In the aftermath of the Palisades and Eaton wildfires that burned 40,000 acres and destroyed over 16,000 structures, Los Angeles builders are rethinking how homes are constructed. Scott Acton, CEO of Forté Specialty Contractors, is leading this change. With decades of experience across both residential and large-scale commercial projects, Acton is calling for a move away from wood framing and toward cold–formed steel (CFS) framing. Building with steel offers a stronger foundation for communities and supports long-term safety and resilience.
“This year’s fires were a heartbreaking tragedy on a horrific scale, and sadly much of the damage could have been contained if it weren’t for the overuse of wood and drywall that are so quick to ignite when impacted by flying embers,” said Acton. He points to steel’s noncombustibility and its resistance to pests and extreme weather as key reasons for its growing popularity.
In an era where resilience and long-term value matter more than ever, Acton views CFS construction not just as a better option, but as the new standard.
“Along with the protection from fire, steel-framed homes are also less susceptible to damage from earthquakes, high winds or flooding,” said Acton.
As outdoor construction continues to evolve, cold-formed steel (CFS) framing is redefining how decks and exterior spaces are built. Outdoor Living, Inc., a family-owned business in St. Louis County, Missouri, has embraced this shift, moving away from traditional wood and toward more durable, sustainable solutions. By converting from wood framing to steel, owner Patrick Leahy has positioned his company to deliver longer-lasting, low-maintenance outdoor structures that meet the needs of today’s homeowners.
CFS offers a level of precision and reliability that wood cannot match. It resists warping, rot and pests, while supporting faster builds and cleaner installations. For Leahy, the benefits became clear during his own deck renovation.
“Experiencing firsthand the ease of construction, exceptional durability and superb steel performance was a revelation,” said Leahy. “After spending over two decades using conventional building methods reliant on wood, steel was a game changer.”
The shift toward steel framing is more than a trend, it’s a smart investment in quality, sustainability and long-term performance. As awareness grows, more homeowners and builders are recognizing that steel provides the confidence to create outdoor spaces that endure through every season, year after year.
As demand for high-performance homes grows, cold-formed steel (CFS) framing is becoming a key element in modern residential design, especially in kitchens. In 2025, kitchens are no longer just functional spaces, but are design showpieces. For Australian Steel Framing and Envision Kitchens, this shift opens exciting possibilities. By converting from traditional wood framing to steel, designers gain a more precise and stable foundation for high-end interiors.
Cold-formed steel (CFS) walls provide the precision and stability needed for kitchen designs. Photo credit: Australian Steel Framing
Steel offers the accuracy needed to support today’s top kitchen trends. From flush cabinetry and hidden appliances to textured surfaces and flexible layouts, steel framing allows for clean lines and flawless installations. Straight walls and consistent measurements make it easier to install custom joinery, handcrafted tiles and built-in features that perform well over time.
CFS framed homes give designers the confidence to push boundaries.
“When the structure is steel, we know we are working with an incredibly reliable foundation,” says Rhys Armstrong, managing director of Envision Kitchens. “That confidence allows us to be more innovative in our designs, knowing everything will fit and function exactly as planned.”
