Structural steel framing vs wood?

Hi — We are trying to renovate a four-story townhouse in a cost-sensitve but sound way. A professional from outside area is wondering why plans call for structural steel framing as opposed to wood. For example, he is suggesting jacking up floor on our 3rd floor and installing new wood beam members on posts below and design it as to support bearing walls above. (Jacking up 4th floor before installing bearing). Knowing less than nothing about steel/wood/supports, I’m wondering if anyone can share an opinion on this? Would it save money over steel? Our place is 16′ feet wide. Thanks!

psp215

in Brownstoner Renovation 13 years and 5 months ago

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psp215 | 13 years and 5 months ago

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Thanks very much for your replies — will investigate further but sounds like good reasons to use steel.

masterbuilder | 13 years and 5 months ago

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I would have to see the house and drawings.  Framing with wood is nostalgic at this point.  The material is inferior to steel, which is a very “true” product.  My labor cost for working with wood far outweighs the material cost of steel.  It is common in Brooklyn to use both steel and some wood – for example composite beams.  Composite wood beams like LVLs are also expensive.

brucef | 13 years and 5 months ago

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Typically in a 16′ wide house, the original joists were designed to span the full width. While there may be partition walls, they are usually not technically considered, structural. They are properly termed “stiffening” walls. I am discussing the formalities of the situation. Then there is the reality. You don’t say which type of deflection you have. I would generalize the categories as sloping or banana. If you have banana shaped wood joists, you may attempt to add stiffening. This can be successful at times, we have had mixed results. Not in keeping what we gain, but in straightening to begin with. You did not explain if the proposal is steel studs (uprights) or replacing wood joists with new C-channels. Steel framing comes in many gauges, which have varying strengths. I suspect your desire to save money is misplaced focus. I would recommend a greater focus on the correct solution at a moderate price rather than a great bargain on the wrong solution. I wish I could say that all professionals know wht they are talking about. Any capable engineer will correctly calculate loads and structural members, but that may not be the issue.

slopemope | 13 years and 5 months ago

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Not an architect, just a homeowner.  I am surprised a 16 foot house needs structural beams (maybe the existing joists are very shallow?)  If that is the case, i would suppose he might spec steel because as Jock said, he is trying to minimize the support columns in the house (which you need more if its wood, steel can withstand longer spans between columns) – and those columns could either be very tight fit in a 16 footer, possibly not allowing enough space in some places to meet code in addition to the layout nightmare.  Just a guess, i would ask and not rely on the musings of someone from outside the area.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 5 months ago

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It would be hard to say without seeing it. Ask your engineer. There is always a reason to the design. It may be that the wood will be cheaper, but I would suppose the reason for the steel is to not require the posts.