Cold-formed Steel

Our CFS framing system is engineered to meet applicable loads under the International Building Code (IBC) and American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI S100) design standards. Structural elements are designed to resist lateral, gravity, seismic, and wind loads specific to each project’s location, geometry, and code jurisdiction.

Cold-formed steel is classified as non-combustible under ASTM E136 and supports construction in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones. CFS does not ignite, burn, or contribute to fire spread under standard testing conditions. As a structural material, it serves as the basis for numerous tested wall, floor, and roof assemblies that have achieved various fire resistance ratings.

The cold-formed steel used in our system is produced using equipment that complies with ICC-ES standards for structural steel framing.

Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing does not warp, twist, or rot, and it does not support mold growth under normal environmental conditions. It is also not susceptible to termite or other pest damage. All framing members used are galvanized to a G90 coating standard or equivalent, providing corrosion resistance appropriate for typical residential construction applications. When properly specified and maintained, CFS framing can offer long-term material stability with reduced risk of degradation over time.

Cold-formed steel components are produced while foundation work is underway, allowing the structural package to be ready for installation as soon as the foundation is complete. This overlap in workflow can shorten the overall construction timeline.

On site, the framing installs cleanly and efficiently, with fewer delays and less rework on average compared to conventional wood framing, depending on design complexity and site conditions.

CFS systems use only the material required for structural capacity, reducing waste and over-framing. Precision cutting minimizes jobsite waste and any leftover steel is 100% recyclable. This leads to more controlled material usage and cleaner jobsite conditions.

Through a program established with Marsh McLennan, multiple A-rated insurance carriers have confirmed eligibility to underwrite homes framed with our CFS system—both for builder’s risk during construction and permanent coverage post-completion, subject to standard underwriting.

Builders Workshop does not place or guarantee insurance policies. Final eligibility is determined by the carrier.

Our CFS system has been shown to be 10–15% less expensive than wood framing on many projects when considering total installed cost, labor efficiency, and reduced waste.

Faster install times can also help reduce carrying costs, general conditions, and construction overhead, depending on project size, scope, and site conditions.