Structural steel is one of the most common building materials. This durable metal boasts incredible strength and can provide an excellent boost to the aesthetic of your home. For these reasons, exposed steel has become a popular element of interior design. Below is more information about the material and a few ways to include it in your house. 

What Is Exposed Structural Steel?

As the name suggests, structural steel is a supportive mechanism in construction. For that reason, manufacturers include carbon and other elements when crafting the steel to ensure it is long-lasting and strong. With exposed steel, the element is given visibility in a design, rather than hiding it behind drywall.

The resulting mixture offers incredible durability and longevity. It's also moldable, allowing you to create many different shapes and designs to match the aesthetic of your home. These qualities make it both cost-effective and beautiful. 

How Can You Use It in Home Design?

Particularly popular in modern rustic home design, many people embrace exposed structural steel because of the seemingly endless amount of decorative uses that it has. For example, it can replace load-bearing studs in the ceiling, so it is a common alternative to horizontal beams and vertical supports that are typically wood. It also makes an excellent choice for framing tension rods and timber beam braces.

As an ornamental piece, the possibilities for exposed steel are widespread. For instance, you can accent wooden doors with metal handles and hinges, or contrast a stone fireplace with a steel mantel. Decorative staircase railings are another popular choice.

Depending on your design scheme, you can leave the steel plain or paint it. Raw metal provides a rustic finish and works well in homes with natural elements, such as stone and wood. For a modern finish, powder coating creates a specific color and texture to match your eclectic style.

When you want to incorporate exposed structural steel into your home design, contact Countryside Welding in Kalispell, MT. Serving the Flathead Valley area for over 20 years, this local metal fabrication company offers custom welding and design services to clients across the U.S. Visit them online to view examples of their work. Call (406) 755-9232 to speak to a team member about your project.