What is a Steel Frame and Truss Carpenter?
A Steel Frame and Truss Carpenter is a specialist tradesperson who assembles and installs prefabricated steel framing systems for residential construction. They ensure structural elements — including walls, floors, and roof trusses — are erected accurately and securely according to engineering and architectural specifications.
What does a Steel Frame and Truss Carpenter do?
Your Steel Frame and Truss Carpenter will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.
Typically, they will:
- Review layout drawings and frame installation plans
- Erect steel wall frames and secure them to the slab or subfloor
- Install first floor joists and flooring sheets, if applicable
- Raise and fix roof trusses and roof framing components
- Fit external door jambs, window frames, and internal cavity sliders
- Align and brace structures to ensure squareness, plumb lines, and wind resistance
- Coordinate inspections prior to roof and cladding works
Their work is a core part of the build’s structural skeleton and directly influences multiple trades to follow.
Tip: Check Lead Times Early
Check lead times early — steel frames are made off-site, and delays in shop drawings or ordering can stall your slab-to-frame timeline.
What Makes a Good Steel Frame and Truss Carpenter?
Look for contractors who:
- Have experience installing prefabricated steel framing systems
- Understand manufacturer-specific installation techniques
- Coordinate well with your concreter, roofer, and builder
- Use proper bracing and tie-down methods to meet structural engineering specs
- Can quickly adapt on site to minor discrepancies or RFIs
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready
To get quotes from Steel Frame and Truss Carpenters, you’ll need:
- Approved structural drawings and framing layouts
- Site measurements or as-built slab dimensions
- Truss and frame manufacturer’s details and delivery schedule
- Start date target aligned with other trades (e.g. concrete slab cure, delivery of windows and doors)
Glossary
This glossary explains what's involved in getting your frame and lock-up works completed.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Procure | This is where you get quotes and book the right tradesperson (usually a carpenter) to do the frame and structure work for your home. |
| Ground Floor Erection Works | The builder sets up the frame for your ground floor walls. It’s like building the skeleton of your house from the bottom up. |
| First Floor Erection Works & Flooring | The second level of your house is built here. This includes laying the floor for the upper level and then building the walls on top of that. |
| Trusses Erection Work | The roof frame goes on during this stage. Big triangle-shaped pieces (called trusses) are lifted into place to form the shape of your roof. |
| External Doors Jam Fix, Windows & Internal Cavity Slider Install | Now the external doors and all the windows are installed. Any sliding doors inside the house (like for pantries or bathrooms) go in too. This gets your house ready to “lock up.” |
| Complete | You do a final check to make sure all the framing, doors, and windows are done properly. Once that’s ticked off, you’re ready for the next stage. |
Average Timeframe
For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within
3–5 business days.
When Can I Expect Quotes?
Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.
Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).
If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the same team install both ground floor and roof trusses?
Yes — most steel frame carpenters handle all stages including ground floor, first floor, and trusses, unless otherwise split.
Is there a difference between timber and steel frame carpenters?
Yes — steel frame installation requires different tools and methods. Make sure your carpenter is experienced with your selected frame system.
Do they install windows too?
Yes — in most cases, steel frame teams also install the windows and external doors as part of the frame stage.
How to Complete this Task?
STEP 1
Review and Adjust the Scope of Works
Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.
STEP 2
Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded
Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:
STEP 3
Update the Quality Assurance Checklist
Go to the
Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.
STEP 4
Request Quotes
Click the
orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.
STEP 5
Review the Quotes
Once you receive quotes:
- Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
- Download attached quote documents for detailed review
- Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews
STEP 6
Communicate with the Pro
If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.
STEP 7
Accept a Quote
Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.
STEP 8
Complete the Tasks In Your App
New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the
Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your
contract and
final Scope of Works whenever needed.
NEED HELP?
Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro
If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.
If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.
