steel or wood for a finished basement

Hi Brian! Where do you live? What is the water table like there? How big is the space? Is the furnace and water heater in the basement - will it be part of the finished basement or in it's own space? Are you in a earthquake, tornado or hurricane zone? Moisture is a big factor as are things like termites and carpenter ants.

Wood is the cheaper way to go but not always the most economical in the long run. If you've ever had water in the basement you should install a pump or a french drain if there isn't already one there. If you live in a place with a high water table you need to worry about seepage. Carpenter ants and termites are prevelant in a lot of places, but some more than others. If you ever have any type of water problem, either from an interior pipe bursting, flood, or just seepage from too much rain you'll have to worry about rot in the frame. If it's steel (and you find and replace it right away) then you're only immediate concern will probably be the interior wall.

Just some considerations.

Bookmark.