Steel has a higher density than timber or concrete which means that for the same dimensions, steel will be heavier. However, a length of 50mm x 100mm steel will be able to carry more load than the same length of 50mm x 100mm timber. In practice, this means that less steel is necessary to provide the same amount of support.

The consequences of this decrease in material use are reduced material shipping costs, reduced labour and simplified design of foundations and other structural supports

Steel can last longer than timber or concrete, assuming that all three are properly maintained.

Unlike timber, steel does not split, crack, or creep as it ages. It is not vulnerable to insect attack and lacks porosity, so mould and mildew cannot grow. It does not warp, rot, or expand when there is an increase in moisture. 

To protect the steel, a coating of fire-resistant and water-resistant material is applied. The fire-resistant material prevents the steel from losing its strength and integrity in a fire while the water-resistant material prevents rusting.

Structural steel can be fabricated into different shapes while still maintaining its strength. The use of steel allows for creative and innovative designs. Architects and other designers use this capability to create structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound.

Structural steel also allows for the creation of large-span buildings such as indoor arenas and aircraft hangars, as well as the capability to build very high skyscrapers, bridges and other structures.

It is also easy to future-proof steel frames because they are more conducive to structural addition or modification, such as renovations or expanding the size of an existing building.

The use of computer modelling before fabrication reduces the amount of scrap steel produced.

Any scrap that is produced can be recycled for use in other projects. Steel is endlessly recyclable because it does not lose any inherent properties such as strength when it is melted down and recast.

The tensile strength of steel frames allows them to perform well under a range of natural phenomena such as hurricanes, seismic activity and snow loads. These phenomena become more problematic as the structure becomes higher. Steel also performs better in man-made emergencies such as explosions and impact.

On lower structures, timber offers enough flexibility but there will also be a fire risk. Steel is non-combustible so it is not a fire risk.

Computer-assisted manufacturing of standardised bolted connections and repetitive floor plates make production faster while standardisation and regulatory policies have made structural steel components dependable and easy to erect.

The steel frames are prefabricated offsite to fit a certain specification before being sent to the construction site. After they are sent out, they are immediately ready to be assembled by bolting or welding the pieces together, unlike in-situ concrete, where it is necessary to wait for a section to cure before continuing the construction.

There is also no need for temporary formwork which needs to be assembled and then dismantled afterward, delaying the construction as well as producing waste.

Since steel frames are fabricated off-site, on-site labour can be reduced by 10%-20%. Fewer workers also mean fewer accidents.

Shorter construction times result in less financing costs, fewer interest payments, and means that the building can be used or rented as soon as possible for faster payback.

Steel is durable so maintenance costs in terms of repairs and replacements can be lower. Insurance companies may also offer cheaper premium insurance for structures that are constructed with steel because of their ability to withstand decay, pests, and natural disasters.