Who are Steeltec

What does Steeltec do?
We design and manufacture precision light steel framing systems for homes, commercial buildings and modular projects across New Zealand. Our service covers concept advice, engineered shop drawings, kitset supply and onsite support.

Where are you located?
Manufacturing is in Waimate, with design and engineering support in Christchurch and our main office in Dunedin.

Do you deliver nationwide?
Yes — our frames ship safely to building sites anywhere in New Zealand.

Can you produce custom designs?
Absolutely. We adapt existing plans or create bespoke steel frame solutions to suit your site and design ambitions.

Products & Kitsets

What kitsets do you offer?
We supply frames for full houses, tiny homes and sleepouts, garages and sheds, and specialist garden structures such as greenhouses.

What’s included in a kitset?
You’ll get cut-to-length, labelled wall and roof frames, fasteners and brackets, plus engineering documentation if required. Exterior finishes, doors or roofing can be quoted as extras.

Do you help with building consent?
Yes — we provide PS1 producer statements, shop drawings and guidance so your consent application runs smoothly.

Process & Workflow

How does the process run?

  1. Initial discussion – share your drawings or ideas.

  2. Quote & preliminary modelling.

  3. Engineering & design – shop drawings, PS1 documentation.

  4. Manufacture – frames fabricated to exact tolerances.

  5. Delivery – nationwide, flat-packed or pre-assembled.

  6. Support – help for builders and council inspections.

Tip

  • If you have technical drawings or plans, send them to our team early. We’ll advise roof truss layout, and engineering compliance for your region as well as assist with Technical Architectural Details if required. You can do that right HERE

Pricing & Payment

What does your price include?

  • Your quote covers the steel framing kit (cut, labelled, packaged) and engineering docs. Freight, cladding, flooring, and finishes are extra unless stated. 

Do you charge for delivery?

  • Yes — delivery is calculated based on location and frame type (flat-packed or pre-assembled).

When am I invoiced?

  • Typically a deposit at design start, a progress invoice before fabrication, and the balance prior to delivery (terms confirmed in your quote).

  • Custom terms can be arranged for larger orders or Trade Customers.

Tip

  • You can upload your plans and request an obligation free quote right here right now! Just Click HERE

Technical & Performance

How light is a steel frame compared with timber?

  • Cold-formed steel is thin yet very strong. A finished steel frame weighs about one-third of an equivalent timber structure, making handling and installation easier.

How does the cost compare?

  • For most homes, steel and timber are similar in total build cost. Framing is only about 10 % of the budget, and steel can save labour because it’s straight, easy to stand and doesn’t require call-backs for plaster cracking.

Can I switch a timber plan to steel?

  • Yes. Your designer will revise details such as hold-downs, brackets and thermal breaks, and your engineer will review loads. The building consent usually just needs a variation.

Why do steel walls need a thermal break?

  • Steel moves heat efficiently. A thermal break stops heat bridging and moisture build-up inside the wall. Once that break is installed, the inner frame stays dry and stable — avoiding the shrinkage and swelling timber can suffer.

How does steel perform in earthquakes or high winds?

  • It has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and uses screw fixings rather than nails. A lighter but stronger frame reduces quake forces, and steel homes in Christchurch had only superficial damage after major events.

Can I clad a steel house in brick or other materials?

  • Yes. Our frames take brick veneer, weatherboards, fibre-cement sheets, metal cladding and more. The NASH Building Envelope Solution sets out tested details for weathertight installation.

Are steel homes noisy?

  • No. Walls and ceilings are insulated the same way as timber houses, and steel doesn’t creak or shrink.

How tall can I build with cold-formed steel?

  • The NASH standard covers up to two storeys as a ready-made solution. With specific engineering, we can design to three storeys or more, depending on your site and loads.

Do I need a concrete slab?

  • Either slabs or steel joist floor systems work — the latter is excellent on slopes or elevated sites.

What about fire safety?

  • Like timber, steel needs fire-rated linings to achieve required ratings. But steel won’t burn or add fuel to a fire and it won’t let hidden flames spread inside wall cavities.

Will the frame rust?

  • No. We use galvanised, zinc-coated steel that protects itself at cut edges and fastener holes. In a closed, dry wall cavity it’s not exposed to harsh marine or industrial conditions.

Site & Build Considerations

Are there size or span limits?

