--- title: Does the Current Lumber Market Merit a Switch to Steel Studs? description: Shifting material costs are encouraging architects, engineers, and construction firms to reconsider materials used in construction projects. image: https://blog.cdogroup.com/hubfs/marissa-daeger-iW9iaL-gjX8-unsplash.jpg --- [  Call: 708-383-0586](tel:708-383-0586) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CDOGroup/) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/group_cdo) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdogroup/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/cdo_group/) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWwLPlqxQHcIraitkSsv6rA) [![](https://blog.cdogroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CDOGroup_April2021/images/CDO-Group-Construction-and-Program-Management.png?width=1000&height=47&name=CDO-Group-Construction-and-Program-Management.png)](https://cdogroup.com/) - [ABOUT](https://cdogroup.com/about-2/) - [SERVICES](http://cdogroup.com/) - [GENERAL CONSTRUCTION](https://cdogroup.com/general-construction/) - [CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT](https://cdogroup.com/construction-management/) - [PAST PROJECTS](https://cdogroup.com/past-projects/) - [BLOG](https://blog.cdogroup.com/) - [CAREERS](https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=cdogroupinc.appone.com) - [BID ROOM](https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/5b17031fab25e60010b1a683) - [CONTACT](https://cdogroup.com/contact-2/) - [ABOUT](https://cdogroup.com/about-2/) - [GENERAL CONSTRUCTION](https://cdogroup.com/general-construction/) - [CONTACT](https://cdogroup.com/?page_id=8439) - [PAST PROJECTS](https://cdogroup.com/past-projects/) - [BLOG](https://blog.cdogroup.com/) - [Careers](https://cdogroup.com/home/careers/) [Previous](https://blog.cdogroup.com/jersey-mikes-subs-peoria-il) [Next](https://blog.cdogroup.com/dont-forget-these-subcontract-provisions) # Does the Current Lumber Market Merit a Switch to Steel Studs? ![marissa-daeger-iW9iaL-gjX8-unsplash](https://blog.cdogroup.com/hubfs/marissa-daeger-iW9iaL-gjX8-unsplash.jpg "marissa-daeger-iW9iaL-gjX8-unsplash") Anyone working in construction today doesn’t need to be told that lumber prices are [soaring](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-27/-frenzied-lumber-market-touches-new-record-amid-wild-swings).  Target can hardly keep its shelves stocked with basic necessities over a year after the pandemic hit - the economic ramifications are widespread.  That fact doesn’t merit a news article.  But the current lumber market, up [171% since Covid hit](https://fortune.com/2021/03/31/lumber-prices-2021-chart-wood-production-high-why-is-lumber-so-expensive-right-now-home-prices-data-update/), may deserve a switch to steel studs. **A Case for Wood**   There are many reasons to prefer a wood product, and if the team of carpenters assigned to the project is well-experienced using it, it may warrant paying those sky-high prices.  It’s one of the “oldest” ways to build, but it’s certainly not going anywhere.  Even though it’s expensive, lumber production is still at a [13-year high](https://fortune.com/2021/03/31/lumber-prices-2021-chart-wood-production-high-why-is-lumber-so-expensive-right-now-home-prices-data-update/).  Wood is also stronger (its compressive strength is comparable to concrete), easier to cut, and arguably longer lasting than metal studs.   Wood is a living thing, however, and that brings some risks as well.  Wood can rot or warp, shrink or split, can be subject to termites, and is more vulnerable than metal when faced with fire.  This fire risk could even impact insurance premiums.  Wood can also be more challenging to install due to the fact that it’s difficult to get a consistent product when dealing with natural materials. Wood has a [sustainability appeal](https://www.ecohome.net/guides/1010/how-wood-structures-compare-to-steel-and-concrete/)when it is sourced correctly.  Renewable resources can be key when it comes to targeting sustainability.  Wood construction also often produces better insulation performance, resulting in lower operating costs for the building owner.   **A Case for Metal**   Metal studs have their advantages as well, and they aren’t going away.  It’s worth considering cross-training construction crews to handle both materials.  Metal is lighter, and the opposite of wood: it’s more difficult to shape and cut and easier to install.  The metal market is [doing well](https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/light-gauge-steel-framing-market) right now too, and this market tends to be a little less volatile. Another thing to keep in mind is safety - metal can be a bit riskier when it comes to cutting injuries. As time goes on, construction crews should be well-versed in both materials.  This will be a critical competitive advantage for contractors.  Design teams will hopefully also be quick to pivot, when necessary, to respond to the market.  Although, a major change like that is probably a designer’s worst nightmare!   Metal also has a sustainability advantage, which is a high priority for many contractors and building owners. It can be recycled repeatedly.  This has the potential to impact LEED score (the industry standard for sustainability) in a positive way.  There are far fewer resources required in metal’s handling and transport, as it is a much lighter material. At the end of the day, metal seems to be the more versatile player.  It can be used for taller and more creative structures.   **Food for Thought**   There is a lot of great data out there right now about how these markets are doing, and these are great topics to bring up in a GC/CM project (a project where the construction team collaborates with the design team in order to design the final product) when the design isn’t said and done.  The construction industry may have never believed it would see the day when metal could qualify as value engineering when substituted for wood, but that day seems to have arrived. Looking into the future, wood is expected to start dropping in [late 2022](https://investorplace.com/2021/04/wood-woes-2021-when-will-lumber-prices-return-to-normal/).  In the meantime, builders and homeowners alike are having to face the reality that new single-family homes have [increased $36,000](https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/housing-economics/National-Statistics/Framing-Lumber-Prices) in cost, largely due to these rising lumber costs. At the end of the day, there’s not a clear answer, but there is a clear case for consideration.  Metal studs have been continuing to grow in popularity since they came on the market, and innovation is making them more sustainable and affordable.  Take the time to run the numbers - the wood and metal markets are a lot closer than they used to be. Anyone working in construction today doesn’t need to be told that lumber prices are [soaring](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-27/-frenzied-lumber-market-touches-new-record-amid-wild-swings).  Target can hardly keep its shelves stocked with basic necessities over a year after the pandemic hit - the economic ramifications are widespread.  That fact doesn’t merit a news article.  But the current lumber market, up [171% since Covid hit](https://fortune.com/2021/03/31/lumber-prices-2021-chart-wood-production-high-why-is-lumber-so-expensive-right-now-home-prices-data-update/), may deserve a switch to steel studs.   **A Case for Wood**   There are many reasons to prefer a wood product, and if the team of carpenters assigned to the project is well-experienced using it, it may warrant paying those sky-high prices.  It’s one of the “oldest” ways to build, but it’s certainly not going anywhere.  Even though it’s expensive, lumber production is still at a [13-year high](https://fortune.com/2021/03/31/lumber-prices-2021-chart-wood-production-high-why-is-lumber-so-expensive-right-now-home-prices-data-update/).  Wood is also stronger (its compressive strength is comparable to concrete), easier to cut, and arguably longer lasting than metal studs.   Wood is a living thing, however, and that brings some risks as well.  Wood can rot or warp, shrink or split, can be subject to termites, and is more vulnerable than metal when faced with fire.  This fire risk could even impact insurance premiums.  Wood can also be more challenging to install due to the fact that it’s difficult to get a consistent product when dealing with natural materials. Wood has a [sustainability appeal](https://www.ecohome.net/guides/1010/how-wood-structures-compare-to-steel-and-concrete/)when it is sourced correctly.  Renewable resources can be key when it comes to targeting sustainability.  Wood construction also often produces better insulation performance, resulting in lower operating costs for the building owner.   **A Case for Metal**   Metal studs have their advantages as well, and they aren’t going away.  It’s worth considering cross-training construction crews to handle both materials.  Metal is lighter, and the opposite of wood: it’s more difficult to shape and cut and easier to install.  The metal market is [doing well](https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/light-gauge-steel-framing-market) right now too, and this market tends to be a little less volatile. Another thing to keep in mind is safety - metal can be a bit riskier when it comes to cutting injuries. As time goes on, construction crews should be well-versed in both materials.  This will be a critical competitive advantage for contractors.  Design teams will hopefully also be quick to pivot, when necessary, to respond to the market.  Although, a major change like that is probably a designer’s worst nightmare!   Metal also has a sustainability advantage, which is a high priority for many contractors and building owners. It can be recycled repeatedly.  This has the potential to impact LEED score (the industry standard for sustainability) in a positive way.  There are far fewer resources required in metal’s handling and transport, as it is a much lighter material. At the end of the day, metal seems to be the more versatile player.  It can be used for taller and more creative structures.   **Food for Thought**   There is a lot of great data out there right now about how these markets are doing, and these are great topics to bring up in a GC/CM project (a project where the construction team collaborates with the design team in order to design the final product) when the design isn’t said and done.  The construction industry may have never believed it would see the day when metal could qualify as value engineering when substituted for wood, but that day seems to have arrived. Looking into the future, wood is expected to start dropping in [late 2022](https://investorplace.com/2021/04/wood-woes-2021-when-will-lumber-prices-return-to-normal/).  