Steel Flooring vs. Wood in Homes: The Ultimate Showdown—7 Reasons Steel Wins Every Round
For generations, wood has reigned supreme in the flooring arena. But the tide is turning. A new contender has entered the ring—steel—and it’s packing a punch that might just leave wood flat on its back.
At Tag Steel House Frames, we have been manufacturing and supplying premium steel framing and steel floor joists for residential and commercial builds all over Queensland for many years. In that time, we have seen steel floor joists consistently outperform wood in flooring across key categories—durability, longevity, maintenance costs, and environmental impact.
As leaders in steel framing and an authoritative voice for the building industry, we aim to settle the debate of steel versus wood flooring for housing and commercial property owners alike. While wood maintains allure for its aesthetic, steel delivers unparalleled structural integrity, value, and performance over the long haul.
In this blog, we will outline 7 reasons why steel wins every major round when weighed against wood flooring. Backed up by research and firsthand accounts from many years of serving clients, we’ll cover topics spanning durability, moisture resistance, maintenance needs, environmental footprint, and visual appeal with the right finishes.
Whether building a new home, self-storage facility, or commercial space, read on to understand why steel provides the smartest investment in floor framing to withstand the test of time. We’ll also offer tips to achieve stunning steel floors that are indistinguishable from real hardwood and rival the coveted wood look. Let the battle commence!
Table of Contents
Steel Floor Joists: What Are They?
Steel floor joists stand as horizontal load-bearing structures, proficiently transferring loads from upper floors to beams. Forging their strength from high-strength steel, these joists boast an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, enabling them to span extended distances and bear heavier loads compared to conventional wood joists. Their resilience is evident in their resistance to moisture, mould, and pests, presenting a stark contrast to the vulnerabilities that afflict wood joists, such as rot, warping, or cracking over time.
The design of steel floor joists typically takes the form of open-web joists, featuring two parallel chords interconnected by a series of triangular web members. This open-web configuration facilitates the seamless integration of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems within the joist space. Furthermore, it enhances ventilation and fire protection measures. The adaptability of steel floor joists extends to customisation. accommodating diverse architectural and structural needs, including curved, pitched, or gable shapes
Steel Joist vs. Wood Beams: What’s the Difference?
Feature | Steel Joists | Wood Beams |
---|---|---|
Material | High-strength steel | Solid wood (natural or engineered) |
Durability | Highly resistant to wear, tear, moisture, rot, and pests | Susceptible to scratches, warping, rot, and pests, especially in humid environments |
Strength | High strength-to-weight ratio, can span longer distances and support heavier loads | Lower strength-to-weight ratio, limited in span and load-bearing capacity |
Fire Resistance | Non-combustible materials enhance fire safety | Combustible, can fuel fires |
Moisture Resistance | Impervious to moisture, ideal for bathrooms, basements, and outdoor spaces | Vulnerable to moisture, not suitable for wet areas |
Weight and Installation | Generally lighter and easier to install, especially in large spaces | Heavier and more challenging to install |
Maintenance | Low maintenance; no need for sanding, staining, or resealing | Requires regular maintenance for sanding, staining, and resealing |
Cleaning and Hygiene | Easy to clean and sanitise, smooth surface prevents dirt and grime buildup | Can be more difficult to clean, with the potential for hidden dirt and grime in nooks and crannies |
Design and Customisation | The open-web design allows for easy integration of utilities and offers customisation options | Solid design limits options for utility integration and customisation |
Applications | Widely used in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, especially for large open spaces and heavy loads | Commonly used in residential and smaller structures, preferred for a warm and natural aesthetic |
Cost | Generally more expensive than wood | Typically more cost-effective than steel |
Environmental Impact | Less environmentally friendly due to steel production and resource extraction | Considered more environmentally friendly as wood is a renewable resource (depends on sourcing practices) |
We have installed my share of floors using both metal floor joists and wood beams. While each material has advantages in certain situations, I’ve found steel to offer superior durability, maintenance, and personalisation in most residential settings.
Weight and Installation: Lighter on the Feet, Easier on the Schedule
Steel joists might seem heavy, but they’re actually lighter than their wooden counterparts. This means they’re easier to handle and install, especially in large spaces. I’ve seen crews wrestling with massive wood beams, while steel joists often go in like clockwork. This can save time and money on your project, leaving more room for the fun stuff, like picking out your dream floor finish.
Maintenance: Less is More
Steel joists are the low-maintenance superstars of the floor support world. Unlike wood, they don’t need constant sanding, staining, or resealing. Just a quick sweep and mop keeps them looking their best. It’s like having a self-cleaning floor – perfect for busy bees like me!
I still cringe when I remember the endless wood floor refinishing project in that old office building. Every few months, it was back to the dust and fumes, sanding down those tired wooden floorboards and slathering on fresh coats of stain and sealant. It was a constant battle against scuff marks, spills, and the general wear and tear of hundreds of busy shoes.
