What Is TRUECORE® Steel Framing?

TRUECORE® steel is an Australian BlueScope steel product specifically developed for light gauge steel framing applications.

It is used to manufacture precision-engineered wall frames, roof trusses and flooring systems for residential, commercial and modular construction. This guide covers the key technical characteristics of TRUECORE® steel, including framing sizes, specifications, corrosion protection, structural performance, applications, sustainability and warranty considerations.

Australian Steel Framing uses genuine TRUECORE® steel to manufacture custom-engineered light-gauge framing systems for builders throughout Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney and regional NSW.

TRUECORE® Steel at a Glance

Manufacturer: BlueScope

Primary Use: Light gauge steel wall frames, roof trusses and flooring systems

Material: Cold-formed structural steel with a protective metallic coating and distinctive blue resin finish

Manufactured In: Australia

Applications: Residential, commercial, modular and multi-residential construction

Quality: Manufactured to relevant Australian Standards and tested for quality and consistency

Traceability: Marked with the relevant Standard, steel grade, base metal thickness (BMT), coating class and a unique identifier

Warranty: Up to 50 years for eligible residential applications. Up to 25 years may apply to eligible structural subsystems and commercial projects, subject to BlueScope's warranty terms and conditions.

Key Characteristics: Lightweight, strong, dimensionally stable, termite-resistant, and non-combustible

Why Choose TRUECORE® Steel Framing?

TRUECORE® steel combines the strength and precision of cold formed steel with the consistency of an Australian-made BlueScope product. Used in light gauge steel framing systems across residential, commercial and modular construction, it offers builders and homeowners several practical advantages over traditional framing materials.

TRUECORE® steel framing is precision-manufactured to engineered specifications and will not warp, twist, shrink, or creep over time. This helps frames remain straight and true, supporting accurate installation and reducing movement within the finished building.
Steel provides no food source for termites or borers. TRUECORE® steel framing is therefore inherently resistant to termite and borer attack without relying on the chemical treatments commonly associated with timber framing.
Steel is a non-combustible building material and will not ignite or contribute fuel to a fire. This makes TRUECORE® steel framing particularly relevant for projects where fire performance and bushfire considerations are important.
- The high strength-to-weight performance of light gauge steel allows TRUECORE® steel framing systems to provide excellent structural performance while remaining relatively lightweight, helping simplify handling and installation on site.
Wall frames, roof trusses and flooring systems can be manufactured to precise dimensions before arriving on site. Components can be labelled and prepared for installation, helping builders reduce cutting, adjustment, waste and construction time.
TRUECORE® steel is designed for long-term use in Australian building applications. It will not rot and is protected by a metallic coating system designed to provide corrosion resistance when correctly specified, handled and installed.
Steel is highly recyclable, while precision manufacturing can reduce material waste during frame production. TRUECORE® steel also supports efficient, durable building designs with a long service life.

TRUECORE® Steel Sizes & Specifications

BlueScope manufactures TRUECORE® steel to relevant Australian Standards and marks it for traceability with key product information, including the applicable Standard, steel strength grade, base metal thickness (BMT), coating class, and a unique identifier. This allows fabricators, builders and specifiers to verify the steel used in a framing system.

TRUECORE® Steel Frame Sizes

The finished size and profile of a TRUECORE® steel frame is determined by the framing system and engineering requirements of the individual project rather than by a single universal TRUECORE® frame size.

Australian Steel Framing commonly manufactures light gauge steel wall frames, roof trusses, and floor framing in 70mm, 90mm, and 140mm profiles, with the appropriate profile and steel thickness selected according to the structural design, span, loading, and application.

Base Metal Thickness (BMT)

Base metal thickness refers to the thickness of the steel before the protective metallic coating is applied. TRUECORE® steel is available in different BMTs and strength grades to suit different structural framing applications.

