Cold-formed steel
Cold-formed steel (CFS) is steel sheet shaped into structural members at room temperature, such as studs and tracks, used widely in framing walls, floors and roofs.
Cold-formed steel (CFS) is steel sheet shaped into structural members at room temperature, such as studs and tracks, used widely in framing walls, floors and roofs.
What cold-formed steel means
Cold-formed steel is made by shaping thin steel sheet or strip into profiles at ambient temperature, usually by roll forming or press braking. Common shapes include C-sections, tracks, hat channels and Z-sections, usually protected by a metallic coating.
Its light weight and consistent dimensions suit factory framing.
A plain example
A wall frame built from C-shaped studs sitting in U-shaped track is a familiar CFS assembly. Panel shops cut members to length, assemble them with screws, and ship framed panels. Section sizes and thicknesses come from the engineer’s design, not from this page.
Why it matters
CFS is used for load-bearing and non-load-bearing framing, and it pairs naturally with panelization. Design follows recognised standards and the local code, and the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute publishes industry information. Always confirm member selection with the engineer of record.
Common confusion
CFS and light-gauge steel are largely used as synonyms, and both differ from hot-rolled structural steel used for heavier members. Gauge or thickness alone does not tell you whether a stud is suitable for a given load.
Practical checklist
When working with cold-formed steel, a few practical points help avoid mistakes.
- Specify the product standard, thickness, coating and section designation clearly.
- Use an engineer to design members and connections for the loads and local code.
- Check that screws and fasteners are those the design calls for.
- Handle members carefully to avoid distortion, and store them clear of the ground.
- Review manufacturer data and published industry guidance for details.
Related terms
Questions people ask
Is cold-formed steel the same as structural steel?
No. Structural steel usually means hot-rolled shapes; CFS is formed from thin sheet at room temperature.
Is CFS used for load-bearing walls?
It can be, when designed by a qualified engineer to the local code.
What is a typical CFS member?
A C-section stud in a U-shaped track, among other profiles.
Sources and further reading
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