🪚 Wood vs. Steel Framing in Los Angeles: What You Need to Know Before You Build

When it comes to building a home, ADU, or multi-unit project in Los Angeles, one of the most important structural decisions you’ll make is this:Should you frame with wood or steel?

At JCC Construction Group, we’ve worked on hundreds of builds across Hollywood, Culver City, Burbank, Arcadia, and beyond—and we’ve seen firsthand how choosing the right framing method can affect your build’s strength, speed, cost, and future flexibility.

Here’s a breakdown of wood vs. steel framing to help you make the right call for your next Los Angeles project.

🧱 The Basics: What Is Framing, and Why Does It Matter?

Framing is the structural skeleton of your building—it holds everything together, from your foundation to your roof. It supports drywall, windows, doors, insulation, electrical systems, and more.

In Los Angeles, where seismic activity, fire codes, and architectural trends all influence how we build, your framing choices should be informed by local experience and structural insight.

🌲 Option 1: Wood Framing

Wood is the traditional framing method used in most single-family homes and low-rise buildings across California.

✅ Pros:

• Cost-effective (generally cheaper than steel)

• Faster to install with a skilled crew

• Easier to modify on site for last-minute changes

• Excellent for residential custom homes, ADUs, and remodels

⚠️ Cons:

• Vulnerable to termites, mold, and moisture if not protected

• Not as strong for long spans or multi-story structures

• More flammable (though treated wood can meet fire codes)

🔨 When We Use It:

We use wood framing on most of our residential home builds in Los Angeles—like the 8-bedroom custom home on Duxbury Street in Culver City. It’s fast, flexible, and compliant with LA codes when installed by professionals.

🔩 Option 2: Steel Framing

Steel framing is increasingly used in multi-family, commercial, and high-end residential builds—especially where strength and clean lines are critical.

✅ Pros:

• Stronger and better suited for long spans and high ceilings

• Resistant to fire, pests, and warping

• Allows for open layouts without bulky posts

• Integrates perfectly with modern, luxury architecture

⚠️ Cons:

• More expensive than wood

• Slower to install

• Requires specialized tools and more precise engineering

• Can be harder to modify once installed

🛠️ When We Use It:

At JCC, we use structural steel in:

• Second-floor support beams

• Open-concept living spaces

• Modern luxury homes with large glass walls

• Multi-unit projects in Hollywood, Burbank, and Los Feliz

Our Shenandoah project in Culver City, for example, used steel beams to support massive open floor plans and 14-foot ceilings.

🔧 Hybrid Framing: The Best of Both Worlds

Many modern Los Angeles homes use a hybrid approach—wood framing for most of the structure, with strategically placed steel beams for support.

At JCC Construction, we specialize in combining both:

• Engineered LVLs and PSL beams with wood framing

• Steel I-beams and columns where needed

• Framing packages that blend performance with flexibility

This lets us maintain architectural intent, meet seismic requirements, and pass inspections the first time.

🏗️ What’s Best for You?

Choose Wood if:

• You're building a single-family home or ADU

• You want faster install and lower material costs

• You have standard ceiling heights and traditional layout

Choose Steel if:

• You're building a multi-story, open-layout, or luxury home

• You need large spans, fewer posts, or complex architecture

• Fire safety or long-term durability is a top priority

Or Choose JCC Construction and Get Both Done Right.

We’ll walk the site, review your plans, and recommend the right structural strategy based on:

• Budget

• Lot type

• City requirements

• Architectural vision

  
  

📍 Serving All of Los Angeles County

We frame homes, ADUs, foundations, and multi-family units across:✅ Hollywood✅ Culver City✅ Burbank✅ Pasadena✅ Silver Lake✅ Pacific Palisades

📞 Let’s Talk About Your Frame

Whether you're ready to build or still designing, our team at JCC Construction Group is here to help. From wood to steel, permits to inspections, we frame Los Angeles the right way.

📞 (661) 409-5225📧 info@jccgroup.net🌐 www.jccconstructiongroup.com

🧰 JCC Construction Group Inc

Framing | Structural Steel | Concrete Foundations | ADUs | Custom HomesLos Angeles Framing Experts | Lic. #1113653 | Bonded & Insured