Steel frqming slill nol q steql

f-TONSUMERS who are offered a choice of paper or \-,plastic at the grocery store may one day be able to choose between wood or steel framing at the lumberyard.

"Once we see steel studs on the Home Depot shelves, we'll know that steel framing has officially arrived," says one Houston. Tx.. builder.

Opponents also claim steel studs typically are more expensive than wood. Jerry Huckeba, owner of steel framing manufacturer Steel Tree Inc., Willis, Tx., balks: "There are a lot of myths out there. People have heard that steel framing costs much more than wood when, in fact, the prices are comparable-especially when all the costs are considered."

Nevertheless, as long as lumber prices remain low, most buyers don't see ample incentive to make the switch. Steel supporters admit that that situation has slowed-but not stopped-them from taking market share. They point to noticeable in-roads into states with tropical climates, such as Florida. Alabama. Hawaii and Texas-and discussions in some states to mandate steel frame construction for public safety.

Currently, less than 5Vo of all U.S. homes are framed in steel. Still, that represents 3OO7o growth over the last four years. Yet Vickie Jones estimates that the number of inquiries her Texas Steel Framing Alliance receives from seriously interested builders and homeowners has risen 1007o in the past year.

Proponents say light-gauge steel framing has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than wood; it resists insects and fire; is recyclable, and will not warp, shrink or rot. Builders also appreciate the precision angles and reduced on-site waste steel framing can provide.

Critics point to the unfamiliarity with steel by contractors, home builders, architects and engineers. A majority of lumber framing crews are untrained to install steel framing, they maintain.

Organizations, such as the Texas Steel Framing Alliance, are committed to working with technical schools and providing continuing education to bridge the gap. As well, new tool designs are under development to make the equipment and the process for installing wood and metal more compatible. Some manufacturers offer steel home-building kits or software for estimating steel framing specifications.

Ready access can be a problem since currently so much steel framing is made to order. "If there are changes to the order, you may have to wait days or weeks to get the part," says Bryon A. Parffrey, a certified instructor for Builders Academy.com.

Says the owner of a recently-built steel-framed home: "This is the way of the future."