What Are Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Buildings?

Cold-formed steel (CFS) buildings are engineered using lightweight, high-strength steel components that are roll-formed at room temperature. Known for their durability, fire resistance, and ease of installation, CFS systems have long been the go-to solution for non-loadbearing interior partitions in commercial construction.

Today, thanks to advancements in prefabricated steel building systems, cold-formed steel is increasingly used for full structural applications in domestic, commercial, and industrial buildings across the UK.

Why Choose Cold-Formed Steel Construction?

• Lightweight yet incredibly strong – ideal for fast-track construction
• Non-combustible – enhances fire safety and meets building regulations
• Corrosion-resistant coatings – ensures long-term durability
• Precision-engineered – manufactured to exact tolerances for consistent quality
• Quick and efficient to install – reduces labour costs and project timelines
• Sustainable and recyclable – supports eco-friendly construction goals

Cold-formed steel buildings are becoming the preferred choice for developers and contractors looking to maximise return on investment through faster build times, lower maintenance, and long-term structural integrity.

What Is Cold-Formed Steel?

Cold-formed steel (CFS) is made from structural-grade sheet steel that is shaped into C-sections, Z-sections, and other profiles using a roll-forming process. Unlike hot-rolled steel, CFS is formed without heat—hence the term “cold-formed.”

Key Characteristics:

• Manufactured through precision roll-forming dies
• Available in a variety of thicknesses and gauges to suit both structural and non-structural applications
• Ideal for use in steel frame buildings, roof purlins, wall studs, and floor joists

Whether you're designing a bespoke steel-framed warehouse, modular building, or agricultural unit, cold-formed steel offers a cost-effective, high-performance solution that meets modern construction demands.

Why Choose Cold-Formed Steel?

The Value and Benefits of Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Construction

Cold-formed steel (CFS) is rapidly becoming the preferred material for modern construction projects across the UK. From cost savings and structural durability to sustainability and fire resistance, CFS offers unmatched advantages for developers, architects, and contractors seeking long-term performance and return on investment.

- Cost-Effective Construction

Cold-formed steel delivers significant cost savings throughout the entire build cycle—from groundwork to completion.

Key Financial Benefits:

• Lower foundation costs: CFS buildings require up to 25% less concrete due to lighter loads and raft slab designs with integrated stanchion footings—eliminating the need for perimeter ring beams.
• Faster project completion: Shorter construction cycles reduce plant hire, labour costs, and interim financing.
• Predictable timelines: Precision-engineered steel components speed up installation and allow follow-on trades to begin sooner./span>
• Off-site fabrication: Prefabricated CFS elements reduce on-site labour, waste, and errors—improving quality control and efficiency.
• High strength-to-weight ratio: CFS reduces structural load, minimising the number of primary members (e.g. stanchions and rafters) and lowering material costs.

- Exceptional Durability

CFS is engineered to withstand the elements and environmental threats that compromise traditional materials like timber or masonry.

Built to Last:

• Corrosion resistance: Zinc-coated (galvanised) steel protects against rust and degradation, even in coastal or high-humidity environments..
• Mould resistance: Inorganic and moisture-resistant, CFS does not support mould growth or absorb water—ensuring a stable, healthy structure.
• Vermin resistance: Unlike timber, CFS is impervious to termites and rodents, eliminating the need for chemical treatments or pressure-treated wood.
• Dimensional stability: Steel won’t warp, shrink, split, or creep. Its isotropic properties ensure consistent strength in all directions—ideal for tall or complex structures.

- Environmentally Sustainable

Cold-formed steel is one of the most sustainable building materials available, supporting green construction and circular economy goals.

Eco-Friendly Advantages:

• Made from recycled content: CFS contains at least 25% recycled steel—often over 70%—and is 100% recyclable without loss of performance.
• Low environmental impact: The steel industry has reduced energy use by 32% and CO₂ emissions by 42% since the 1990s.
• Minimal construction waste: Pre-engineered steel buildings generate less site waste than any other construction method.
• Resource conservation: Recycling 1 tonne of steel saves 1,135kg of iron ore, 650kg of coal, and 62kg of limestone.
• High reuse rates: 94% of structural steel is recycled or reused when buildings are deconstructed in the UK.

