Wood framing has been the standard framing method used in residential construction for many years. Commercial construction has used masonry and steel methods and, now, lightweight steel to frame structures. Lightweight steel framing is used in approximately 4% of new homes built in the United States. Either wood or steel can be used and meet the codes for strength.

There are advantages and disadvantages in both. The pros and cons of using these methods are:

Advantages in the use of steel:

Disadvantages in the use of steel:

• Steel is less energy-efficient (steel being a good conductor of heat). One study indicates it takes 17% more energy to run a typical house framed with steel.
• Because steel conducts heat well, condensation can form in the walls and cause mildew and mold. Insulation on the outer surface of the walls can address this issue.
• Because steel framing is new to the residential building industry, many builders are not familiar with the construction methods.
• It is not clear how steel would hold up after flooding. Flood water often contain corrosive contaminates, or salt, and could damage the steel framing. No studies could be found that tested this situation.

Advantages in using typical wood framing for residential construction:

• Wood framing is more energy-efficient.
• It is a common method used in construction, so builders are familiar with the methods and have the tools to work with.
• Wood is renewable and is grown and processed in Louisiana. Environmentalists indicate wood is a key to “green” housing. It is biodegradable.
• New manufacturing processes are utilizing less-valuable species of trees to produce application-specific construction members.
• New processes make wood less susceptible to insect damage and decay.

Disadvantages in using wood:

• Wood is less uniform in strength characteristics. It is a natural product with knots and flaws.
• It is combustible.
• Untreated wood will decay and is subject to insect damage.