In the meantime, builders and homeowners alike are having to face the reality that new single-family homes have [increased $36,000](https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/housing-economics/National-Statistics/Framing-Lumber-Prices) in cost, largely due to these rising lumber costs. At the end of the day, there’s not a clear answer, but there is a clear case for consideration.  Metal studs have been continuing to grow in popularity since they came on the market, and innovation is making them more sustainable and affordable.  Take the time to run the numbers - the wood and metal markets are a lot closer than they used to be. Anyone working in construction today doesn’t need to be told that lumber prices are [soaring](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-27/-frenzied-lumber-market-touches-new-record-amid-wild-swings).  Target can hardly keep its shelves stocked with basic necessities over a year after the pandemic hit - the economic ramifications are widespread.  That fact doesn’t merit a news article.  But the current lumber market, up [171% since Covid hit](https://fortune.com/2021/03/31/lumber-prices-2021-chart-wood-production-high-why-is-lumber-so-expensive-right-now-home-prices-data-update/), may deserve a switch to steel studs.   **A Case for Wood**   There are many reasons to prefer a wood product, and if the team of carpenters assigned to the project is well-experienced using it, it may warrant paying those sky-high prices.  It’s one of the “oldest” ways to build, but it’s certainly not going anywhere.  Even though it’s expensive, lumber production is still at a [13-year high](https://fortune.com/2021/03/31/lumber-prices-2021-chart-wood-production-high-why-is-lumber-so-expensive-right-now-home-prices-data-update/).  Wood is also stronger (its compressive strength is comparable to concrete), easier to cut, and arguably longer lasting than metal studs.   Wood is a living thing, however, and that brings some risks as well.  Wood can rot or warp, shrink or split, can be subject to termites, and is more vulnerable than metal when faced with fire.  This fire risk could even impact insurance premiums.  Wood can also be more challenging to install due to the fact that it’s difficult to get a consistent product when dealing with natural materials. Wood has a [sustainability appeal](https://www.ecohome.net/guides/1010/how-wood-structures-compare-to-steel-and-concrete/)when it is sourced correctly.  Renewable resources can be key when it comes to targeting sustainability.  Wood construction also often produces better insulation performance, resulting in lower operating costs for the building owner.   **A Case for Metal**   Metal studs have their advantages as well, and they aren’t going away.  It’s worth considering cross-training construction crews to handle both materials.  Metal is lighter, and the opposite of wood: it’s more difficult to shape and cut and easier to install.  The metal market is [doing well](https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/light-gauge-steel-framing-market) right now too, and this market tends to be a little less volatile. Another thing to keep in mind is safety - metal can be a bit riskier when it comes to cutting injuries. As time goes on, construction crews should be well-versed in both materials.  This will be a critical competitive advantage for contractors.  Design teams will hopefully also be quick to pivot, when necessary, to respond to the market.  Although, a major change like that is probably a designer’s worst nightmare!   Metal also has a sustainability advantage, which is a high priority for many contractors and building owners. It can be recycled repeatedly.  This has the potential to impact LEED score (the industry standard for sustainability) in a positive way.  There are far fewer resources required in metal’s handling and transport, as it is a much lighter material. At the end of the day, metal seems to be the more versatile player.  It can be used for taller and more creative structures.   **Food for Thought**   There is a lot of great data out there right now about how these markets are doing, and these are great topics to bring up in a GC/CM project (a project where the construction team collaborates with the design team in order to design the final product) when the design isn’t said and done.  The construction industry may have never believed it would see the day when metal could qualify as value engineering when substituted for wood, but that day seems to have arrived. Looking into the future, wood is expected to start dropping in [late 2022](https://investorplace.com/2021/04/wood-woes-2021-when-will-lumber-prices-return-to-normal/).  In the meantime, builders and homeowners alike are having to face the reality that new single-family homes have [increased $36,000](https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/housing-economics/National-Statistics/Framing-Lumber-Prices) in cost, largely due to these rising lumber costs. At the end of the day, there’s not a clear answer, but there is a clear case for consideration.  Metal studs have been continuing to grow in popularity since they came on the market, and innovation is making them more sustainable and affordable.  Take the time to run the numbers - the wood and metal markets are a lot closer than they used to be. May 6th, 2021 | [construction](https://blog.cdogroup.com/tag/construction), [covid-19](https://blog.cdogroup.com/tag/covid-19), [construction management](https://blog.cdogroup.com/tag/construction-management), [resources](https://blog.cdogroup.com/tag/resources) #### Share This Story, Choose Your Platform! 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