Cold-Formed Panelized Metal Framing vs. Structural Steel (Red Iron): What Developers Need to Know

Introduction

For decades, structural steel—often called red iron—has been the go-to framing system for large commercial buildings. But advances in cold-formed steel (CFS) technology, particularly panelized metal framing, are rapidly changing the landscape. Today, developers, general contractors, and architects are discovering that panelized CFS framing can replace structural steel in many applications—delivering faster schedules, lower costs, and improved flexibility.

This article explores how cold-formed panelized metal framing stacks up against structural steel, when it can be used as a substitute, and why it’s becoming the preferred solution for projects such as self-storage facilities, hotels, and mid-rise multifamily developments.

What is Structural Steel (Red Iron)?

Structural steel—known on job sites as red iron because of its red oxide primer—is a hot-rolled steel product used for load-bearing frames in large buildings. Common components include:

• I-beams for primary structural support
• HSS (Hollow Structural Sections) for columns and bracing
• Wide-flange beams and girders for long spans
• Welded or bolted connections requiring field labor and heavy equipment

Structural steel is strong, durable, and well-suited for high-rise towers, industrial plants, and long-span structures such as stadiums. However, it requires specialized crews, welding, and often expensive cranes—factors that add both cost and risk.

What is Cold-Formed Panelized Metal Framing?

Cold-formed steel (CFS) is manufactured by rolling thin sheets of galvanized steel at room temperature into precise shapes such as studs, tracks, and joists. Unlike structural steel, it is:

• Lightweight but strong – engineered for load-bearing walls and floors up to 10–12 stories in many cases
• Non-combustible and mold-resistant – ideal for durability and code compliance
• Pre-engineered and panelized – factory-built wall and floor panels arrive on-site ready to install
• Assembled with screws and fasteners – eliminating the need for welding

Panelized CFS systems accelerate construction by turning framing into an off-site manufacturing process rather than a traditional field-built activity.

Main Differences Between Red Iron and Panelized CFS

When Can Panelized Metal Framing Replace Structural Steel?

Panelized CFS framing can serve as a full structural system for:

• Self-storage facilities – CFS panels provide durable, non-combustible walls and floors, eliminating the need for heavy red iron frames.
• Hotels and multifamily developments – up to 10–12 stories with load-bearing CFS walls and floor joists.
• Office buildings – mid-rise commercial applications with faster construction cycles.
• Educational and healthcare facilities – where precision and non-combustibility are critical.

In addition, cold-formed steel can also be used in combination with structural steel. For example, a project may require red iron beams for certain long spans, while CFS handles the majority of the framing. In these cases, our engineering team determines the best mix of systems to optimize costs and construction schedules. Mainefactured Framing simplifies the process by acting as a one-stop shop—supplying and erecting both structural steel and cold-formed steel as needed.

Benefits of Choosing Panelized Cold-Formed Steel Over Red Iron

1. Faster Construction
   • Panels arrive pre-engineered and ready to erect.
   • Framing cycles are cut by 30–50%, accelerating revenue generation.
2. Lower Costs
   • Reduced need for cranes, welding, and specialized labor.
   • Leaner supply chain and less material waste.
3. Reduced Risk
   • Factory precision eliminates many field errors.
   • Lighter components improve jobsite safety.
4. Improved Quality
   • Panels are fabricated under controlled conditions.
   • Better dimensional accuracy and alignment.
5. Sustainability
   • Made from recycled steel and fully recyclable at end of life.

Cost Comparison: Self-Storage Facility Example

Let’s look at a 50,000 sq. ft. self-storage facility as a sample project:

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Savings: $22.50 per sq. ft.
Total Project Savings: Over $1.1 million on a 50,000 sq. ft. facility.

Beyond cost savings, the self-storage facility framed with panelized CFS could be erected in half the time, reducing carrying costs and allowing the owner to lease units months earlier.

Conclusion

While structural steel (red iron) remains essential for skyscrapers and very long-span structures, cold-formed panelized metal framing is a superior choice for most low- to mid-rise commercial projects. And when a hybrid system is required, combining CFS with structural steel, Mainefactured Framing serves as a single-source partner—engineering, supplying, and erecting both systems to maximize efficiency and profitability.

If you’re planning a self-storage facility, hotel, multifamily development, or other mid-rise project, it may be time to rethink red iron.