The required BMT is determined during the engineering process based on factors such as:

Structural loads
Wall and roof spans
Building height
Wind classification
Framing configuration
Project-specific engineering requirements

Steel Grade and Coating

TRUECORE® steel is manufactured to strict tolerances and marked to identify its steel grade, BMT and coating class. Its protective metallic coating provides corrosion resistance when the product is correctly specified, handled, stored and installed.

Choosing the Right Frame Size

There is no single frame profile or steel thickness that is suitable for every project. Australian Steel Framing designs and engineers each framing system to suit the building design, structural loads and site conditions.

If you have architectural or engineering plans available, our team can determine the appropriate wall frame, roof truss and flooring specifications for your project.

Why TRUECORE® Steel Is Used in Australian Homes

TRUECORE® steel framing is used in residential construction because it combines strength, dimensional stability, and long-term durability with the precision of light-gauge steel manufacturing.

Unlike timber framing, steel will not warp, twist, shrink or provide a food source for termites or borers. This helps maintain straight, consistent framing and can reduce movement within the finished structure over time.

TRUECORE® steel is also non-combustible and manufactured for engineered wall frames, roof trusses, and flooring systems, making it suitable for a wide range of Australian residential designs.

For homeowners and builders, the result is a framing system designed to deliver construction accuracy and reliable structural performance over the life of the building.

TRUECORE® steel has also been featured on The Block, helping demonstrate its use in modern Australian residential construction.

See TRUECORE® Steel Framing in Action

See how TRUECORE® steel is used in residential construction and why its strength, precision and durability make it a popular choice for Australian steel-framed homes.

How to Identify Genuine TRUECORE® Steel

BlueScope manufactures TRUECORE® steel specifically for light-gauge steel framing applications. It uses a corrosion-resistant metallic coating with Activate® technology and a distinctive blue resin surface finish.

It is used in residential and commercial framing applications, including homes, multi-residential developments, schools, aged care facilities and other light-gauge steel building systems.

1. Check That It Is Genuine TRUECORE® Steel

Not all blue-coated framing steel is TRUECORE® steel. Genuine TRUECORE® steel is manufactured by BlueScope and carries identifying branding and product information that lets you trace and verify the material. It combines the strength of zinc/aluminium alloy-coated steel with BlueScope’s distinctive blue resin finish and is manufactured to comply with Australian Standard AS 1397 for continuous hot-dip metallic coated steel sheet and strip.

2. Look for BlueScope Product Identification

TRUECORE® steel includes branding that identifies it as a genuine BlueScope product. The markings may include information on the relevant Australian Standard, steel grade, base metal thickness, coating class, and product traceability.

3. Understand the BlueScope Warranty and Quality Assurance

Genuine TRUECORE® steel is manufactured to relevant Australian Standards and is subject to BlueScope's quality control requirements. Eligible applications may also qualify for BlueScope warranty protection, subject to the applicable terms, conditions and environmental requirements.

BlueScope Quality Assurance

BlueScope manufactures genuine TRUECORE® steel to strict quality requirements for use in light gauge steel framing systems.

Key product characteristics include:

Guaranteed minimum yield strength of G550 MPa
Minimum coating mass of 150 g/m² by triple spot test
Manufactured by BlueScope under controlled production and quality assurance processes
Product identification and traceability markings for verification

These specifications provide the strength, consistency, and durability required for engineered steel wall frames, roof trusses, and flooring systems.

What Is Structural Integrity?

Structural integrity refers to a building frame’s ability to safely carry loads and maintain its intended shape and performance over time.

For light gauge steel framing, dimensional accuracy is an important part of that performance. Frames made from TRUECORE® steel are strong, straight and resistant to common forms of movement such as warping, twisting and shrinking.

Dimensional Accuracy

TRUECORE® steel is manufactured to consistent tolerances, helping fabricators produce accurately formed wall frames, roof trusses and flooring systems.

This dimensional stability can help reduce issues associated with frame movement, including misaligned finishes, sticking doors and windows, and uneven wall or roof lines.

Engineered for Structural Performance

TRUECORE® steel framing systems are designed and engineered to suit the loads and requirements of each project.

