Steel vs Wood Framing: Pros, Cons and Which to Choose
Steel vs wood framing compared: straightness, rot, termites, fire, thermal bridging, cost and labor. Learn where steel studs make sense and where wood wins.
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MIG vs TIG Welding: Differences, Pros and Which One to Use
MIG vs TIG welding compared: how each process works, shielding gas, speed, thickness, cost and skill, and which fits steel fabrication, stainless or aluminum.
A36 Steel: Strength, Properties and How It Compares to A992
A36 steel explained: 36 ksi minimum yield, 58-80 ksi tensile, what it is used for, how it compares to A992 and A572 Grade 50, and what to ask for when ordering.
Welding Stainless Steel: Filler Metals, Heat Control and Common Mistakes
How to weld stainless steel: which filler to use (308L, 316L, 309L), why it warps, avoiding sensitization and contamination, and fume safety for TIG and MIG.
Structural Steel Detailing: What Detailers Do and What Shop Drawings Show
What structural steel detailing is, what shop and erection drawings show, how connections and OSHA erection rules shape the details, and how detailers work.
Pole Barn vs Metal Building: Which Is Right for Your Shop?
Pole barn vs metal building: how post-frame and steel-frame buildings differ in foundations, span, cost drivers, insulation and durability, and which to pick.
Post to Beam Connection: Notch, Post Cap or Bolts? (Deck Code Rules)
Post to beam connection rules for decks: notch a 6×6 or use a post cap, two 1/2 in through-bolts, no side-bolted beams. Based on AWC DCA 6 and the IRC.
Beam to Beam Connection: How Steel Beams Frame Into Girders
How a steel beam frames into a girder: shear tabs, clip angles, coped flanges, a W12x26 into W18x50 example and the OSHA two-bolt erection rule explained.
Is Galvanized Steel Magnetic? Yes, Here’s Why (and the Magnet Test)
Yes, galvanized steel is magnetic. Why the zinc coating does not stop a magnet, how magnetic gauges measure it, and how to tell galvanized from stainless.
What Is a Rim Joist? What It Does and How to Insulate It
What a rim joist is, what it does structurally, rim joist vs band joist vs rim board, common problems, and how to air seal and insulate it the right way.