Steel framing and concrete both have a place in commercial construction. The better option depends on the project, site conditions, engineering requirements, budget and build programme.
For many low-rise and selected mid-rise commercial builds in Western Australia, commercial steel framing can be the better choice when speed, accuracy, reduced weight, prefabrication and future flexibility are priorities.
Concrete is still important for slabs, footings, basements, lift cores, stair cores, retaining walls and heavy-duty structural elements. In many projects, the best result is not steel or concrete. It is using each material where it performs best.
Quick Summary
- Steel framing is often faster to install because much of the frame can be prefabricated off-site.
- Concrete is strong, durable and well suited to slabs, footings, basements and structural cores.
- Steel is lighter than concrete, which can reduce structural loads and make handling easier.
- Steel framing offers strong design flexibility for open commercial layouts.
- In-situ concrete can be slower due to formwork, pouring, curing and sequencing.
- Precast and tilt-up concrete can be fast in the right project.
- Steel is non-combustible, termite resistant (but the whole building still needs termite management), durable and recyclable.
- Fire, acoustic and thermal performance depend on the full building system, not the frame material alone.
Steel Frame Vs Concrete: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Steel Framing | Concrete |
| Build speed | Often faster due to prefabrication and quicker site assembly | In-situ concrete can be slower due to curing, but precast and tilt-up can be fast |
| Weight | Strong but lightweight | Heavy, which can increase load on foundations |
| Design flexibility | Suits open layouts, long spans and commercial fit-outs | Strong and stable, but harder to alter once built |
| Site impact | Less wet work and less on-site cutting | More formwork, pouring, curing and site coordination |
| Future changes | Easier to adapt, subject to engineering approval | Harder to cut, core or modify |
| Fire performance | Non-combustible material, but fire rating depends on the full system | Strong inherent fire resistance due to mass |
| Termites | Termite resistant | Not affected by termites, but other building elements still need protection |
| Sustainability | Recyclable and suited to accurate off-site manufacturing | Cement has high embodied carbon, but low-carbon options are improving |
| Best use | Frames, trusses, floor systems, modular builds, commercial layouts | Slabs, footings, cores, basements, retaining walls and heavy structures |
What Is Steel Frame Construction?
Steel frame construction uses steel members to form the structure of a building. In commercial projects, this can include wall frames, roof trusses, floor joists, battens and modular building frames.
Light gauge steel framing is commonly used in low-rise commercial buildings, modular projects, childcare centres, franchise buildings, remote facilities and multi-residential work.
At Steel Frames WA, we use FrameCAD to design and manufacture precision light gauge steel frames. The system lets us design walls, trusses and floor systems digitally, then send those files to roll forming machinery so components are cut, punched, labelled and ready to install with accuracy and consistency.
What Is Concrete Construction?
Concrete construction uses concrete for structural parts of a building. This may include slabs, footings, columns, beams, walls, suspended floors, tilt-up panels, lift cores and basements.
Concrete performs very well under compression. This makes it useful for heavy loads, ground-bearing structures, basements and areas needing mass.
The important distinction is the type of concrete construction.
In-situ concrete is poured on site. It usually needs formwork, reinforcement, pouring, curing and stripping before the next stage can continue.
Precast and tilt-up concrete are different. These systems can be much faster on the right project because large sections are manufactured or cast before installation.
Concrete vs Steel Frame: Key Points to Consider
1. Speed: Steel Often Has The Advantage
Speed is one of the main reasons builders choose steel framing.
Steel frames can be designed, manufactured and prepared before arriving on site. Once delivered, the frame can be assembled with less cutting, less wet work and fewer site adjustments.
The Australian Steel Institute notes that structural steelwork is commonly prefabricated, with less site work needed beyond assembly. This can support faster construction and cleaner sequencing.
Concrete can still be fast, especially with precast or tilt-up systems. However, in-situ concrete usually involves more site-based steps. That can affect sequencing, particularly where formwork, reinforcement inspections, curing time and follow-on trades are involved.
For commercial builders, speed matters. A shorter programme can mean earlier fit-out, earlier tenancy and fewer delays.
2. Cost: Do Not Compare Materials Only
The cheapest material is not always the cheapest build.
A commercial frame should be assessed by total project cost, not only the upfront material price. That includes labour, site access, cranage, delays, waste, rework, foundations, engineering, future changes and build time.
Steel may cost more than concrete in some parts of a project. But it can also reduce time on site, simplify installation and make future changes easier.
The Australian Steel Institute makes the same point: cost should not be measured only by upfront build cost. Speed, light weight, long spans, safety, foundation loads and whole-of-life value all matter.
3. Weight: Steel Is Strong Without Being Heavy
Steel has a strong strength-to-weight advantage.
That can be useful for commercial projects where foundation loads, transport, cranage, second-storey construction or regional delivery are important.
Concrete’s weight is not always a problem. In fact, its mass is one of its strengths. It is useful for slabs, basements, acoustic separation, fire separation and heavy-duty structures.