  • Yes — steel frames have defined engineering limits. For unusually long spans or heavy loads, our team will review and design accordingly.

Can I extend or renovate a steel-framed building later?

  • Yes — steel remains straight over time, making future alterations easier.

Do you provide site support?

  • Yes — we assist builders with installation guidance and can liaise with councils for inspections if required.

What happens if my site isn’t ready?

  • We can hold or stage delivery if needed. Storage charges may apply for long delays.

Alterations & Additions

Can I add another storey later?

  • Yes, but an engineer must check that the existing foundations and walls can take extra loads — just as with timber. Steel walls can be unscrewed and re-positioned if needed.

What barrier is needed between steel and treated timber?

  • Usually standard building paper is enough for H1 timber in dry spaces. In exposed or marine zones use stronger tapes or coatings. NASH gives detailed separation guidance.

How do I connect steel to existing timber?

  • From the timber side: drill a clearance hole and drive a long self-drilling screw into steel. From the steel side: use a 12# × 40 mm type 17 screw.

Will vibration loosen screws or rivets?

  • No. Frames are braced for wind and quake loads, and screws stay tight because steel doesn’t shrink or swell.

Does lightning make steel homes unsafe?

  • No — steel actually improves safety by giving lightning a direct, earthed path.

Will steel affect TV, radio or phone reception?

  • No. Signals pass between studs. In fact, the frame slightly shields unwanted external electromagnetic fields without blocking your devices.

Electrical, Plumbing & Interiors

How is wiring run?

  • Studs come with pre-punched holes and protective grommets so electricians can pull cables safely. Extra holes can be added if needed.

Can I hang things on the wall?

  • Yes. Pictures up to 10 kg can go into wallboard with toggle bolts. Heavy shelves or TVs should fix into steel studs (usually 600 mm apart) with self-drilling screws or a bracket spanning two studs.

How are linings attached?

  • Plasterboard is screwed horizontally or vertically to the frame using self-drilling screws and adhesive. Choose the right board for fire or sound ratings.

Do copper pipes need protection?

  • Yes — isolate copper from steel with plastic grommets or sleeves to avoid bi-metallic corrosion.

Do builders need special skills?

  • No extra trade qualification is needed. Standard carpentry skills apply, and steel framing is now part of apprentice training. Most timber builders pick it up quickly.

Are trims easy to fix?

  • Yes — use needle-point screws and adhesive for timber architraves and skirtings, or clips for plastic systems.

Is steel faster to build with?

  • Generally yes — frames are lighter, straight, and pre-cut, so builds can be up to 30 % quicker.

Standards & Compliance

What codes do Steeltec frames meet?

  • All frames are designed to NASH Standard Part 1 & Part 2, referenced by the NZ Building Code.

Do I still need an engineer if using NASH?

  • For most houses NASH covers everything. If you’re in high-wind/snow zones, have unusual spans, or want more than two storeys, we’ll do specific engineering design (SED).

Will councils accept NASH designs?

  • Yes — NASH is an Acceptable Solution and widely recognised for consent.

What’s the difference between Part 1 and Part 2?

  • Part 1: materials, durability, general requirements.

  • Part 2: design and construction rules for light steel frames.

How durable is the frame?

  • Galvanised coatings and detailing give at least a 50-year structural life when installed correctly.

Where can I learn more?

Energy, Durability & Sustainability

Are steel homes energy efficient?

  • Yes. With correct insulation and a thermal break, steel easily meets or exceeds NZBC energy rules. Straight frames reduce air leaks and improve airtightness.

Will my home hold its value?

  • Steel doesn’t rot or warp, needs no chemical treatment and stays dimensionally stable — all strong resale points.

Is there a warranty?

  • Yes. We use both AXXIS® galvanised steel from NZ Steel, and carefully selected imported steel from reliable suppliers. All of our Steel Framing is backed by a 50-year durability statement for NZBC B2 compliance.

Will a steel house look different?

  • Only if you choose. Steel allows big open spans but accepts any exterior finish — brick, weatherboard, EIFS, metal or tiled roofs.

Is it environmentally sound?

  • Steel is highly recyclable, durable, and low-waste. Offcuts are reused, and at end-of-life the frame can be recycled rather than landfilled.

Can mould grow on the frame?

  • No — mould needs organic material. Steel doesn’t absorb water.

What if the house is demolished?

  • The steel can be reused or fully recycled, adding scrap value and avoiding landfill.