For centuries homebuilders have made wood their material of choice because of its satisfactory performance, abundant supply, and relatively low cost. In recent years, however, lumber prices have experienced a marked upward trend. Unpredictable price fluctuations and concerns about lumber quality have caused homebuilders and other providers of affordable housing to seek alternative building materials and methods. The use of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing in housing has increased over the past few years but remains limited because steel has not been integrated into conventional home framing systems. Residential floor construction represents an opportunity to improve resource utilization by integrating steel framing into otherwise conventional wood-frame houses. A recently released publication, Builders' Guide to Residential Steel Floors, provides builders, code officials, homeowners, and design professionals with the necessary information required to use steel floor joists in typical residential construction. Builders' Guide can be used as a guideline to facilitate the use of CFS floor framing in the construction of conventional one- and two-family residential dwellings, townhouses, and multifamily dwellings. The first three chapters provide an overview of CFS framing including its advantages, technical resources, tools and fasteners, and material properties. Chapters 4 and 5 describe how to construct CFS floors and related installations. Chapter 6 provides general recommendations and construction guidelines gathered from experienced steel framers, which can save builders time, materials, and frustration. Easy-to-read diagrams and tables as well as useful tips appear throughout the publication. Builders' Guide was sponsored by HUD and developed through PATH (Partnership for Advanced Technology in Housing). Builders' Guide to Residential Steel Floors is available for $5 from HUD USER. Use the order form.
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