Custom Steel Frames
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1983
- HeadquartersDubbo, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Custom Steel Frames does
Custom Steel Frames is a privately held Australian manufacturer of prefabricated light-gauge steel framing for the construction industry, founded in 1983 and headquartered in a purpose-built plant at 110 Fitzroy Street, Dubbo, NSW. The company pivoted from general steel structures and machinery to steel house frames in 1985, and now produces a comprehensive product portfolio including custom steel wall frames (75mm, 90mm, and 150mm stud sizes), trusses capable of 19m clear spans, modular floor systems, architectural structural framing, and add-on lines such as verandahs, carports, patios, lattice, and ancillaries (fasteners, brick ties, battens, purlins). Manufacturing is built around precision roll-forming, MIG welding, and CAD design, using TrueCore® steel supplied by BlueScope Steel (carrying a 50-year conditional guarantee) and Duragal profiles from Southern Steel, with a proprietary roof-lifting technique pioneered in the early 1990s enabling ground-level assembly and crane installation of complete roof sections.
The company serves four primary customer segments — commercial builders, residential builders, architects and engineers, and owner builders — with named partners including Brownrite Building Group, Hines Construction, North Construction and Building, PJ Truman Construction, David Payne Construction, Brad House, Taylor Made Buildings, Bell Country Homes, Country Kit Homes, and Luke Holder Building. It has delivered 220+ NSW education projects in five years and complex aged-care/healthcare builds such as Koonambil Hostel and Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital, with vertical reach into childcare, healthcare, and aged care use cases. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time, custom quote-based project sales at price parity with treated timber or cypress pine, supplemented by ancillary hardware and a proprietary delivery fleet with specialized trailers (including 19m extendable units) that ships products across NSW and into other Australian states including cyclone-prone Western Australia. The company is NASH-aligned, maintains Building Code of Australia compliance, and operates a Dubbo showroom alongside phone and web sales channels. Colin Shanks has led the company since 2016 as a continuity-focused long-time employee successor.
Custom Steel Frames firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Custom Steel Frames
- Legal name
- Custom Steel Frames
- Website
- https://customsteel.com.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1983
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Custom Steel Frames industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Structural Steel Framing
- NAICS
- Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing (332312), Custom Roll Forming (332114)
- SIC
- Fabricated Structural Metal Products (3440)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cold-Formed Steel Framing & Studs (IMADACAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Steel Joists, Joist Girders & Decking (IMADACAC), Architectural & Miscellaneous Metals (Stairs, Railings, Ladders) (IMADACAE)
Keywords
Where Custom Steel Frames is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dubbo
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
Custom Steel Frames business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Steel Frame and Truss Sales: Custom-manufactured steel wall frames, trusses, and structural framing sold to commercial builders, residential builders, architects, engineers, and owner builders for construction projects. Products are custom-designed to architectural designs from simple to complex shapes.
- Ancillary Products: Supply of complementary products including fasteners, brackets, battens, bracing, fixings, brick ties, grommets, cavity sliders, purlins, and RHS/SHS structural steel. Includes hardware products, roofing products, framing products, and structural products.
- Verandahs, Carports and Patios: Complete flat pack kits for outdoor structures available in various configurations from simple skillion to complex multi-angled roofs. Custom-built to size and shape with powder coating options.
- Lattice and Slats: Powder-coated steel lattice products mimicking traditional timber lattice without maintenance concerns. Available in traditional diagonal cross pattern and modern horizontal slats.
- Transport Services: Proprietary delivery fleet providing transportation of products to construction sites across NSW and beyond, with specialized equipment for handling bulky steel components.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Custom quote-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Custom Steel Frames product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Custom Steel Frames designs, manufactures, and supplies custom steel wall frames, roof trusses, floor systems, and structural framing components for residential and commercial construction projects across Australia. Products are precision roll-formed using TrueCore® steel from BlueScope Steel and Duragal from Southern Steel, with CAD-based custom design and proprietary manufacturing techniques including MIG welding. The company also supplies ancillary products, verandahs/carports/patios, and lattice/slat products, delivered directly to construction sites via an owned fleet.
