Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
By Aaron
Non-combustible construction in relation to Tiny Houses
In response to Kim’s tiny house fire, I decided to write the following article that it may save some grief to others by discussing an alternative to wood for construction methods of tiny houses. While this article primarily discusses steel framing compared to wood framing, framing certainly is a major component in our construction. After we change our framing we can begin swapping out components and lower our combustible construction materials significantly by using items such as metal furring, z-bar and non-combustible siding. Inside we can replace wood pine surfaces with plastic laminates, gypsum or metals again. This is not to say we cannot use wood, but by using less we greatly reduce our risk exposure to fire and other problems that arise in tiny houses.
Many people are choosing to build with wood for their tiny houses due to the ease of use, availability and perceived thermal superiority over other materials. However, there is a better alternative that trumps wood in every category: steel studs. Now many people have concerns about steel studs which I will address on in order.
-
- Availability, Cost, Weight & Benefits of Steel
- Thermal Conductivity
- Ease of Use – How to Assemble Steel Framing
- Non-combustible Wall, Roof & Floor Assemblies
Please don’t miss other exciting tiny homes – join our FREE Tiny House Newsletter!
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Need a PDF Reader? Visit Adobe’s website to download one for free.
I hope some people found this article informative and helpful in their tiny house building ideas. I encourage people to consider using steel framing as it truly can be a superior product if done well. It is not to say wood does not have its place and wood certainly can be used in conjunction with steel (particularly around door and window frames) but I truly hope steel seems at least less daunting as an option. I wish everyone the best of luck in their projects.
If you enjoyed this you’ll LOVE our Free Daily Tiny House Newsletter with even more!
You can also join our Small House Newsletter!
Also, try our Tiny Houses For Sale Newsletter! Thank you!
More Like This: Tiny Houses | He Built His Tiny House For Only $14,000 | THOW
If you enjoyed this article on how to build a non-combustible tiny house, please “Like” and share using the buttons below. Thanks!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Alex
Latest posts by Alex (see all)
- Designing for You Now and You in 15 Years - November 12, 2026
- Red Caboose Motel: Sleep Inside a Real Railroad Caboose in Lancaster County - November 11, 2026
- Family of Five Starts Over in an Off-Grid Cob Village in the Arizona Desert - November 11, 2026
Join the Conversation
25 comments