Benefits of Structural Steel for Apartments and Condominiums | American Institute of Steel Construction

Structural steel framing achieves low floor-to-floor solutions with ideal bay sizes for apartments and condominiums.

Structural steel framing has long been recognized as a high-strength, dimensionally predictable, rapidly erected framing material. The selection of a structural steel framing system for a multi-story residential project provides significant benefits to the project, including:

Low floor-to-floor heights and maximized floor-to-ceiling heights using steel framing elements and thin-floor systems
Flexible spaces thanks to column-free areas-ideal for amenities and a mixture of unit types (link to space utilization page)
Enhanced framing quality through the use of a long-lasting, durable, high-quality material fabricated off-site to tight tolerances (Quality page link)
Adaptiveness, as a steel framing system is simpler to expand or remodel (Adaptability page link)
Reduced foundation loads, column footprint and overall project costs thanks to steel's lightweight properties (Comparison of other material link)
Earlier building occupancy thanks to quick erection, which reduces overall on-site construction, labor and associated time and costs (link to Schedule page)

Structural steel framing systems are competitive with alternative framing materials -- with the "sweet spot" for buildings five stories and above. Explore the following Multifamily framing concepts to find the best solution for your next project.