Now, compare that to the warehouse I helped renovate a few years later. They opted for steel joists throughout, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. No more messy refinishing! Those steel joists just gleamed year after year, impervious to dropped tools, forklift scrapes, and even the occasional rogue paint splat. Cleaning was a breeze – a quick mop and it was spotless. It just goes to show, that sometimes choosing something less traditional, like steel, can save you a whole lot of sweat and headache in the long run.
Cleaning and Hygiene: Keeping it Spotless
From a homeowner’s lifestyle perspective, steel also shines through with lower maintenance needs. Unlike wood floors demanding ongoing refinishing and resealing, steel needs little more than an occasional damp mopping after sweeping. Spills and messes wipe up easily without penetration or staining concerns. We once worked on a bathroom floor in a spa, the steel joists prevented water damage despite constant exposure to moisture. Wooden flooring in a basement, on the other hand, absorbed moisture from spills that led to extensive rotting and replacement.
Strength and Durability
I had a client who wanted a build by the beach and we recommended that they install a steel floor joist system that would hold up against the salty waters of the sea. My client initially wanted a wooden porch made with wooden beams, but the plan was revised because wooden beams easily rot in high-humidity environments.
So, which one wins the floor support showdown?
It depends! Steel shines with its superior durability, moisture resistance, fire safety, and ease of maintenance. But wood offers warmth, affordability, and a natural aesthetic that some might prefer. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your unique needs and priorities.
7 Reasons Steel Bearers and Joists Win Every Round
Forget flimsy floorboards and creaky timbers! In the battle for superior floor support, steel reigns supreme. Here in Queensland, where harsh sun and salty breezes meet, we know a thing or two about resilience. That’s why Tag Steel House Frames proudly champions the ironclad strength of steel floor joists. But don’t just take our word for it; let’s see why steel wins every round for commercial and residential property builders:
Reason #1: Indestructible Durability
Steel floors laugh in the face of wear and tear. They’re five times stronger than timber, meaning your floors won’t flinch under heavy furniture, boisterous kids, or even the occasional rogue cricket ball. Studies show steel joists can last over 100 years, leaving timber’s 30-year lifespan in the dust. According to one of the studies done at the University of Edinburgh, galvanised cold-formed steek sections used in housing allow homes to perform better and expand their lifespan up to 200 years, as long as they are well-insulated and properly maintained. Invest in steel once, and your floors will be there for generations to come.
Reason #2: Waterproof Warrior
Queensland’s wet season is no match for steel’s unwavering resilience. Unlike wood, which absorbs moisture like a sponge, steel shrugs off torrential downpours and even the occasional flood. Remember that time we installed steel joists in a beachfront home? Years later, they stood strong against the salty spray, while the original timber floorboards were reduced to warped, splintered nightmares. Steel keeps your home dry and safe and saves you a fortune on costly repairs.
Reason #3: Fireproof Fortress
Remember that unsettling feeling when you close your eyes at night? With timber floors, the flickering glow of a bushfire can fan that feeling into full-blown panic! As a non-combustible material, steel intrinsically resists ignition and contains fires longer than combustible wood. This added protection provides peace of mind and often lowers home insurance premiums.
Reason #4: Low-Maintenance Champion
I used to be the kind of person who thought that a little elbow grease was the key to a happy home. I would spend my weekends sanding, staining, and resealing my timber floors, only to have them look worse for wear a few months later. Timber floors are basically a needy friend who demands constant attention. Sanding, staining, and resealing—it’s a never-ending cycle of sweat and sawdust. Steel? It’s the low-maintenance champ. A quick mop is all it takes to keep it sparkling clean, leaving you more time to crack open a coldie and watch the sunset. Imagine weekends free from floor-fixing chores!
Reason #5: Hygienic Haven
We have had self-storage facilities as our clients for steel floor joists. We use steel floors and frames for storage facilities because this creates easily sanitised surfaces. This ensures secure containment of customer belongings without mould, mildew, or pests attracted to wood. Steel’s smooth, non-porous surface repels dirt and bacteria, making it a dream for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. It’s no wonder hospitals and restaurants are choosing steel in droves—it’s simply the cleanest, most hygienic choice for your home.
Reason #6: Modern and Sleek
Steel isn’t just about strength and practicality; it’s a style statement too! Its sleek, minimalist aesthetic complements any design, from contemporary Queenslanders to industrial lofts.
Swapping out the timber for steel was like giving my living room a complete makeover. The first thing that struck me was the lightness. The polished steel surface bounced light around the room, making it feel instantly airier and more spacious. It was like someone had thrown open all the windows and let the sunshine flood in, even on the gloomiest days.