But where the goal is a lighter, accurate commercial frame, steel is often more practical.
4. Design Flexibility: Steel Suits Open Commercial Layouts
Commercial buildings often need open, flexible spaces.
A childcare centre may need clear learning areas. A franchise building may need a repeatable branded layout. A regional facility may need a frame that can be manufactured accurately and transported efficiently. A warehouse or office may need larger openings and clear service zones.
Engineered steel framing systems can support open layouts, longer spans and coordinated service access, depending on the project design.
Concrete can also achieve strong commercial layouts, but it is less forgiving once built. Cutting new openings, changing penetrations or modifying structural concrete usually needs more work, more cost and engineering review.
5. Future Changes: Steel Is Easier To Adapt
Commercial buildings change over time.
Tenants move. Services are upgraded. Internal layouts are changed. Extensions are added. New openings may be needed.
Steel framing is generally easier to adapt than concrete, provided changes are reviewed by the project engineer and the load paths, bracing and connections remain compliant.
Concrete is harder to modify once poured or cast. Cutting, coring and removing concrete can be noisy, disruptive and expensive.
For commercial owners, adaptability is valuable. A building that can change with tenant needs is usually easier to manage long term.
6. Fire, Termites And Durability
Steel framing itself is non-combustible. However, fire compliance depends on the full wall, floor or roof system.
Depending on the building classification and required fire resistance level, steel members may need fire-rated plasterboard, protective coatings, fire-rated cladding or other passive fire protection.
Concrete has strong inherent fire performance because of its mass. It is often used for cores, separation walls and fire-rated structural elements.
Steel also has strong durability benefits. The NASH Handbook describes low-rise steel framing as dimensionally stable, non-combustible, termite and borer proof, durable, strong but lightweight and recyclable. It also notes that steel framing design still needs proper engineering judgement and compliance.
As an important note, steel frame is termite resistant, but the whole building still needs termite management
For WA projects, that matters. Termites, heat, coastal exposure, remote sites and wind conditions can all influence material choice.
7. Sustainability: Steel Has A Strong Recycling Advantage
Steel is recyclable and well suited to accurate off-site manufacturing. Less cutting and fewer site changes can also reduce waste.
However, steel is not automatically the lowest-carbon option in every project. Steel production uses a lot of energy. Concrete also has embodied carbon concerns, mainly because of cement.
The best sustainability outcome depends on efficient design, material quantities, transport, recycled content, insulation, durability, maintenance and end-of-life reuse or recycling. YourHome notes that steel is 100% recyclable, but also highlights the need for proper insulation to avoid thermal bridging.
When Steel Framing May Be Better
Steel framing is often the better choice when a commercial build needs:
- faster framing
- off-site prefabrication
- accurate manufacturing
- lighter structural loads
- long spans
- open internal layouts
- easier service coordination
- less on-site cutting
- termite resistance
- future adaptability
- modular or repeatable design
- practical delivery across Perth and regional WA
This is why steel framing is well suited to many commercial builds, including childcare centres, franchise buildings, modular projects, remote area buildings, offices, village facilities and commercial fit-outs.
For many commercial projects in WA, steel framing is the better option for the main frame because it is fast, accurate, lightweight, flexible and easier to adapt.
Concrete is still the right choice for many structural elements, especially slabs, footings, cores, basements and heavy-duty areas.
The best commercial buildings often use both materials intelligently. Concrete provides mass and ground support. Steel provides speed, accuracy and framing flexibility.
Build Your Commercial Frame With Steel Frames WA
At Steel Frames WA, we design, manufacture, supply and install commercial steel framing systems across Perth and regional Western Australia.
Our commercial steel framing solutions include wall frames, roof trusses, floor joists, roof and ceiling battens, modular building frames, remote area frames, childcare centre frames and franchise building frames. We also offer 3D modelling, CNC capabilities, off-site prefabrication and installation support for commercial projects.
If you are planning a commercial build, we can help you assess the right framing system for your site, design, timeline and engineering requirements.
Build a strong, accurate and future-ready commercial frame with Steel Frames WA.
FAQs
Is steel framing or concrete better for commercial buildings?
It depends on the project. Steel is often preferred for speed, lighter structures and flexible layouts, while concrete is commonly used for slabs, footings and heavy structural elements.
Is steel framing faster to build with than concrete?
Often, yes. Steel frames can be prefabricated off-site and installed quickly, while concrete usually requires formwork, pouring and curing time.
Is steel framing cheaper than concrete construction?
Not always. Costs depend on the design, labour, foundations and construction method. Steel can reduce costs through faster installation and lighter foundation requirements.
What are the advantages of steel frames over concrete?
Steel offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, can support long spans and large openings, and places less load on foundations than concrete.
Is steel framing easier to modify than concrete?
Generally, yes. Steel framing can often be altered or extended more easily, making it suitable for commercial buildings that may change over time.
How do steel and concrete compare for durability?
Both can be highly durable when properly designed and installed. Steel does not rot or attract termites, while concrete offers strong fire resistance and structural mass.
