As one of the main elements in modern construction, metal framing plays a vital role in the sustainability, speed of implementation and final cost of projects. Choosing the right type of metal framing has a direct impact on the useful life, safety of the structure and its energy efficiency. In advanced countries such as Greece, the use of modern technologies such as LSF structure and prefabricated frames in the form of prefabricated houses, kit houses and kit homes has become popular. Understanding the types of metal framing such as rigid, braced, truss, spatial and light steel systems helps engineers and employers to choose the optimal structure based on the needs of the project and to take the right path in terms of cost. In this article, we intend to examine the price of all types of metal frame. Stay with us.
Review The price of all types of metal frame
But let’s get to the topic we promised. Stay with us as we present you the price of all types of metal frame:
LSF (Light Steel Frame)
The LSF or cold-rolled light steel structure is one of the most widely used construction methods in modern prefabricated house projects, villas, and even office buildings. This system is made using cold-rolled galvanized steel profiles, which are both lightweight and durable. The LSF skeleton has become the first choice for kit home projects in Europe, especially Greece, due to its low weight, very high speed of execution, and easy transportation and installation. In this system, the walls are built modularly and can be easily soundproofed and thermally insulated. The use of LSF is also common in the construction of two or three-story kit houses and is fully compliant with European energy and environmental standards. The price of building an LSF structure per square meter in Greece is on average 900 to 1,200 euros, which varies depending on the design and thickness of the material.
Rigid Frame
Rigid Frames are frames in which beam-to-column connections are soldered or welded and have a high ability to withstand lateral loads such as earthquakes and wind. This high-strength system is very popular in earthquake-prone areas of Greece. Its great advantage is the elimination of shear walls and the creation of open interior spaces. Such frames are suitable for building a durable prefabricated house. In Greece, the price per square meter of this type of metal frame is about 1,200–1,500 euros.
Moment-Resisting Frame
This type of frame is designed on the strength of beam-column connections and allows the creation of open spaces without supporting walls. This system is also used in multi-story and commercial buildings in Greece. Due to the high precision in the execution of the connections, it is an ideal option for projects with a modern look such as kit homes. The price in Greece is estimated at 1,300-1,600 euros per square meter.
Braced Frame
Diagonal braces (X or K) are used in these frames to increase the rigidity of the structure against lateral loads. This system is common in industrial buildings and warehouses and is also used in kit house projects due to its high installation speed. Its average price is around 1,000-1,300 euros per square meter.
Portal Frame
With its rigid beam-column connection, the Portal Frame is very suitable for covering large openings. This system is popular for industrial halls and warehouses in Greece. With its quick installation options, it is suitable for the production of industrial prefabricated houses. The price of this frame is around 900-1,200 euros per square meter.
Trussed Frame
This system is based on triangular trusses and is suitable for covering long spans (such as bridges and halls). Trusses distribute the load well and, while reducing the weight of the structure, allow for its rapid implementation. This type of structure is a good option for exceptional kit home projects or roofs with a wide view. Its price per square meter in Greece is around 1,400–1,700 euros.
Space Frame
A space frame or Space Frame is a three-dimensional structure with grid members that transmits the load in all three directions and provides large coverages such as sports halls or exhibition halls with low weight. The attractive design of this structure is highly compatible with modular kit home projects. The construction cost in Greece is around 1,600–1,800 euros per square meter.
Light Gauge Steel Framing
This method uses thin cold-formed steel sheets, suitable for one or two-story residential buildings and villas. The lightness of this type of frame allows for fast installation and good compliance with thermal and acoustic standards. It is very common for prefabricated houses and residential kit homes. In Greece, its construction cost is approximately 1,000–1,200 euros per square meter.
Staggered Truss System
An advanced system for high-rise residential or hotel structures in which the trusses of each floor are staggered to provide column-free interior spaces. The system is resistant to wind and lateral loads and creates flexible interior spaces. In Greece, this system is increasingly used in luxury kit house or multi-story kit home projects, costing around 1,700–2,000 euros per square meter.
Factors affecting the price of all types of metal frame
But you need to know that there are several factors that can affect the price of all types of metal frame. Among these, we can mention the following:
Type of section and quality of steel used
One of the main factors affecting the price of all types of metal frame is the type of steel sections (such as IPE, H, box or channel beams) and the quality of the steel used. High-strength or galvanized steels, due to more complex production processes, have a higher price than ordinary steels. Also, the use of stainless steels in projects such as kit house or coastal structures significantly increases the cost of construction. The selection of the appropriate steel should be made according to the environmental conditions, type of structure and technical requirements of the project to maintain a balance between price and quality.
Weight of the structure and engineering design
The weight of the entire structure has a direct relationship with the price of all types of metal frame. The more optimal and lighter the engineering design is, the less steel will be needed and as a result, the final price will decrease. A well-designed structure can reduce the cost of a steel frame by up to 20%. In prefabricated and kit home projects, lightening is a priority, as weight reduction not only reduces the price, but also speeds up transportation and installation.
Method of execution and type of connections (welded or bolted)
The method of execution of the steel frame and the type of connections have a significant impact on the cost. Structures with bolted connections are usually more expensive than welded structures because they require standard parts, special machinery, and high installation precision. On the other hand, welded connections are made on site and are more time-consuming, but may have a lower implementation cost. Depending on the type of project (such as a quick-installation kit home), the choice of connection type can have a significant impact on the overall cost.
Project location and transportation costs
The geographic location of the project has a significant impact on the price of all types of metal frame. If the project is implemented in remote or difficult-to-access areas, transportation and logistics costs increase. Steel prices also vary in different countries (such as Greece, Turkey, Iran or Germany) and steel imports can increase the cost. For modular home projects such as kit houses, paying attention to location and careful logistics planning is crucial.
Market fluctuations and global steel prices
The global price of steel is one of the most variable factors affecting the price of all types of metal frame. Economic fluctuations, sanctions, wars or changes in supply and demand can drastically change steel prices in short periods of time. In recent years, the steel market in Europe and Mediterranean countries such as Greece has witnessed price increases due to the war in Ukraine and disruptions in the supply chain. In projects such as prefabricated houses, pre-purchasing materials at the right time can prevent sudden price increases.
Final Words
As you can see, in this article, we have examined the price of all types of metal frame from 0 to 100. We have learned that choosing the right metal frame means combining engineering knowledge, cost analysis and a detailed understanding of the use of the structure. In the Greek and European construction market, there is a wide variety of types of metal frames, each designed for a specific purpose; from truss frames for large spans to LSF systems for quick-to-implement and lightweight kit homes. The key to choosing is to properly understand the advantages, limitations and total cost of each system at the project site. Considering effective factors such as the type of steel, engineering design, implementation method, project location and market fluctuations, the most optimal choice can be achieved. Thank you for your support.
Nobility Construction Group specializes in the design of LSF structures, kit homes, decoration design, construction consulting, asset and property management, as well as the construction of the best wooden wall coverings such as Thermowall. Dear friends, you can contact us through the communication bridges to obtain more information about the price of all types of metal frame.