But it wasn’t just about the light. The sleek, minimalist aesthetic of the steel was a game-changer. It gave the whole room a modern edge, transforming it from “meh” to “magazine-worthy.” My friends couldn’t stop gushing about the “wow factor,” and even my grandma, bless her heart, admitted it was “quite snazzy.” With its versatility and endless customisation options, steel lets you design floors that are as unique as you are.
Reason #7: Eco-Friendly Choice
Yeah, yeah, timber sounds natural, but let’s talk about deforestation for a sec. Steel is 100% recyclable! Unlike timber, which often ends up in landfills, steel can be endlessly recycled into new products. Imagine your floor giving up the ghost one day, only to be reborn as a shiny car fender or a sturdy bridge beam! It’s the ultimate circular economy dream come true. Choosing steel flooring wasn’t just about a material; it was about a mindset. It’s about saying yes to conscious consumption, innovative design, and a future where our homes reflect our values as much as our taste.
Make Metal Floor Joists the Right Choice for Your Homes
At Tag Steel House Frames, we believe steel reigns supreme for residential and commercial floor framing. Durable steel joists outmatch wood across critical performance measures: longevity, strength, resilience, sustainability, and value.
As highlighted throughout this post, steel joists deliver over 100 years of reliable structural support without maintenance headaches. Impervious to moisture, pests, and fire, steel provides a safety and hygiene haven for spaces small and large. The sleek metallic aesthetic even replicates premium wood looks with the right factory coatings.
Custom-engineered for unique loads and spatial configurations, steel joists enable the flowing open-concept spaces homeowners covet. Superior design flexibility coupled with quicker installation reduces construction waste as well. And integrated utilities stay conveniently accessible within the open-web structure.
When sourced and recycled responsibly, steel ranks among the most eco-friendly building materials available today. It certainly outperforms certain woods in environmental impact.
Contact Australia’s renowned steel joist manufacturer, Tag Steel House Frames, to learn more about the advantages of steel flooring. Whether building anew or renovating, our steel solutions deliver lasting value and reliable performance all under one roof. We’re proud to supply premium Australian steel joists to discerning residential and commercial clients across Queensland and beyond.
Steel Floor Joists FAQ
Steel floor joists stand out as highly versatile components that seamlessly integrate with various building materials commonly employed in home construction, including concrete and wood framing.
As a seasoned expert in steel floor joists based in Queensland, I can attest to the numerous advantages these joists bring to the construction process.
Steel joists offer a level of consistency in quality and predictability in performance that sets them apart. Their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional stability make them a preferred choice for builders seeking reliability in structural elements. The integration of steel joists with other building materials is remarkably straightforward. These joists harmoniously work alongside structural steel, concrete, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), and traditional wood construction methods. They can be seamlessly incorporated during the building process by housing them within the internal leaf of brick or blockwork. Alternatively, attaching a wall plate and hangers is another efficient installation method.
Trust me, I get it. It’s natural to worry about tearing up your home and dealing with construction chaos. But let’s break it down and see if steel can transform your worries into confidence. The process of replacing wood joists with steel can indeed be intricate and potentially disruptive, influenced by factors such as the condition and location of the existing joists, the size and weight of the steel, and the chosen installation method. Some challenges and risks associated with this undertaking include:
- Removing old wood joists may pose risks to the floor, ceiling, or wall finishes, as well as plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems.
- Lifting and placing steel joists can be challenging and hazardous, especially in tight spaces or over long spans.
- Attaching steel joists to the existing structure can be tricky due to potential differences in dimensions, shapes, and connections compared to wood joists.
- Integrating steel joists with other building materials like concrete, wood, or brick requires careful consideration.
To make an informed decision, consulting with a qualified professional like me at Tag Steel Frames, who understands the intricacies of steel floor joists and alternative strengthening methods, is highly recommended.
Thinking of adding the strength and style of steel flooring to your home, but worried about ripping up your existing subfloor? Installing steel flooring over an existing subfloor is a viable option, contingent on factors like the type and condition of the current subfloor, the thickness and weight of the steel flooring, and the chosen installation method. However, there are crucial considerations to ensure a successful and durable outcome. Here are key factors to keep in mind:
- Your subfloor needs to be level, dry, and crack-free.
- Steel packs a punch, weight-wise. So, your existing floor needs to be up for the challenge.
- Ensure compatibility with the adhesive or fasteners used for attaching steel flooring. Specific subfloor types, like concrete, vinyl, or ceramic tile, may necessitate specialised adhesives or fasteners designed for metal-to-nonmetal bonding.
- Account for the expansion and contraction of steel flooring due to temperature and humidity changes.
Installing steel over an existing subfloor can be a win-win, but consulting a steel floor joist expert is your secret weapon. We’ll assess your specific situation, recommend the best approach (whether it’s a subfloor makeover or a clean slate with a fresh slab), and handle the installation with precision and care.