Real LGSF projects, from plan to handover. In this article we walk through what we have learned on real projects, with numbers you can use.
Why it matters
Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing rewards preparation. Every stud, track and nog is cut, punched and labelled by a machine, so a decision made in the model shows up on site exactly as drawn — good or bad. Getting the inputs right is the cheapest quality control you will ever buy.
Teams that treat the model as the single source of truth typically cut on-site rework by more than half and finish framing in days rather than weeks.
How the process works
1. Import the model
Upload an IFC or DXF export. The software reads wall centrelines, openings and levels, then proposes a frame layout using your default profile rules.
2. Review and adjust
Walk the model in 3D, fix clashes and tweak stud spacing around services. Changes ripple through the cut list automatically.
3. Send to the machine
Each panel is exported as a CSV or machine file. The roll-former reads it, forms the coil and punches dimples, service holes and labels in one pass.
“The first time we ran a whole house straight from the model, the site crew finished the frame before the scaffolding was down.”
Typical section sizes
The table below lists the profiles we see most often on two-storey residential work. Always confirm with your engineer — loads, spans and local codes vary.
| Element | Profile | Gauge (mm) | Max spacing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Load-bearing wall | C89 × 41 | 0.95 | 600 mm | Single storey above |
| Load-bearing wall | C89 × 41 | 1.15 | 400 mm | Two storeys above |
| Partition | C70 × 35 | 0.75 | 600 mm | Non-structural |
| Floor joist | C200 × 50 | 1.55 | 450 mm | Spans up to 4.2 m |
| Roof truss chord | C89 × 41 | 0.95 | 1200 mm | Webbed truss |
Cost and time
Steel prices move, but the labour saving is consistent. On a 120 m² single-storey house we usually see:
- Framing time: 3–5 days with a crew of four.
- Waste: under 2% of coil, versus 10–15% for site-cut timber.
- Rework: near zero when the model is clean.
The biggest hidden cost is a late design change. Freeze the model before you form the first panel.
