Steel or timber frame: what are the differences for a new home?

Both are common in Australian homes. Timber is widely available, easy for trades to cut and fix on site, and suits most designs, but it needs protection from termites and moisture. Steel frames are light, straight and termite resistant, and are made to measure off site, so changes on site are harder. Cost, availability, lead times, your site (for example coastal or bushfire areas) and your builder's experience all affect the choice. Whichever you use, the frame must match the engineer's design and be inspected before it is covered.

General information only. Requirements vary by state or territory and change over time, so check the current rules for your location.