A 600m² steel building can be constructed using steel from just six scrapped vehicles.

- Non-Combustible & Resilient

Cold-formed steel framing is non-combustible and engineered to withstand extreme conditions—making it one of the most resilient materials in construction.

Resilience at Every Level:

• Fire resistance: CFS assemblies can achieve fire ratings of up to 4 hours, meeting stringent safety standards.
• Extreme load resistance: Engineered to withstand wind speeds up to 190 mph, snow loads of 70 psf, and seismic activity in Design Category E zones.
• Blast and ballistic resistance: CFS is suitable for high-security and critical infrastructure applications.
• Energy efficiency: Tight structural envelopes reduce thermal bridging and improve long-term energy performance.
• Security and safety: CFS structures maintain integrity during natural or man-made events, ensuring occupant safety and operational continuity.

- Easy to Install – Cold-Formed Steel Simplifies Construction

Cold-formed steel (CFS) is engineered for speed, efficiency, and simplicity on site. Its lightweight nature, pre-engineered precision, and weld-free assembly make it one of the most installation-friendly materials in modern construction.

Lightweight & Easy to Handle

CFS components are significantly lighter than traditional materials like timber or concrete, making them easier to:

• Transport to site
• Handle manually
• Assemble with minimal lifting equipment

For smaller or single-storey buildings, CFS systems often require little to no heavy plant, reducing both cost and complexity.

Off-Site Assembly & Weld-Free Construction

CFS wall, floor, and roof sections can be pre-assembled off-site in a controlled environment, improving quality control and reducing weather-related delays.

• Weld-free system: All components are bolted together, eliminating the need for coded welders and reducing the risk of welding failures
• Faster on-site erection: Pre-assembled frames or panels can be quickly installed, shortening the construction timeline

Pre-Engineered for Precision

Every CFS component is pre-cut and fabricated to exact millimetre tolerances, meaning:

• No cutting or trimming on site
• Faster, cleaner assembly
• Improved structural accuracy and alignment

This level of precision supports faster build times and reduces errors during installation.

Reduced Second-Fix Requirements

CFS systems are designed with pre-punched service holes for wiring, plumbing, and HVAC—streamlining the work of follow-on trades and reducing the need for complex second-fix services.

All-Weather Construction

Unlike masonry or timber, cold-formed steel can be installed in extreme weather conditions, including:

• Temperatures as low as -10°C
• Wet or windy conditions that would halt brick or blockwork

This makes CFS ideal for year-round construction in the UK’s unpredictable climate.

All-Weather Construction

Thanks to its lightweight design and rapid assembly, CFS buildings can often be erected:

• Without full scaffolding/span>
• Using standard plant for safe work at height
• From the inside out in restricted-access areas, since walls are non-loadbearing

Fire Resistance of Cold-Formed Steel – Built-In Safety for Walls and Floors

Cold-formed steel (CFS) offers outstanding fire safety benefits, making it a superior choice for modern construction projects where fire resistance, structural integrity, and regulatory compliance are essential.

Why Cold-Formed Steel Enhances Fire Safety

CFS is inherently non-combustible, meaning it does not contribute to the fire load of a building. This makes it ideal for use in fire-rated wall and floor assemblies across residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Key Fire Safety Advantages:

• Non-combustible material – steel will not ignite or fuel a fire
• Fire resistance ratings of up to 120 minutes are easily achievable with cladding, insulation and linings
• External steel cladding and internal gypsum-based boards provide effective fire protection for light steel frames
• Minimal combustible content compared to timber or hybrid construction systems
• Steel wall cladding is fire-resistant and can be repaired easily after minor fire damage
• Lower fire risk during construction due to off-site prefabrication and reduced on-site cutting or welding

Fire-Resistant Construction Made Simple

At Steel Build Masters, our cold-formed steel buildings are designed with fire safety in mind. We integrate non-combustible materials and fire-rated assemblies to meet or exceed UK building regulations—without compromising on speed or cost-efficiency.

Call our expert team on 0800 368 9100 or email sales@steelbuildmasters.co.uk to discuss your requirements.