Its high strength-to-weight ratio lets light gauge steel framing deliver strong structural performance while remaining lightweight and easy to handle during installation.

Design Flexibility

Light gauge steel framing can be engineered for a wide range of residential, commercial and modular building designs. Components are precision-manufactured before arriving on site, supporting efficient installation and accurate assembly.

Additional Advantages

Resistant to termites and borers
Will not rot, warp, twist or shrink
Non-combustible
Lightweight and strong
Precision manufactured for accurate installation
Suitable for a wide range of engineered framing applications

What is Structural Design?

Structural design is the process of determining how a building frame will safely support the loads it will carry throughout its life.

For TRUECORE® steel framing, this includes engineering wall frames, roof trusses, and flooring systems to meet the building's specific requirements, including size, layout, spans, loads, and site conditions.

Designed for the Individual Project

Light gauge steel framing is not a one-size-fits-all system. The profile, steel thickness, member spacing, connections and bracing requirements are determined during the engineering process.

Factors considered can include:

Building size and configuration
Roof and floor spans
Dead and live loads
Wind classification
Openings and load paths
Bracing requirements
Site conditions
Relevant Australian Standards and NCC requirements

Precision Manufacturing From Engineered Designs

Once the framing system has been engineered, the design information can be transferred directly into the manufacturing process.

Australian Steel Framing uses advanced roll-forming technology to manufacture components to precise dimensions, helping ensure wall frames, roof trusses and flooring systems are produced accurately and ready for efficient assembly on site.

Engineering Documentation

Depending on the project, the framing package can include detailed shop drawings, layouts, and structural documentation to support fabrication and installation.

What is Corrosion?

Corrosion is the gradual deterioration of metal caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its surrounding environment. Moisture, oxygen, salts, and other contaminants can all influence the rate of corrosion.

For steel framing, effective corrosion protection is important because it helps maintain the strength and durability of the structural steel over the life of the building.

Corrosion Protection in TRUECORE® Steel

TRUECORE® steel incorporates BlueScope’s metallic coating with Activate® technology, developed to provide enhanced corrosion resistance for light gauge steel framing applications.

The metallic coating protects the underlying steel through a combination of barrier and sacrificial protection, helping reduce corrosion when the product is correctly specified, fabricated, stored and installed.

How Does the Protective Coating Work?

The metallic coating forms a protective barrier between the steel substrate and the surrounding environment.

If the coating is locally damaged or the steel is exposed at a cut edge, components within the metallic coating can also provide sacrificial protection to help protect the underlying steel.

This combination of barrier and sacrificial protection contributes to the long-term durability of TRUECORE® steel framing.

Correct Handling and Installation

The performance of any coated steel product also depends on appropriate handling and installation practices.

TRUECORE® steel framing should be:

Stored clear of prolonged moisture and standing water
Kept away from incompatible materials and contaminants
Installed using appropriate fasteners and fixings
Detailed to prevent prolonged moisture retention
Used in accordance with BlueScope’s current technical guidance and environmental limitations

Projects in coastal, marine or other corrosive environments may require additional consideration during design and specification.

Technical Guidance

For detailed information about handling, forming, fastening, storage and corrosion protection, refer to BlueScope’s current TRUECORE® steel technical resources and relevant technical bulletins.

Cross-Section Of TRUECORE® Steel

TRUECORE® Steel Technical Resources

BlueScope provides a range of current technical guides, bulletins and product resources for designers, fabricators and builders working with TRUECORE® steel.

Useful resources include:

TRUECORE® Steel Capabilities Guide – an overview of TRUECORE® steel framing applications, product capabilities and design considerations. LINK.
Technical Bulletin TB34: Steel Building Frames – technical guidance relating to steel building frames and installation considerations. LINK.
Technical Bulletin TB18: Guide to Good Practice – recommendations covering the processing, storage, forming, fastening and application of BlueScope coated steel products. LINK.
TRUECORE® Steel Safety Data Sheet – current information relating to safe handling, storage and use. LINK.
TRUECORE® Steel Environmental Product Declaration – independently verified environmental information about the product and its life cycle impacts. LINK.