Product overview
Custom Steel Frames is a steel frame manufacturing company offering a comprehensive portfolio of custom-designed building products. The core product line includes Steel Trusses (custom-shaped for various roof configurations up to 19m clear spans), Wall Frames (available in 75mm, 90mm, and 150mm stud sizes), Floor Systems (prefabricated modular panels), and Structural Framing (architectural exposed steel). These core products are complemented by outdoor structures (Verandahs, Carports, Patios) and decorative elements (Lattice and Slats), all supported by an extensive range of Ancillary Products including fasteners, battens, purlins, and hardware. The company uses TrueCore steel from Bluescope Steel and Duragal from Southern Steel as primary materials, and all products are custom-manufactured to architectural designs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Steel Trusses Custom-made steel roof trusses available in skillion, pitched, and curved roof configurations, capable of 19m clear spans. Features integrated options for skylights, air-conditioning ductwork, roof crawlways, and attics. Sold to commercial builders, residential builders, architects, and engineers.
- Wall Frames Precision-manufactured steel wall frames available in 75mm, 90mm, and 150mm stud sizes with 1.0mm or 1.2mm thickness. Features include punched service holes, welded bracing, double stud junctions, and trussed heads for openings. Custom-designed to architectural specifications.
- Floor Systems Steel floor systems using prefabricated modular panels with 150mm deep joists spaced at 450mm intervals. Includes adjustable piers for height adjustment and precise floor alignment. Sold to builders and owner builders for residential and commercial projects.
- Structural Framing Architectural exposed structural steel components including curved hollow sections, tapered beams, exposed trusses, and angle iron fascias. Integrates with lightweight frames and trusses for complete structural solutions for commercial buildings.
- Verandahs, Carports and Patios Galvanised or powder-coated steel outdoor structures available as complete flat pack kits. Includes decorative posts, finials, and cornices with customizable Dulux powder coating colors and Bluescope Colorbond profiles. Available in various configurations from simple skillion to complex multi-angled roofs.
- Lattice and Slats Powder-coated tubular steel lattice and horizontal slats offering rot, twist, and warp resistance. Features traditional diagonal cross patterns and modern horizontal slat designs for outdoor applications. Powder-coated locally by Narromine Powder Coaters.
- Ancillary Products Complete range of complementary products including fasteners, brick ties, plumbing and electrical grommets, insulation fixings, adjustable piers, internal shoes, door Jambs (EzyJamb), cavity sliders, ceiling and roof battens, C-purlins, RHS/SHS sections, and ColorSpan/Boxspan brackets.
Quantifiable outcome
- 220+ education projects completed in NSW over 5 years
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Custom Steel Frames
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Custom Steel Frames technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Custom Steel Frames partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- NASH (National Association of Steel-Framed Housing)coreCustom Steel Frames is a member of NASH, an active industry association centered on light structural framing systems for residential and similar construction. NASH provides industry standards, resources, and Home Builders and Buyers Guide for customers.
- BlueScope SteelcoreBlueScope Steel supplies TrueCore® steel used in Custom Steel Frames' products. TrueCore features zic/aluminium coating with active corrosion protection and comes with a 50-year conditional guarantee.
- BarnsoncoreLocal engineering partner providing structural design support for projects and issuing manufacturing certification for non-standard house framing and commercial framing.
- CSIROminorCSIRO collaborated with NASH on bushfire testing for steel framing, yielding promising outcomes for steel-framed buildings' fire resistance.
- Brownrite Building GroupcoreCommercial builder partner collaborating on various commercial building projects including education, healthcare, and other sectors.
- Hines ConstructioncoreCommercial builder partner working with Custom Steel Frames on commercial construction projects.
- North Construction and BuildingcoreCommercial builder partner collaborating on commercial building projects.
- PJ Truman ConstructioncoreCommercial builder partner working on various commercial construction projects.
- David Payne ConstructioncoreCommercial builder partner collaborating on commercial building projects.
- Brad HousecoreResidential builder partner with standard plans, collaborating on residential construction projects.
- Taylor Made BuildingscoreResidential builder partner with standard plans, providing ongoing framing supply relationship.
