News - BAS Frames

Steel Building Studs: UK Specification Reference for Light Gauge Steel Sections

Complete UK reference for specifying steel building studs — sizes, gauges, grades, coatings, suppliers.

Wide architectural photograph of a UK mid-rise construction site with extensive Metsec-type SFS infill walling visible across multiple floors. Workers in high-visibility orange installing additional wall sections. Characteristic Metsec stud profiles visible. Bright overcast daylight, sharp focus on the SFS infill framework, urban UK context. Documentary construction photography style. No Metsec branding visible.

Metsec Wall Systems: UK Guide to Specification, Installation & Alternatives

Metsec wall systems are cold-formed light gauge steel framing products manufactured by Metsec at their facility in Oldbury, West Midlands.

SFS Meaning in Construction: What Does SFS Stand For? (UK 2026 Guide)

In UK construction, SFS stands for Steel Framing Systems. It refers to lightweight, cold-formed galvanized steel studs used primarily for external infill walls in mid-rise buildings.

SFS infill walls being installed between concrete floor slabs on a UK mid-rise BTR construction site

SFS Wall Build-Up: UK Specification Reference (External & Internal Walls)

Standard SFS wall build-ups with U-values, fire ratings, acoustic specs. UK specifier’s reference.

Cold-formed light gauge steel framing being installed on a UK construction site

Metsec SFS vs Alternatives: UK Specifier’s Comparison Guide

Metsec SFS vs Hadley, FrameFast and EOS — UK specifier’s comparison. Gauge, deflection, fire rating, lead time and price compared. When to substitute Metsec.

Rainscreen cladding being installed over an SFS infill wall substrate on a UK commercial building

SFS Cladding: UK Systems, Details & Costs Guide (2026)

Everything specifiers need on SFS cladding — build-up, brick ties, BSA compliance, UK 2026 cost ranges.

Light gauge steel framing infill walls being installed on a mid-rise UK construction site, with cladding panels going up over the SFS frame

What Does SFS Stand For? SFS Meaning in Construction (UK)

The definitive UK guide to Steel Framing Systems — what they are, where they’re used, and how they meet 2026 standards.

Gateway 2 SFS evidence documents stacked on a conference table including structural calculations, a fire test certificate and a competence dossier.

SFS Gateway 2 Evidence Pack: What BSR Wants

Gateway 2 is finally working — approval times have dropped from 48 weeks to 13. But SFS submissions still get returned. Here’s what BSR wants in the four evidence categories, and how to pass first time.

Quantity surveyor's desk during a subcontractor pre-qualification review showing a manila folder, Companies House summary, credit report and insurance certificate.

The 5 Checks Main Contractors Run on SFS Subbies

12,000+ UK construction companies entered insolvency between 2023 and 2025. Tier 1 contractors now run five checks before appointing an SFS subbie. Here’s what they look at, and why trading history matters.