For the latest specifications, technical guidance and supporting documentation, refer to the official TRUECORE® Steel Technical Resources library.

Sustainability and Environmental Credentials

TRUECORE® steel has several sustainability attributes and third-party credentials that support its use in projects seeking more responsible material choices.

Steel framing can also support circular design strategies because it is durable, reusable in some applications, and highly recyclable at the end of its service life.

100% Recyclable Steel

TRUECORE® steel contains recycled content, and the steel itself is 100% recyclable without loss of quality. Its magnetic properties also make steel relatively easy to separate and recover for recycling.

Resource Efficient Manufacturing

Light gauge steel frames are typically precision fabricated to exact project specifications, helping minimise cutting and material waste on site. Steel waste generated during fabrication and construction can also be recovered and returned to the steelmaking process.

Environmental Product Declaration

BlueScope publishes an independently verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for TRUECORE® steel, providing transparent information about the product’s life cycle environmental impacts.

ResponsibleSteel™ Certification

The steel used to manufacture TRUECORE® steel is produced at BlueScope facilities certified to the ResponsibleSteel™ Standard Version 1.1, which assesses environmental, social and governance performance across steelmaking operations.

Global GreenTag® GreenRate™

TRUECORE® steel has achieved Global GreenTag® GreenRate™ Level A certification, the highest rating available under that program.

Green Star

TRUECORE® steel’s EPD, GreenRate™ Level A certification and ResponsibleSteel™ certification can contribute to credits under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star rating system. BlueScope currently lists TRUECORE® steel as achieving a Responsible Product Value of 21, classified as “Best Practice” under the GBCA Responsible Products Programme.

For current sustainability documentation, certifications and environmental disclosures, refer to the official TRUECORE® Steel Sustainability Resources.

TRUECORE® Steel FAQs

TRUECORE® steel is an Australian-made BlueScope structural steel product developed specifically for light gauge steel framing. It is commonly used to manufacture engineered wall frames, roof trusses and flooring systems for residential, commercial and modular construction.
There is no single universal TRUECORE® frame size. The finished profile depends on the framing system and engineering requirements of the project. Australian Steel Framing commonly manufactures framing in 70mm, 90mm and 140mm profiles, with the appropriate steel thickness selected to suit the structural design.
TRUECORE® steel used in our light gauge framing systems has a guaranteed minimum yield strength of G550 MPa, providing high strength while allowing framing components to remain lightweight.
Yes. Steel provides no food source for termites or borers, making TRUECORE® steel framing inherently resistant to termite and borer attack.
Yes. Steel is a noncombustible building material and does not ignite or fuel a fire.
TRUECORE® steel incorporates a corrosion-resistant metallic coating with BlueScope’s Activate® technology. Its long-term performance depends on correct specification, handling, installation and the environmental conditions of the project.
Eligible residential applications may qualify for a BlueScope warranty of up to 50 years, while other structural and commercial applications may qualify for different warranty periods. Eligibility is subject to BlueScope’s current warranty terms, conditions and environmental requirements.
Genuine TRUECORE® steel is manufactured by BlueScope and carries product identification and traceability markings. It also has the distinctive blue resin finish associated with the TRUECORE® brand.

Choose Genuine TRUECORE® Steel Framing

When the performance of your building depends on the quality of the frame, the steel behind it matters.

Australian Steel Framing manufactures fully engineered light gauge steel wall frames, roof trusses and flooring systems using genuine Australian BlueScope TRUECORE® steel. We custom-design and precision-manufacture every framing system to meet each project's structural requirements.

We work with builders, developers, designers, and owner-builders across Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney, and regional NSW on residential, commercial, and modular construction projects.

Whether you need a complete steel framing package or individual wall frames, roof trusses or flooring systems, our team can assist from engineering through to manufacture and delivery.

Planning a project using TRUECORE® steel?

Contact Australian Steel Framing to discuss your plans, engineering requirements and steel framing package.

TRUECORE® Steel Technical Guide