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Whether you’re building a room addition or constructing a new home, one of the most important elements of the building process is the structural material. If you’re on the fence between steel and wood beams, the professionals at Byer Steel in Cincinnati, OH, are here to explain the differences. For over 80 years, the premier scrap metal recycling center and rebar mill has offered a wide supply of building materials, so they can help you determine what’s right for your project.

Sustainability

metalWhile wood is a renewable and environmentally friendly resource, it has a shorter life than steel because it will eventually rot. It’s also a fire hazard and susceptible to a termite infestation. Steel, on the other hand, lasts longer and can be recycled into scrap metal when it reaches the end of its life span. In addition, it is resilient against fire and insects.

Strength

Steel beams can be purchased in a variety of different sizes, strengths, weights, and lengths. This allows you to be more flexible with your building designs. For example, you can use steel beams to construct overhanging roofs and balconies without vertical support columns. Wood, however, isn’t as strong or easy to customize.

Time & Budget

While wood is less expensive as a building material, construction time is higher than it is with steel. This increases the price of labor, which can end up costing you more money by the end of a large-scale project. Steel is already pre-engineered to the specified design in the manufacturing plant, which reduces the construction timeline.

When it’s time to purchase metal materials for your residential or commercial construction project, turn to Byer Steel in Cincinnati, OH. Contact a sales representative today at (513) 821-6400 to ask which of their products can best meet the needs of your project. Visit their website for more information about metal manufacturing and their services.

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