Framing Methods, Comparisons, & Trends

Self-storage and flex industrial projects demand fast schedules, efficient footprints, and long-lasting structures with minimal maintenance. Cold-formed steel framing is uniquely suited to these building types, offering speed, durability, and design flexibility that wood and traditional red iron systems struggle to match. This guide explains how developers, GCs, and architects can leverage cold-formed steel for more predictable self-storage and flex industrial projects.

Mid-rise mixed-use developers are rapidly shifting away from wood — and even from structural steel — toward panelized cold-formed steel framing. In 2026, the real value is not material cost, but schedule compression, reduced risk exposure, and stronger lender confidence. This article explains why panelized CFS is emerging as the preferred framing system for 4–8 story mixed-use buildings.

Wood framing may look cheaper upfront, but waste, weather, and insurance are quietly eroding margins. Here’s why panelized steel is redefining cost efficiency in 2025.

Cold-formed panelized metal framing is emerging as a powerful alternative—and complement—to structural steel. Learn when it can replace red iron, when a hybrid system works best, and how Mainefactured Framing delivers both to optimize costs and timelines.

In 2025, the decision between wood and metal framing is more than just material—it’s strategic. Learn why developers and GCs are shifting to steel framing for durability, speed, and long-term savings.

Discover the key differences between prefab and modular construction—and why panelized framing gives developers and builders the competitive edge they need.