rot and termite damage. |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance; no upkeep needed for 20 years in some projects. | Requires regular maintenance and repairs. |
| Fire Resistance | Can withstand temperatures up to 1000°C, ideal for fire-prone areas (e.g., bushfire regions in Queensland). | Starts degrading at around 300°C. |
| Mould Resistance | Resistant to mould, maintains indoor air quality (e.g., in humid coastal projects). | Susceptible to mould in humid environments. |
| Rust Resistance | Galvanised steel joists last over 50 years without significant rust issues. | Not applicable |
| Environmental Impact | Highly recyclable, reduces waste by up to 30% in projects. | Less recyclable, contributes to deforestation. |
Wood or steel joists? Take your pick.
Choosing between steel and wood joists can be tough, but steel really stands out for its strength, durability, and flexibility. It saves time and money, handles heavy loads, and doesn’t have the maintenance headaches of wood. I’ve seen the benefits firsthand in countless projects. So, if you’re looking for reliable, long-lasting solutions, consider going with steel. Reach out to Tag Steel Frames, the top providers of steel frames and joists in Queensland, and let’s make your next build the best one yet!
Steel Floor Joists FAQ
Steel beams are the way to go for superior strength needed for large spaces or heavy loads. They also allow for open floor plans and a modern aesthetic thanks to their slim profile. While wood is cost-effective for smaller projects and offers a classic look, steel wins for durability and potentially lower maintenance costs in the long run. For expert advice on choosing steel joists for your next project, contact us at Tag Steel Frames today!
In Australia, timber (typically hardwood) is the most common material for floor joists according to building code AS 1684. It’s a good choice for residential projects. However, steel beams are becoming increasingly popular for their superior strength and durability, allowing for larger spans and more open floor plans. If you’re considering steel framing for your project, Tag Steel Frames can help you explore the possibilities and ensure exceptional performance. Contact us today to discuss your project!
Floor joists don’t necessarily have to sit directly on a beam, but there are two common methods! You can use joist hangers, metal brackets that offer extra support and prevent warping, or simply rest the joist on the beam. Both methods are safe and meet building codes, but resting on the beam might be simpler and offer higher weight capacity. If you’re unsure which method is best for your project or have questions about steel beams as an alternative, Tag Steel Frames can help! Contact us today for a free consultation.