- Luke Holder BuildingcoreResidential builder partner working on custom residential construction.
- Country Kit HomesminorResidential builder partner specializing in kit homes.
- Bell Country HomesminorResidential builder partner providing country-style home construction.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Custom Steel Frames competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SupaStud: Australian light-gauge steel framing manufacturer serving residential and commercial builders with custom roll-formed wall frames and trusses. Comparable in scale, technology, and customer base to Custom Steel Frames.
- Dynamic Steel Frame: Australian manufacturer of light-gauge steel framing systems for residential and commercial construction. Closely comparable product portfolio (wall frames, trusses, floor systems) and serves similar builder/architect customers across Australia.
- Steel Frame Solutions: Australian light-gauge steel framing supplier producing wall frames, roof trusses, and floor joists for residential and commercial builders. Direct overlap in product offering, customer segments, and custom roll-forming manufacturing approach.
- Steel Building Solutions Australia: Australian steel framing specialist producing custom wall frames, trusses, and structural components for residential and commercial builders. Directly comparable product offering and customer base.
- Easy Frame Steel Systems: Australian light-gauge steel framing manufacturer producing wall frames, roof trusses, and floor systems for builders and owner-builders. Overlap in product scope and target customers.
- Designa Build Steel Frames: Australian custom steel framing manufacturer serving residential and commercial builders with precision roll-formed frames and trusses. Direct overlap in product offering, customer segments, and custom manufacturing model.
Broad incumbents
- Lysaght (BlueScope): BlueScope Steel's building products division offering steel framing, roofing, and walling systems nationally. Larger incumbent with broader portfolio and distribution; competes in the same steel framing category as Custom Steel Frames but at greater scale.
- Stramit Building Products: Australian manufacturer of steel building products including purlins, structural steel sections, and roofing systems. Larger incumbent offering some overlapping steel framing components as part of broader portfolio.
- BGC Steel: Australian building products manufacturer offering steel framing, sheeting, and broader construction materials. Larger incumbent with national reach; competes in steel framing but as part of a wider building products portfolio.
Regional players
- Steel Building NZ: New Zealand-based steel framing manufacturer with comparable product offering (light-gauge steel wall frames, trusses). Operates in adjacent Trans-Tasman market with similar builder customer base but does not compete directly in Australia.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Custom Steel Frames social profiles
Digital presenceCustom Steel Frames financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Custom Steel Frames leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Custom Steel Frames funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Custom Steel Frames M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Custom Steel Frames
What does Custom Steel Frames do?
Custom Steel Frames designs, manufactures, and supplies custom steel wall frames, roof trusses, floor systems, and structural framing components for residential and commercial construction projects across Australia. Products are precision roll-formed using TrueCore® steel from BlueScope Steel and Duragal from Southern Steel, with CAD-based custom design and proprietary manufacturing techniques including MIG welding. The company also supplies ancillary products, verandahs/carports/patios, and lattice/slat products, delivered directly to construction sites via an owned fleet.
Is Custom Steel Frames a public or private company?
Custom Steel Frames is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Custom Steel Frames founded?
Custom Steel Frames was founded in 1983. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Custom Steel Frames based?
Custom Steel Frames is headquartered in Dubbo, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Custom Steel Frames make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Steel Frame and Truss Sales are the primary driver. The others are ancillary Products, verandahs, Carports and Patios, lattice and Slats and transport Services.
Who are Custom Steel Frames's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SupaStud, Dynamic Steel Frame, Steel Frame Solutions, Steel Building Solutions Australia, Easy Frame Steel Systems and Designa Build Steel Frames. Broad incumbents are Lysaght (BlueScope), Stramit Building Products and BGC Steel. Steel Building NZ is listed as a regional player.
Does Custom Steel Frames have an API?
No public API is recorded for Custom Steel Frames.
What industry is Custom Steel Frames in?
Custom Steel Frames's product category is Structural Steel Framing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMADACAF, Cold-Formed Steel Framing & Studs, with a secondary code of IMADACAC, Steel Joists, Joist Girders & Decking. Its NAICS code is 332312 and its SIC code is 3440.